Aun Hasan Ali's research centers on Islamic intellectual history and he is the author of two forthcoming books: The School of Hillah and the Emergence of Twelver Shiism: Social Networks and the Concept of Tradition, and Why Hadith Matter: The Evidentiary Value of Hadith in Imami Law (7th/13th to 11th/17th Centuries) (co-authored with Hassan Ansari). His recent publications include: “The Canonization of Nahj al-Balaghah between Hillah and Najaf: al-Sistani and the Iconic Authority of the Maraji,” “The Rational Turn in Imamism Revisited,” and “Some Notes on the History of the Categorization of Imami Hadith.” At CU Boulder, Ali teaches Religious Dimensions of Human Experience, Islam, The Quran, Sufism, and Fundamentalisms. In addition to intellectual history, he maintains an interest in Urdu and Persian literature.
RLST 1620 - Religious Dimensions of Human Experience
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
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 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
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 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
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 3070 - Islamic Mysticism: Ibn Arabi, Rumi, and the Sufi Tradition
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Introduces students to the philosophical, literary, and musical traditions of Islamic Mysticism or Sufism. Figures covered include: Rumi, Hallaj, Ibn Arabi, Mulla Sadra, Ghazali, Hafez, Ibn al-Farid, Ghalib, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Students will learn how Islamic Mysticism differs across cultural contexts and how it compares to other mystical traditions.
RLST 4610 - Topics in Islam
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Fall 2023
A detailed exploration of diverse intellectual approaches to central questions in Islamic traditions. Department consent required. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Same as RLST 5610.
RLST 4810 - Honors Thesis
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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
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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 5610 - Topics in Islam
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
A detailed exploration of diverse intellectual approaches to central questions in Islamic traditions. Department consent required. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Same as RLST 4610.
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.
RLST 6945 - Portfolio: Non-Thesis Option
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Fall 2024
Course work finished or in the last semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours.
