Islam Through Its Scriptures

This introductory course provides essential tools and perspectives for understanding the Quran's central role in Islamic tradition. Using a multimedia and student-centered approach, the curriculum guides learners through exploring the holy text's influence on diverse Muslim understandings of Islam. Students will develop the necessary skills and context to read the Quran themselves while also examining issues addressed by both classical and contemporary interpreters. The course explores the Quran's place in Muslim cultures, its major themes, and the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped its interpretation over nearly 1,500 years across vast geographical spaces. Participants will gain interpretive skills enabling more nuanced readings of the text and learn about the diverse approaches Muslims have adopted when engaging with Quranic texts. The course addresses traditional and modern interpretations, helping students make sense of the rich tapestry of understanding that has developed around Islam's most important holy text. This approach provides a foundation for respectful engagement with the diversity of Islamic thought and practice throughout history and in the contemporary world.