Exploring Muslim Cultures
11 October – 3 November 2011 (Tuesday and Thursday evenings)

This course is unique in providing an engaging and thought-provoking overview of Muslim cultures, past and present. It covers topics such as the Qur’an, law, art and architecture, gender, the impact of colonialism and issues of development (poverty, education, public policy, etc). Participants will receive a concise yet well-rounded introduction to political, intellectual, social and historical developments in Muslim societies. The course is offered two evenings a week, over a four-week period. Participants benefit from different lecturers for each session and, as with all our courses, background readings are provided.

Fee: £120/£80/£60 (full/early registration/concession)
Application deadline: 6 October 2011 (early registration fee until by 15 September 2011)
Location: AKU-ISMC London

Gender and Identity in Muslim Contexts
Saturday, 5 November 2011

Challenging stereotypical understandings of gender roles in Muslim societies, this one-day course will highlight the multiple and changing constructs of these roles and identities both historically and in contemporary contexts. We will consider the entanglements of colonial, national and transnational projects and movements at different historical moments, which have shaped Muslims and imposed roles and expectations on them. Specific case studies will allow us to identify and assess socioeconomic, religious and political circumstances that inform gender roles and relations.

Fee: £75/60/45 (full/early registration /concession)
Application deadline: 1 November 2011 (early registration rd fee until 7 October)
Location: AKU-ISMC London

Engaging with the Sharia: History and Contemporary Issues (CPD accredited)
Saturdays, 12 & 19 November 2011

What is sharia? How has it evolved? Should it play any role in society? What are the key legal issues across various Muslim contexts? This thought-provoking, two-day course will begin by exploring the historical evolution of Muslim legal traditions, tracing their development to the varied Sunni, Shia and Kharijite approaches. It will then examine contemporary debates surrounding the relevance of sharia today, through an investigation of personal law reforms, human rights and other topical issues. Finally, the course will consider recent, widespread demands for the application of “Islamic law”, as well as the challenges posed by sharia for Muslim communities in the West. The course will probe these issues in a reflective context, informed by history and current social and political developments.

Fee: £150/120/90 (full/early registration /concession); £500 (12 CPD points)
Application deadline: 8 November 2011 (early registration fee until 14 October)
Location: AKU-ISMC London