Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations 2011 Short Courses A gateway to big ideas
Welcome Since 2008, Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) has been delivering general and customised short courses on Muslim cultures and civilisations through its Professional Programmes Unit. Two years on, our courses are attended by people from a range of backgrounds, including law, medicine, diplomacy, education, government, business and charities, both within the UK and from abroad. Recent world events have reinforced the need for scholarly yet accessible information about Muslim cultures for people from all walks of life. At the Institute, we remain committed to meeting this goal. With subject areas as diverse as history, literature, law, gender and philosophy, as well as addressing contemporary debates about Muslim cultures and societies, we endeavour to provide an extensive range of courses to suit all levels of experience and interest. This year, we are very pleased to announce some new developments, as we broaden our range of public education courses and lectures. Along with several new courses, many of which have been suggested by previous participants, our flagship International Summer Programme returns to London, held in partnership with the Centre for the Comparative Study of Muslim Societies and Cultures, Simon Fraser University. We are also pleased to announce that we now offer three specialised CPD courses for barristers and solicitors, which contribute towards their continuing professional development. Finally, we are very excited about our new film series, which will investigate and bring to life themes of plurality and marginality. With all this and more, we welcome you to join us for a new and exciting year of discovery as we explore the diverse heritages of Muslims around the world. Photos/Illustrations AKDN agencies including AKU, AKU-ISMC, AKAA and AKF; Iqbal Amiri, Mahi Khanbaghi, Ryan Li, Gary Otte and Staatliche Museen zu Berlin Museum für Islamische Kunst. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented in this document is correct as of the date of publication. However, all details are subject to change. 1
Aga Khan University Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University is a private, autonomous, not-for-profit university that promotes human welfare through research, teaching and community service initiatives. The University has campuses and teaching sites in Afghanistan, Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda and the United Kingdom. The University is one of nine agencies in the Aga Khan Development Network a group of development agencies working in over twenty countries, with mandates that include developing high quality services for health and education, promoting excellence in architecture, the cultural revitalisation of communities, developing microfinance activities, promoting sustainable rural development, providing emergency relief and disaster reduction, and promoting private sector enterprise. Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations Based in London, Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) aims to strengthen research and teaching about the heritages of Muslim societies, with specific attention to the challenges these societies face in contemporary settings. The Institute seeks to provide a multifaceted approach to the study of Muslim peoples through a framework of world cultures, the humanities and social sciences. The Institute s research focuses on systems of moral and ethical thought, structures of governance and public life, and all forms of Muslim artistic and creative expressions. AKU-ISMC believes it can make a distinctive contribution to the understanding of Muslim heritages and the emergence of new attitudes among Muslims and non-muslims toward the concerns of contemporary societies. The Institute is accredited in the United Kingdom by the British Accreditation Council for Further and Higher Education. Calendar of activities 2011 Short courses Page Date Sacred Spaces: Places of Worship and Gathering 6 Saturday, 9 April Philosophy of Religion: God and His World in Muslim Thought 7 Saturday, 16 April Introduction to the Qur an: Text, Contexts and Contests 8 Saturday, 7 May Jews, Christians and Others Among Muslims: History, Status and Vigour 9 Friday, 13 Saturday, 14 May The Power of Words: the Arab Novel 10 Saturday, 24 September Manifestations of Beauty: the Arts in Muslim Cultures 11 Saturdays, 22 and 29 October Exploring Muslim Cultures 12 11 October 3 November (Tuesday and Thursday evenings) Regional Expressions of Islam: South Asia 13 Saturday, 5 November Gender and Identity in Muslim Contexts 14 Saturday, 5 November CPD courses Muslim Family Law: Theories and Practices 15 Saturday, 5 March Mediation and Arbitration in Muslim Legal Practice 16 Saturday, 21 May Engaging with Sharia: History and Contemporary Issues 17 Saturdays, 12 and 19 November International Summer Programme Page Date Expressions of Diversity: A Contemporary Introduction to Muslim Cultures 18 Monday, 18 Friday, 29 July Film series Page Date Plurality and Marginality 20 Date to be confirmed 2 3
