Reading the Quran

The first word of the Quran said to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad is the imperative: "Read!". This is what we will do in this course, albeit in English translation. Each session will focus on a specific theme (e.g., law, violence, nature, death) and will consist of a close reading of Quranic passages alongside philosophical and historical commentary. Specific emphasis will be placed on reading the Quran in relation to the biblical tradition and the contemporary world.