This unit examines the practice of Islam within Asia, including: its growth in its historical heartland in Western Asia; the early theology; Islam as a social and political system; the various schools of Islamic thought; and its historical expansion into South and then East Asia. We explore the historical processes by which Islam came to be incorporated into social life in Asia; the tension between local, cultural practices and text-based faith; and the diverse forms of Asian Islam, and engage with debates, including Islamic political parties; feminism; the association with regional rebellions and links with terrorism. -- Course Website