Calendar of activities 2011 (continued) Public lectures Page Date Pedagogy, Memory and Alterity: Conceptions of the Muslim World in European Textbooks 21 Thursday, 3 March Transnational Families and British Law: the Role of an Expert Witness 21 Thursday, 10 March Gender and Law 21 Wednesday, 18 May Continuing Professional Development for solicitors and barristers CPD Education 21 Date to be confirmed Islamic Finance: a Critical Assessment 21 Date to be confirmed Religion, Gender and Education 21 Date to be confirmed Our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and lectures are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board.* The programme content has been designed to address pertinent issues that will generate informed debate and discussion. All CPD courses and lectures are also open to individuals outside the legal profession. Customised courses 22 Consultancy work 22 Registration details 23 How to find us 24 Short courses Page Date Muslim Family Law: Theories and Practices (6 CPD points) 15 Saturday, 5 March Mediation and Arbitration in Muslim Legal Practice (6 CPD points) 16 Saturday, 21 May Engaging with Sharia: History and Contemporary Issues (12 CPD points) 17 Saturdays, 12 and 19 November Public lectures Page Date Transnational Families and British Law: the Role of an Expert Witness (1.5 CPD points) 21 Thursday, 10 March Gender and Law (1.5 CPD points) 21 Wednesday, 18 May Islamic Finance: a Critical Assessment (1.5 CPD points) 21 Date to be confirmed * Annual membership with the Bar Standards Board will be renewed in January 2011. 4 5
Short courses Sacred Spaces: Places of Worship and Gathering Philosophy of Religion: God and His World in Muslim Thought Date Saturday, 9 April 2011 Date Saturday, 16 April 2011 5 April 2011 (early bird fee until 11 March) 12 April 2011 (early bird fee until 18 March) As with many religions, the believers of Islam regard certain spaces as particularly conducive to spiritual nourishment and community building. Alongside the mosque, there exist a wide variety of such sacred spaces, from khanqas to shrines. This one-day course will survey the fascinating history and diversity of sacred spaces, highlighting the role they have played across Muslim societies. A significant part of the course will be devoted to exploring the architecture of selected places of worship. Besides illuminating certain recent events, the course will help participants to understand the role of the community and the relationship between belonging and belief in Muslim contexts. While philosophical reflection on a variety of topics has been an ongoing part of Muslim intellectual life, it has nonetheless been one of the under-explored aspects of Muslim societies. This one-day course will provide a stimulating introduction to the place and role of philosophical thought across Muslim societies. Beginning with a broad survey of the field, the course will then explore a selection of major topics, such as the existence of God, theodicy, reason, authority and ethics. The aim is not only to introduce specific ways in which these themes were discussed historically in Muslim contexts, but also to engage the participants in some of the most important debates that human societies have had and continue to have today. The course will also situate Muslim philosophical thought within the global history of philosophy by discussing its relationship to Ancient Greek and medieval European thought. 6 7
Short courses Introduction to the Qur an: Texts, Contexts and Contests Jews, Christians and Others among Muslims: History, Status and Vigour Date Saturday, 7 May 2011 Dates Friday, 13 and Saturday, 14 May 2011 110 / 88 / 66 (full / early bird / concession) 3 May 2011 (early bird fee until 8 April) 10 May 2011 (early bird fee until 15 April) The Qur an has a very sacred and central place in the lives of Muslims. It remains the most important source of legitimacy often symbolic in Muslim practices and thought. This one-day course will provide participants with both an overview of some basic historical information about the Qur an and an introduction to the ways in which Qur anic ideas and language have shaped various strands of Muslim cultures from theology to poetry and from law to ritual. Of particular significance will be an exploration of the impact of the Qur an on artistic traditions and of its place in contemporary debates. This two-day course will examine the pivotal role of minorities in the cultural, economic and political life of West Asia (often referred to as the Middle East). While this is one of the most diverse regions in the world, both political discourse and academic debate have repeatedly treated it as a monolithic space and entity. In order to move beyond this stereotype, this course offers a new platform for presenting and exchanging views on the region. We will explore the diversity of West Asia by concentrating on the religious minorities that live within Muslim-majority societies. The course will highlight positive interactions that take place between various religious groups that are often neglected or overlooked, without ignoring the reasons behind the gradual decline of religious minorities. Participants are invited to interlink history, culture, politics and religion to obtain a comprehensive vision of the region. A section of the course will be dedicated to a comparative study of Europe and West Asia in order to present different approaches towards religious minorities and consider the reasons behind these differences. The course will include documentaries and discussions with members of minority communities from various Muslim contexts. Pre-course and postcourse reading material will be provided. 8 9
