In Pakistan, when it comes to the study of religion, it is generally associated with Islamic Studies commonly known as Islamiyat (a compulsory subject/course in a school, college and even a university). Normally, it is seen as a religious responsibility or something that is an interest of “religious people” or people who are interested in religion. Hence, producing and provoking heated feelings and strong opinions based on an understanding of religion which is generally a static entity or a singular essence. In this course, we will be deconstructing such an understanding and we will learn to explore religion not as a reified or static entity but as a living experience with more than just a singular essence. Since religion is one of the important topics in anthropology, we will focus on the themes that guide anthropology to look at religion, its role and expression in different societies. The aim is to develop the idea of the anthropological approach toward religion. To achieve this aim, we will not only focus on major conceptual approaches and debates in the study of religion but will also explore religious life in specific sociocultural and political contexts using different ethnographic studies.
