UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS Department of Political Science Islamic politics Political Science 407O Fall, 2006 Professor MehranTamadonfar TR: 8:30-9:45 a.m. Office: WRI 225 CBC C 128 Office Hours: M, W: 8:00-11:30 a.m. T,R: 10:00-11:30 a.m. and by appointment Office Phone; 895-5258 E-mail address: [email protected] PURPOSE AND SCOPE: This area study course in Comparative Politics is designed to: • Survey the classical and contemporary Islamic political thought. • Assess the impact of Islam as a political force on the contemporary social, economic and political institutions and practices in Muslim societies. • Analyze the role of Islam in the contemporary global politics In this course, Islam is treated as a comprehensive and integrated cultural component in Muslim societies and as an ideological force that governs all facets of Muslims’ lives. While this course does not focus on the theological dimensions of Islam, it is imperative to examine the theological underpinnings of Islamic politics, laws, and economics. REQUIRED TEXTS: • Karen Armstrong, Islam, a Short History, New York: Modern Library Chronicles; 2002. • Juan Cole, Sacred Space and Holy War, The Politics, Culture and History of Shi’ite Islam, New York: I.B. Tauris; 2005. • Bernard Lewis, The Crisis of Isalm, Holy War and Unholy Terror, New York: Random House; 2004. • Edward Said, Covering Islam, New York: Vintage Books; 1997. • Therese Saliba, et.al. (ed.), Gender, Politics, and Islam, Chicago: University of Chicago Press; 2002. RECOMMENDED TEXTS: • Mehran Tamadonfar, The Islamic Polity and Political Leadership: Fundamentalism, Sectarianism, and Pragmatism, Boulder: Westview Press; 1989.• Mehran Tamadonfar, “Islam, Law and Political Control in Contemporary Iran,” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion,Vol. 40, No. 2, 2001.pp. 205-220. • Mehran Tamadonfar, “ Islamism in Contemporary Arab Politics: Lessons in Authoritarianism and Democratization,” in Jelen and Wilcox (ed.), Religion and Politics in Comparative Perspective, Cambridge: pp. 141-165. • Ali Shari’ati, Marxism and Other Western Fallacies, An Islamic Critique, Mizan Press; 1980 COURSE CONDUCT AND EVALUATION POLICY: All students are required to attend class lectures regularly and participate in discussions effectively. To be an effective participant, you must read your assignments before each class session. Tardiness and unexcused absences adversely impact your grades. The instructor reserves the right to administratively drop a student in cases of chronic tardiness and/or abstention. Under no circumstance, tape recording of lectures is allowed. Course grades will be determined as follows: • Attendance and participation in class discussions ………………. 10 points • Mid-term examination on Sept. 26 ……………………………… 30 points • Research paper due on Nov. 16………………. ………………….30 points • Final examination on Dec. 14( 8 a.m.) …………………………….30 points Failure to take the exams on the scheduled dates or submit the research paper on the due date will result in failing grades for the missed assignments. Those who miss the mid-term exam for legitimate and compelling excuses will be allowed to take oral make-up exams. No make up exams for the missed final exams. Those who do not finalize their research topics by September 14 automatically forfeit their right to this assignment and will be given a failing grade for this assignment. COURSE OUTLINE: August 29 INSTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW September 5,7 &12 ISLAM AND POLITICS • Secularism • Universalism • Centrality Required Reading: - Lewis, Introduction and Chapter I Suggested Reading: - Tamadonfar, The Polity, Chapter 2September 14, 19 &21 THE ISLAMIC POLITY IN COMPARTIVE PERSPECTIVE: • Islam and Secular ideologies (Marxism, Democratic Capitalism and Pluralism, and Socialism) Suggested Reading: Shari’ati, pp. 7-122 • Islam and Nationalism Required Reading: - Cole, Chapters 2, 6, 9 & 10 • Islamic Feminism Required Reading: - Cole , Chapter 8 - Saliba, PP. 15-94 Sept. 26 MID-TERM EXAMINATON Sept. 28 &Oct.3-24 THE ISALMIC STATE: • Historical context Required Reading: - Armstrong: Chapters 1-4 - Cole, Chapter 3 • Socio-cultural and economic contexts Required Reading: -Lewis , Chapter II - Saliba, PP. 1-14, 95-160 • Sectarianism and Factionalism Required Reading: - Cole, Chapters 1& 4 Suggested Reading: - Tamadonfar, The Polity, Chapter 3 • Political authority ( monarchism, republicanism, and populism) Required Reading: - Armstrong: Chapter 5 - Lewis, Chapter IIISuggested Reading: - Tamadonfar, “ Islamism”, pp. 141-165 - Tamadonfar, The Polity, Chapter 4 Oct. 26, 31 & Nov. 2 WETERNISM, MODERNISM, AND DEVELOPMENT: • The politics of modernization in the Muslim world Required Reading: - Lewis, Chapter VII - Cole, Chapter 11 - Saliba, 235- 336 Suggested Reading: - Tamadonfar, “Islam, Law,” pp. 205-219 • Westoxication and social Polarism • Revolution and Reaction Required Reading: -Said, Chapter two Nov. 7, 9, 14 &16 ISALM IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE: