FYS 15 The State Against Diversity
Much is said about religious discord in the Middle East. Some argue that inter-religious strife in the region is a consequence of the failure of secular democracy to take root in the region, while others pin the blame on a general “Islamic intolerance” towards other faiths. However, others attribute religious conflict to factors such as a legacy of colonialism and in particular its imposition of modern liberal governance. This class is an inquiry into these arguments. Accordingly, we will examine the region’s historical experience with: religious tolerance, minority status, sectarian identity, secularism and the emergence of modern democratic forms of governance. Open only to first year frosh.