Short courses The Power of Words: the Arab Novel Manifestations of Beauty: the Arts in Muslim Cultures Date Saturday, 24 September 2011 Dates Saturdays, 22 and 29 October 2011 150 / 120 / 90 (full / early bird / concession) 20 September 2011 (early bird fee until 26 August) 18 October 2011 (early bird fee until 23 September) While the Arabic language has a long and rich tradition of literary output, the novel is among the more modern genres within it. This one-day course is ideal for anyone with an appreciation of the written word and the penetrating insights literature can offer about the human condition. After an overview of the history of the novel in Arab culture, the course will examine the contemporary literary scene, highlighting the scope, thematic variety and socio-political status of the novel. A range of novels, mostly available in English, will be introduced. During this two-day course, participants will engage with the various forms of artistic expression that have developed in Muslim societies. After providing a historical overview, the course will highlight issues facing contemporary Muslim societies as they grapple with the aesthetic impacts of modernity and seek to formulate appropriate artistic expressions for today. Sessions will reflect upon the relationship between art and religion, including issues of artistic patronage, and philosophical and legal perspectives on artistic production. Selected artistic genres such as painting, architecture and calligraphy will be explored. In addition, the course will include a visit to a museum and a practical workshop. 10 11
Short courses Exploring Muslim Cultures Regional Expressions of Islam: South Asia Date 11 October 3 November 2011 (Tuesday and Thursday evenings) 45 6 October 2011 This course is unique in providing an engaging and thought-provoking overview of Muslim cultures, past and present. It covers topics such as the Qur an, law, art and architecture, gender, the impact of colonialism and issues of development (poverty, education, public policy, etc.). Participants will receive a concise yet well-rounded introduction to political, intellectual, social and historical developments in Muslim societies. The course takes place two evenings a week, over a four-week period. Participants benefit from different lecturers for each session, and, as with all our courses, background reading is provided. The Exploring Muslim Cultures course was illuminating it shone a light onto a religion and culture woefully misunderstood in the West. Its perspective was a balanced one and the lecture topics were diverse and fascinating, ranging from art and architecture to gender and economics. Tuesday and Thursday night lectures fast became the highlight of my week for the duration of the course. Fiona Salem Exploring Muslim Cultures, 2009 Dates Saturday, 5 November 2011 South Asia today is home to the largest Muslim population in the world. It has produced some of the most prominent architecture, artistic traditions, theological and legal doctrines, political institutions and eclectic identities in Muslim history. This one-day course will survey the rich, distinctive and contested past and present of Muslim cultures in South Asia. Primarily focusing on religious ideas and institutions, the course will situate these within social, historical and cultural frameworks, to explore questions of identity, perceptions of the past and issues related to modernity and nationalism. We will also examine recent forms of religiosity and their relationship to wider socio-economic trends, as well as their impact on international relations. 1 November 2011 (early bird fee until 7 October) The journey of building personal understanding of some of the wide-ranging, complex and fluid topics touched upon within this course is, of course, life-long. However, the short course offers a convenient basis from which to direct one s own reading and learning. I feel privileged to have been a part of this tolerant space for thought and contemplation. Rosie Pannell Exploring Muslim Cultures, 2010 12 13
Short courses Gender and Identity in Muslim Contexts Date Saturday, 5 November 2011 SOAS, London 1 November 2011 (early bird fee until 7 October) Muslim Family Law: Theories and Practices Dates Saturday, 5 March 2011 300 (CPD) 1 March 2011 (early bird fee until 4 February) CPD Challenging stereotypical understandings of gender roles in Muslim societies, this one-day course will highlight the multiple and changing constructs of these roles and identities both historically and in contemporary contexts. We will consider the entanglements of colonial, national and transnational projects and movements at different historical moments, which have shaped Muslims and imposed roles and expectations on them. Specific case studies will allow us to identify and assess socioeconomic, religious and political circumstances that inform gender roles and relations. We will explore a range of topics, such as Islamic feminism, conflict and war, marriage, family law and sexuality, from the Middle East to North America. We will also examine the complex ways in which religion can be used both to restrict women s roles and to serve as a tool for empowerment and independence. We will look at ways that Muslims have reacted to gender hierarchies: transgressing, reproducing or challenging them, through engagement in scholarship, activism and the creative arts. The course will be taught through a combination of lectures, films and group discussions. It is offered jointly by AKU-ISMC and the Centre for Gender Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies. It was an honour to be part of such an inspiring course that featured world-renowned scholars. It was engaging, thought-provoking and an overall worthwhile experience. I highly recommend this course to future students. Tara Sadooghi Gender and Identity in Muslim Contexts, 2010 CPD points 6 This one-day course will introduce various aspects of family law in Muslim legal thought. Family law covers areas of marriage, divorce, inheritance and custody, and has been central to Muslim societies. The course will consider basic terms associated with Islamic legal traditions and situate them within their historical contexts. It will also examine legal notions regarding spousal and parental relationships; explore issues surrounding property rights; analyse selected cases of law reform across the Muslim world; and survey case studies of Muslim family law, with particular attention to the practices of Muslim minority groups in Western countries. The course does not require any prior knowledge of Muslim history or its legal traditions. 14 15
