Handbook

This course will provide students with an introduction to Islamic law in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia provides a fascinating and complex site to consider many of the broader issues and debates facing the Muslim world. Countries that will be covered include Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore and Myanmar. The aim of the course is to explore contemporary issues and debates on Islamic law in its social, political and cultural context. Core themes of the course include Islam and Constitutionalism; the role of religious authorities; Muslim legal professionals; and Islamic courts. This is a research-intensive subject.

This course is for students who are interested in deepening their understanding of Islam and exploring debates concerning secularism; the importance of religion to legal traditions in Asia, and the interaction between Islam and democracy in the region. The course will equip students going into legal practice or into other sectors with a broad knowledge of Islamic legal traditions in the region, its relevance to contemporary global debates on Islam, and a deep appreciation for the importance and complexity of plural legal systems. The course may include guest speakers. Students are encouraged to take Law in the Global Context prior to or simultaneously with this course.