ICSP 2615 Islam and Liberal Democracy
We will take advantage of current geopolitical controversies in order to unearth the theoretical core of the debate between Islam and the West. Materials related to the Islamic heritage will be placed next to arguments made on behalf of the West in relation to certain key issues, such as rights versus duties; religion and freedom; and democracy and progress. Modern, pre-modern, sacred, and secular texts will be studied. How can the secular world defend itself against a critique that begins from a position of faith and emphasizes virtue, God, and justice?
Course overview
- Department
- Islamic Civilization and Societies
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall
Requirements fulfilled
- International Studies: Concentration: Cooperation and Conflict – approved courses (six courses in one concentration) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- International Studies: Concentration: Ethics and Social Justice – approved courses (six courses in one concentration) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- International Studies: Concentration: Political Economy and Development Studies – approved courses (six courses; either cluster counts) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.56 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.69 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | David M DiPasquale | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 7–9 hrs/week | 25 of 31 |
| Fall 2024 | David M DiPasquale | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 26 of 30 |
| Fall 2023 | David M DiPasquale | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 23 of 26 |
| Fall 2022 | David M DiPasquale | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 31 of 33 |
| Fall 2021 | David M DiPasquale | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 18 of 33 |