Short courses Mediation and Arbitration in Muslim Legal Practice CPD Engaging with Sharia: History and Contemporary Issues CPD Dates Saturday, 21 May 2011 Dates Saturdays, 12 and 19 November 2011 300 (CPD) 150 / 120 / 90 (full / early bird / concession) 500 (CPD) 17 May 2011 (early bird fee until 22 April) 8 November 2011 (early bird fee until 14 October) CPD points 6 CPD points 12 This one-day course will introduce the conflict resolution mechanisms employed by some Muslims in resolving family disputes. In particular, the role of religious authority will be examined. The course will provide a critical survey of the practical ways in which Alternative Dispute Resolution is applied by different Muslim social institutions in the UK. It will also discuss some challenges and potential risks following sharia court adjudication. Participants with no prior knowledge of Muslim legal practice will be provided with background reading before the course. What is sharia? How has it evolved? Should it play any role in society? What are the key legal issues across various Muslim contexts? This thought-provoking, two-day course will begin by exploring the historical evolution of Muslim legal traditions, tracing their development to the varied Sunni, Shia and Kharijite approaches. It will then examine contemporary debates surrounding the relevance of sharia today, through an investigation of personal law reforms, human rights and other topical issues. Finally, we will consider recent, widespread demands for the application of Islamic law, as well as the challenges posed by sharia for Muslim communities in the West. The course will probe these issues in a reflective context, informed by history and current social and political developments. I have been living and working in the Middle East and found the short course Engaging with Sharia immensely valuable. It helped me understand the range of issues surrounding sharia s civil application and political misuse in modern contexts and provided me with a good foundation from which to continue directed readings and to examine the ways sharia is often misrepresented in the western media. Robert Graham Engaging with Sharia, 2010 16 17
International Summer Programme Expressions of Diversity: A Contemporary Introduction to Muslim Cultures Date Monday, 18 Friday, 29 July 2011 500 / 300 (full / concession) 350 for a single week 10 June 2011 The International Summer Programme returns to London this year! Over the past three years, this flagship programme has brought together renowned faculty and a diverse participant group for a vibrant two weeks of lectures, debates, discussions, film screenings and cultural events. Providing a platform to explore the rich historical and contemporary diversities within Muslim cultures, this programme is offered in partnership with the Centre for the Comparative Study of Muslim Societies and Cultures, Simon Fraser University. It alternates between London and Vancouver and is now in its fourth year. The first week provides an overview of topics such as the Qur an, the life of the Prophet, the formation of the Muslim community, civil society, law, gender and literature. The second week will explore the diversity of ways in which people interpret and practice Islamic ideas in a variety of contexts. Through the study of Sufi practices, artistic traditions, architectural forms, gender roles, musical expressions, as well as legal and ritual varieties, these sessions will focus on local expressions of being Muslim. As a whole, the programme will provide participants with a grounded introduction to the creativity and ever-expanding diversity of Muslim societies. This was the best educational session that I have ever attended. The number and quality of faculty in attendance was second to none. Best use of my time and resources. If you are a mature professional who wishes to improve your knowledge about Islam at a higher academic level, attend the AKU programme! Don t wait. Iqbal Amiri International Summer Programme, 2010 I went to the programme having faced confusing and controversial issues related to Islam and its image. I came out of it with an insight that helps me to look at the issues from various different perspectives. The summer programme has been for me both productive and enjoyable. Naushad Somani International Summer Programme, 2010 It was a privilege to attend. The lecturers were first-rate, the subject matter combined appropriate breadth and depth, and the students were bright, open-minded and interesting. The programme was well-planned and expertly managed. I would recommend it to anyone seeking an intensive immersion in Muslim cultures. Robert Daum International Summer Programme, 2010 18 19
