Islam, the Muslim World, and Democratic Politics

What is the relationship between Islam and democracy? Are human rights located in the Koran or some other, more human, source? Are the appeals to an Islamic government or "State" based on fact or fiction? How might we appeal to the sacred sources of Islam to promote attitudes of toleration, inclusion, and respect? These and similar questions will be considered throughout the semester. The purpose of this course will be to use the events related to the Arab Winter and continuing instability throughout the Muslim world as a springboard for a critical evaluation of the respective merits of the two forms of regime. No prior acquaintance with Islam or the Arabic language is necessary or required.