Center for Interfaith Engagement
Spring Semester Classes at EMU
CIE 530 Topics in Interfaith Studies: Introduction to Islam
This course introduces Islam as a living and significant religion in today’s world. Beginning with the revelation of the Quran and the Prophet’s life, the main doctrinal, mythical, ethical- legal, spiritual-mystical, ritual and social dimensions of Islam will be explored. In the context of interfaith engagement, similarities and contrasts between Islam, Christianity and Judaism will be examined. $100
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. January 8 – April 16, 2013.
CIE 535 Topics in Interfaith Studies: Issues in Islam
This course focuses on issues such as the relation between Islam and other religions, Islam and modernity, Islam and violence, Islamic spirituality, Islamic theology and philosophy. Opportunity will be given for students to identify issues of interest. A wide variety of classical and contemporary views of Islam will be discussed, giving more attention to the responses of Muslim scholars to modern challenges. Comparisons will be made between Islam and other religious traditions to develop a better interfaith engagement. Fundamental knowledge of Islam is a prerequisite. $200
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. January 9 – April 17, 2013.
Reserve space in one or both of these classes by replying directly to this email or by emailing interfaith@emu.edu. Although offered at a special non-credit rate, community members are welcome to register for college credit through the EMU Registrar’s Office, 432-4110.
Both classes will be taught by Dr. Amir Akrami.
An Intro to Dr. Amir Akrami
Dr.
Akrami, EMU’s first visiting Muslim scholar in the Center for
Interfaith Engagement, arrived mid-September in Harrisonburg and will
continue in his role as visiting scholar through summer 2013. He comes
to EMU from the Iranian Institute of Philosophy in Tehran, Iran.
Dr.
Akrami has been a regular participant in the internationally respected
Building Bridges Seminars in London, 2002; Bosnia, 2005; Washington DC,
2006; Singapore, 2007 and Rome 2008 (http://berkleycenter.
He holds an M.A
in Religions and Mysticism from the University of Tehran, and a PhD in
Philosophy of Religion from McGill University in Montreal. From 2006-2009
he served as lecturer of Islamic Studies at Al-Mahdi Institute,
Birmingham, UK, and has taught courses in Buddhism, Christianity,
Philosophy of Religion, and Islamic Mysticism.
EMU’s Visiting Scholar program has been made possible by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation.
More information about EMU’s Center for Interfaith Engagement is available at www.emu.edu/interfaith
Gretchen
H. Maust, Associate Director
Center
for Interfaith Engagement
Seminary
South Suite, 138
Eastern
Mennonite University
1200 Park Road
Harrisonburg, VA
22802