Film series Public lectures Film Series: Plurality and Marginality Details of film titles and dates will be available from January 2011 at www.aku.edu/ismc/shortcourses Public lectures Our public lecture series aims to foster scholarly debate and discussion on the historical trajectories and contemporary challenges of Muslim cultures and societies. This year the Institute has invited specialist local and international speakers in the fields of education and law. Education Date Films offer an excellent platform for engaging with themes and topics that transcend geographical boundaries and cultural stereotypes. This is the first year that we will be hosting a film series of this kind and we hope that it will become a regular feature of our public education activities. This year, the film series will showcase feature films, independent documentaries and short films that address social, legal and political themes surrounding plurality and marginality. The series aims to highlight the way in which these themes are prevalent across different countries, such as Iran, Pakistan and the UK. Pedagogy, Memory and Alterity: Conceptions of the Muslim World in European Textbooks Education Religion, Gender and Education Law Transnational Families and British Law: the Role of an Expert Witness (1.5 CPD points) Gender and Law (1.5 CPD points) Islamic Finance: a Critical Assessment (1.5 CPD points) Thursday, 3 March Date to be confirmed Date to be confirmed Date Thursday, 10 March Wednesday, 18 May Date to be confirmed CPD All films will be followed by discussion sessions with academic staff from the Institute, visiting scholars and, in some cases, film directors. We look forward to welcoming you to our very first film series. Our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) lectures are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board. All CPD lectures are also open to individuals outside the legal profession. s All lectures are free to the public and no registration is required. For solicitors and barristers wishing to claim CPD points, a payment of 10 will be required at the door. 20 21
Customised courses Registration details Registration for courses can be made online. The online application form is available at www.aku.edu/ismc/shortcourses Payments for courses may be made by cheque or postal order, payable to The Aga Khan University (International) in the UK. Cash payments can be made in person at the Professional Programmes Unit or the Finance Office during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9.30 am 5.30 pm). The Institute frequently works with organisations to develop and offer customised courses that cater to specific organisational needs. Below are examples of such courses. Islam and Muslim Communities: Perspectives for Foreign Policy This course is aimed at professionals involved in foreign policy and provides an overview of the diversity of Muslim cultures and communities. Topics include governance, democracy, human rights and gender. In addition, the course examines issues of modernity and reforms undertaken in contemporary Muslim societies. It consists of lectures, panel discussions and case studies. The Institute conducts these courses throughout the year with officials from European and North American governments. A Window into the Histories and Cultures of Muslim Societies Educational administrators and teachers of history, literature, social studies and religion from various parts of Pakistan benefited from this certificate-level course offered annually from 2004 06. Combining pedagogical and thematic training, the course reflected upon the need for a fresh approach to the teaching of Muslim cultures. It strengthened participants knowledge of the rich, diverse and contested nature of Muslim history. Participants who register early will be eligible for an early bird fee. To take advantage of this offer, please submit your application and payment before the early bird deadline. Special concessionary fees are available to the following applicants: Full-time students Pensioners whose sole source of income is from the Department for Work and Pensions Those receiving income support Past participants of AKU-ISMC s short courses If you are applying for a concessionary fee, please include photocopied documents with your application form as proof of eligibility. Applicants who require a visa to enter the UK to participate on a short course should email ismc.shortcourses@aku.edu for further details and to confirm their eligibility. Full terms and conditions apply and are available on our website at www.aku.edu/ismc/shortcourses Consultancy work AKU-ISMC regularly works with organisations across the globe to provide curricular advice and to conduct workshops and training sessions. Among others, we have worked with the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Georg Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research. We welcome enquiries from organisations regarding the design of customised courses, training sessions and curriculum development. 22 23
How to find us The Aga Khan University (International) in the United Kingdom Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations 210 Euston Road, London NW1 2DA, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7380 3800 Fax: +44 (0)20 7380 3830 www.aku.edu/ismc/shortcourses Rail Euston, St Pancras International and Kings Cross mainline stations Underground Euston: Victoria and Northern lines Euston Square: Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City lines Warren Street: Victoria and Northern lines Kings Cross: Victoria, Northern, Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City lines Bus 10, 14, 18, 30, 59, 68, 73, 88, 91, 134, 168, 205, 390, 476 Car Limited pay and display parking on Gower Street, 8.30 am 6.30 pm weekdays. Limited free parking after 6.30 pm. Paying car park at Euston Station. 24
(International) in the United Kingdom Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations 210 Euston Road, London NW1 2DA Tel +44 (0)20 7380 3800 Fax +44 (0)20 7380 3830 www.aku.edu/ismc www.akdn.org The Aga Khan University (International) in the UK is incorporated in England as a company limited by guarantee no. 4448389