Muslims in America

By: Dr. Mohamed Nimer

This 10-hour course examines the origins and evolution of Muslim communities in America. The class introduces the various facets of diversity among Muslims and discusses Muslim interaction with others.

The course culminates with a discussion of how the growth of Muslim communities has affected the debate around integrating new population groups in the increasingly pluralistic American society and the place of Muslims in the post 9/11 world. 

Objectives: 

   Upon successful completion of this class, participants will be able to:

1. Apply research methods to the understanding of the emerging Muslim communities in The United States.
2. Analyze diversity within the Muslim community along lines of faith, ethnicity, class and gender.
3. Examine Muslim participation in America's religious, civic, and political structures.
4. Explore sensitive topics, including radicalization and homeland security; Shia-Sunni relations, and Muslim women in community organizations.

Course Units:

Session one: The Structural Make-up of American Muslims

1. From slavery to migration and conversion
2. From mother Mosque to Multi-functional institutional structure
3. Faith-Based organizations
4. Ethnicity-based organizations
5. American Muslim identity in a global era

Session Two: Diversity along lines of religiosity, class and gender

1. Non-practicing Muslims
2. Shia and Sunni Communities
3. Working class Muslims
4. Muslim women

Session Three: Muslims in American politics

1. Rise of American Muslim political consciousness
2. Muslim views on domestic and foreign policy issues
3. Muslims and the 2000, 2004, and 2008 elections

Session Four: Special Topics

1. Muslim Citizenship in a non-Muslim democracy
2. Integration and assimilation
3. Radicalization and homeland security after 9/11 

Session Five: American Muslims and the future of American Society

1. Dominant group responses
2. Other minority responses
3. Muslims and Future Visions for America and its Role in the Globe

Mohamed Nimer, Ph.D., is author of the North American Muslim Resource Guide: Muslim Community Life in the United States and Canada and Islamophobia and Anti-Americanism: Causes and Remedies.

He has worked as a research Director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Washington, D.C.

For information about the Instructor, please click here