Aun Hasan Ali's research focuses on the intellectual history of Shi'ism. In particular, he is interested in studying Shi'ism through the lens of the concept of tradition and social network theory. Ali is also interested in Shi'i law and legal theory, especially the interplay between shariah and legislation. His current project examines intellectual life in the city of Hillah in southern Iraq in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries CE. Ali is also preparing the final draft of an article in which he examines the relationship between Sunnism and Shi'ism through the lens of the issue of documentary evidence in Islamic law. His recent publications include a translation of a Persian chapter about the Qajar philosopher Abu'l-Hasan Jilveh in Philosophical traditions in Qajar Iran and two articles on Shi'i legal theory, classical and modern, in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Islam and Law.
RLST 1620 - Religious Dimension in Human Experience
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021
Surveys different approaches to the study of religion. Students will grow familiar with key thinkers, texts, and movements that shape how we understand religious phenomena. Students will also examine critiques of how religion is studied. In the end, students will have gained insight into significant aspects of religious life, belief, and practice that will empower them to navigate a world in which religion is increasingly relevant.
RLST 2202 - Islam
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021
Introduces students to foundational Islamic concepts, texts, core practices, historical narratives and intellectual, spiritual and literary traditions. Topics covered include: the figure of Muhammad; the Quran; the emergence of distinct Muslim identities; Hadith; Sharia; Islamic theology; Islamic philosophy; science in Islamic civilization; Islamic mysticism; the impact of colonialism and modernity on the Muslim world; gender and sexuality; political Islam.
RLST 3040 - The Quran
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020
Examines how Christian constructions of religion and scripture have shaped Muslim understandings of the Quran and marginalized other views with a much longer history. Helps students appreciate how this process of marginalization is negotiated and explores the Quran from other perspectives including sound, performance, embodiment, and occultism. By highlighting marginalized approaches to the Quran, it promotes a better understanding of how social and religious differences are shaped by different political legacies. Previously offered as a special topics course.
RLST 4810 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Students write an honors thesis based on independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Required for students who elect departmental honors.
RLST 4820 - Interdisciplinary Seminar on Religion: Topics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020
Variable topics in religion, drawing from a variety of disciplines and methodologies as they shed light on specific traditions and issues. Recommended requisite: 6 credit hours of religious studies at any level or instructor consent. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Same as RLST 5820.
RLST 5820 - Interdisciplinary Seminar on Religion
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020
Variable topics in religion, drawing from a variety of disciplines and methodologies as they shed light on specific traditions and issues. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Same as RLST 4820.
