ASIAN 4434 - Shi’i Islam in Southeast Asia

(crosslisted) NES 4634, RELST 4434
(GB) (HA-AS)

Spring. 4 credits.

Prerequisite: one course on Islam/Middle Eastern studies or permission of instructor.

C. Formichi.

Structured as a seminar, this course explores various aspects of Shi’i Islam (in cultural, literary, intellectual, ritual, legal, and political terms) in its historical emergence and contemporary manifestations across Southeast Asia. Departing from an analysis of forms of devotion towards the ‘Alid members of prophet Muhammad’s family (scriptures and ritual), class discussions will address issues such as constructions of sectarian identities (Sunni versus Shi’i), the role of transnational flows in shaping Shi’i communities across the region, Muslim-majority governments’ reactions to the emergence of such communities, and broader debates on orthodoxy and ‘deviation’ (both within and between Islamic traditions). Although lectures at the beginning will cover the historical process by which Shi’i Islam came into shape, this will be pursued critically, and students are expected to have foundational knowledge of Islam’s theology and history. (RL)