| 1 | Introduction: Aim, scope, and methodology of the course; General introduction to the concepts of Islam, human rights, and democracy. | Esposito, J. L. Islam and Politics. |
| 2 | Historical Development of Human Rights: Modern human rights documents, debates on universalism vs. particularism. | Donnelly, J. Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice. |
| 3 | Human Rights in Primary Sources: Creation of human beings, human dignity, and fundamental rights in the Qur'an and Sunnah. | Al-Faruqi, I. R.; Esposito, J. L. Islam and Politics. |
| 4 | Concept of Justice in Islam: Social justice, equality, and equality of opportunity. | Qutb, S. Social Justice in Islam. |
| 5 | Freedom and Responsibility (I): Freedom of belief, expression, and worship in Islam; individual responsibility. | Ramadan, T. "Islam and Freedom." |
| 6 | Freedom and Responsibility (II): Advanced discussions on individual agency and legal limits of freedom. | Ramadan, T. "Islam and Freedom." |
| 7 | Relationship Between Islam and Democracy: Theoretical foundations, compatibility, and divergent views. | Esposito, J. L. Islam and Politics. |
| 8 | Religion-State Relations: Discussions on secularism, laicism, and religious freedom in political structures. | Relevant Academic Journals. |
| 9 | The Concept of Democracy: Definition, types of democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law. | Dahl, R. On Democracy. |
| 10 | Islamic Governance Models: Shura (consultation), Bay'ah (allegiance), and historical governance practices. | Esposito, J. L. Islam and Politics. |
| 11 | Contemporary Debates: Women's rights, minority rights, and citizenship in Islamic thought. | Barlas, A. "Believing Women" in Islam. |
| 12 | Critiques on Islam, Human Rights, and Democracy (I): External and internal perspectives on current applications. | Sardar, Z.; Donnelly, J. Universal Human Rights. |
| 13 | Critiques on Islam, Human Rights, and Democracy (II): Deep dive into structural and ideological critiques. | Donnelly, J. Universal Human Rights. |
| 14 | General Evaluation and Project Presentations: Review of the semester and student synthesis. | Course Materials. |