RST 343 - Sufism: Traditions of Islamic Mysticism

This course serves as an introduction to Sufism. Often defined as Islamic mysticism, Sufism is perhaps one of the most widely practiced forms of Islam in the world. Sufi practice is especially prominent in South Asia, West Africa, and Eurasia. This course will delve into ideas and debates that are at the core of Sufi philosophy and cosmology. It will survey various modes of Sufi practice and belief among lay adherents and among those on the mystical path. It will also take a close and critical look at aspects of Sufi practice that have permeated popular culture in Europe and America over the past century. This course takes a multifaceted approach to the study of Sufism: course materials include primary Sufi texts, academic readings, as well as audio-visual materials
Lecture
3 Credits
Prerequisite: any 200-level RST course excluding RST 203