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This course makes it possible to study Social Science at Masters level, through an engagement with some aspects of the evolving relationship between Islam, Western society and modernity. It will also deconstruct some common Western misunderstandings of Islam, and, to that end, examine the concept of liberal Islam in some depth. As such, it will facilitate an understanding of Islam and Muslim culture which will enable students to contribute effectively and critically to the multicultural societies and global economy within which they will play a part.

Islam is one of the most newsworthy, yet systematically misunderstood, religions in the world. In this course, we examine some social-scientific works that are produced within the Muslim world in order better to understand the diversity of Islam and Islam's relationship with modernity, and get behind the clich茅s that are often generated in media and popular commentary on 'the Islamic threat'. This course is not intended to suggest that one religion or religious culture is better or worse than any other, or to evaluate the Islamic world against divine standards. It is intended to introduce a respectful and critical approach towards students' own and other belief systems, and to consider the importance, diversity, and recent transformations of Islamic societies.

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. describe the evolving relationship between Islam and certain key Western concepts, especially liberalism and modernity;
2. show an advanced understanding of the sociology of Islam, and particularly the diversity of Islam;
3. understand the significance of Islamic law, theology and culture to Muslim life; have an appreciation of how Islam is applied to a range of personal and social questions in different ways; recognise and understand key concepts in Islamic law, such as shari'ah, ijtihad and taqlid;
4. show advanced skills in reading, writing, and using material which may be culturally unfamiliar;
5. understand Islam and Muslim culture in a way which will enable them to contribute effectively and critically to the multicultural societies and global economy within which they will play a part.