Prerequisite: None

Exam Type: No Exam

This seminar will examine contemporary issues in Islamic law, with a focus on issues highly salient in our world today, including climate change and its many impacts, protection of the environment, food security and sovereignty, human health and welfare, pollution, access to water, and others. Advocates, policy makers, and governments worldwide (and not only in countries with significant Muslim populations) are drawing on Islamic law in pursuit of solutions to these existential problems. Case studies will be drawn from countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, the U.S., and others.

Students do not need prior knowledge related to Islamic law. We will begin the seminar with an introduction to the relevant sources and historical context.

Students will submit short (1,000 word) papers for each week of class. Grading will be based on 50% class participation (which includes facilitating one class session) and 50% short papers.