TH 661 - Comparative Theological Approaches to Islam

(3.00 cr.)

Students are introduced to the history of Christian interpretations of Islam. After a survey, students concentrate on reading some of the basic Christian texts about Islam and try to establish the history of their influence (Wirkungsgeschichte) on the image of Islam in the Christian West. This image is compared to the self-representation of Islam in some theological texts that can be read as counterparts of the Christian interpretations of Islam, enabling students to get an idea about the mutual influence of the two religious traditions.