DESCPTION

Critical Race Theory from an Islamic Perspective delves into the intellectual and social movement of Critical Race Theory (CRT), an organized framework of legal analysis challenging conventional perspectives on race. CRT posits that race is a socially constructed category, not biologically determined, and serves as a tool for oppression. This course navigates the foundations, development, and contemporary applications of CRT, tracing its roots in critical legal studies to its current debates and evolutions. Students will scrutinize the intersections between CRT and Muslim communities, delving into the unique dynamics within the field of Islamic Studies. The course invites reflection on the core tenets of CRT, exploring the analytic strategies employed by critical race theorists to dissect the roles and meanings of "race" in legal institutions and ideology. The themes under examination encompass racism, Islamophobia, racial subordination, and inequalities. Particular attention is given to prevailing social and cultural assumptions regarding Muslims. The course critically engages with topics such as social justice, critical consciousness, normalization of religious bigotry, and Muslim critiques of Critical Race Theory. Through thoughtful exploration, students gain insights into how CRT influences and is influenced by Islamic perspectives, fostering a nuanced understanding of race, justice, and social critique within the Muslim context.