Course Description

Instructor: Elif Temiz

This course aims to explore the Sufi Tradition of Love in Islam through Jalaluddin Rumi (d.1273). The course will start by investigating the historical and philosophical origins of Sufism in Islam, its essential tenets and practices. Then we will move on to Rumi, a paramount historical figure of love, to explore the reflections of Sufi tradition in his life, his Mawlawi order, and his pivotal work Mathnawi through poetic translations of Colemen Barks. Participants of the course may expect to obtain a firm understanding of Sufism and be conversant with both historical and contemporary examples of Sufi personas and their influence on our humanity.