Islamic Civilizations and Cultures focuses on the study of Islamic civilizations as a global and multi-cultural phenomenon. There are currently more than a billion Muslims in the world. They live in dozens of countries — across continents — and speak hundreds of languages and dialects. They are the majority population in many countries including Senegal, Morocco and Indonesia.
The focus and purpose of this concentration is to study systemically and coherently the global civilization of Islam and its religious traditions, histories and cultures in all of its diversity.
Photo credit: Sarah Gold ’15, Casablanca, Morocco.
Featured Courses
Voices of Contemporary Islam
There are many crucial debates in the modern Muslim world, touching on topics from democratic compatibility and terrorist connections to feminism movements and mystical beliefs in a contemporary context. This course focuses on the analysis of primary sources, including writing by Khaled Abou el Fadl, Amina Wadud and Usama bin Laden.
History of Mathematics in the Islamic World
Some of the most fundamental notions in modern mathematics have their roots in the Islamic world, such as the modern number system, the fields of algebra and trigonometry, and the concept of algorithm. This course unites math with history and social science, bringing history and religion into the mathematical mix.
Seminar on Sufism
This course examines the ideas, personalities and institutions associated with Islamic mysticism. You'll read and discuss primary and secondary sources about a variety of topics from the mystical poetry and Sufi psychology to the veneration of "holy persons" in Islamic piety.
Asian Music Ensemble
Kenyon is one of few colleges to offer Sundanese gamelan degung, a traditional Indonesian ensemble incorporating various instruments. You’ll be introduced to basic and advanced instrumental techniques and receive coaching in musicianship and ensemble skills, culminating in public performance. No musical experience required!
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Kenyon College
Gambier, Ohio 43022