Introduction to Islamic Law

Islamic law, along with English common law and Roman law, is one of the world's great legal systems. This course will introduce students to the following topics: the material sources of Islamic law; the history of its development from western Arabia into a global legal system; basic elements of Muslim jurisprudential theory; and, an introduction to Islamic family law as an exemplar of the development of Islamic law from revealed sources to modern statutory law. Course readings will consist of primary sources in translation along with relevant scholarly articles. Elements used in grading: Grades will be determined by a combination of in class participation and a final ten page paper. The class will meet on Thursdays from 4:15 to 7:15 p.m. on April 1, 8, and 15.