January Intersession 2013

The Sultanate of Oman is the only Muslim nation in the world that practices Ibadi Islam as the official national religion. Ibadism incorporates an austere piety with an openness to engaging in dialogue with other Islamic schools of thought and other faiths. Oman has a long tradition of religious pluralism both within Islam and other faiths, which makes it an ideal place to engage in inter-Islamic and Christian-Muslim dialogue. In this two-week travel seminar in Oman, participants will attend lectures and meetings with Ibadi imams and scholars, engage in interfaith dialogue with students in the Institute of Sharia Sciences, meet missionaries of the American Protestant Mission in Oman, and explore the interfaith context of Oman with visits to a Hindu temple; Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant worship centers; and some of the oldest mosques in Islam. Up to seven students will receive scholarships that will cover the room, board, and onsite costs (the cost without scholarship is $1600).  Students are responsible for their own airfare.  The cost of Hartford Seminary tuition for this 3-credit course is $945 (no additional aid will be given). Open only to Hartford Seminary students. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for complete application information, which includes an essay and reservation fee which must be submitted by December 1st. Interested students must also meet by December 15 with Yahya Michot, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, to discuss preparatory readings and other course assignments.