Course Overview

CPSM 1001 is an introductory course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between politics, society, and Muslims, through both political science and anthropological lenses. The course covers major themes in comparative politics, exploring key terms, definitions, and concepts that are frequently used by political scientists and political actors. Simultaneously, the course introduces students to foundational concepts and theories in anthropology, with a particular focus on the study of Islam.
By the end of the course, students will be equipped with basic analytical tools to compare and contrast different countries and political systems, apply anthropological frameworks to the study of Islamic societies, and critically engage with key issues in politics and anthropology. This course encourages critical thinking, debate, and the exploration of complex and sometimes uncomfortable ideas in a structured academic environment.

Learning Objectives

Political Science Objectives:

Understand and apply key concepts and themes in comparative politics.
Analyze political systems with a major emphasis on the USA and compare them with other countries.
Develop the ability to critically engage with political science literature and draw independent conclusions.

Anthropology Objectives:

Gain foundational knowledge of key anthropological theories, including Structuralism, Functionalism, Symbolic Anthropology, and Postcolonial Critiques.
Explore the anthropology of religion with a focus on Islamic societies.
Critically analyze how Islamic epistemologies intersect with anthropological theory.

Course Schedule

• Week 1: Saturday, September 7, Topic: Course Introduction
• Week 2: Saturday, September 14, Topic: Introduction to Anthropology
• Week 3: Saturday, September 21, Topic: Society, State, Modern State, and Nations
• Week 4: Saturday, September 28. Topic: Cultural and Social Anthropology
• Week 5: Saturday, October 5, Topic: State and Political Regimes
• Week 6: Saturday, October 12, Topic: Key Theoretical Frameworks – Structuralism and Functionalism
• Week 7: Saturday, October 19, Topic: USA Political Regime
• Week 8: Saturday, October 26, Topic: Key Theoretical Frameworks – Symbolic Anthropology and Postcolonial Critiques
• Week 9: Saturday, November 2, Topic: System of International Relations
• Week 10: Saturday, November 9, Topic: Islam in Anthropological Theory – Orientalism
• Week 11: Saturday, November 16, Topic: Human Rights in International Relations
• Week 12: Saturday, November 23, Topic: Islam in Anthropological Theory – Anthropology of Religion
• Week 13: Saturday, November 24, Topic: Concluding Discussion on Politics and Society
• Week 14: Saturday, December 7, Topic: Case Studies – Analyzing Islamic Societies
• Week 15: Saturday, December 14, Topic: Islamic Epistemologies and Anthropological Theory

Note: This course is designed to challenge students’ perspectives and encourage a robust exchange of ideas. Be prepared to engage with complex and sometimes controversial topics in a respectful and constructive manner.

Days and Timings:
Saturdays from 10 am to 11 am Mountain time. 

Duration:
Four Months From September 2024 – December 2024

The first class is on September 7, 2024