Fall 2026 – History, Power, and the American Story

Course Information

Course Description

This course engages students in a study of the systemic roots of many social challenges in the United States, with a particular focus on poverty, justice, and race. Students examine how historical narratives, social structures, and public systems have shaped unequal outcomes, especially for Black Americans. The course invites critical reflection on how these realities developed and how they continue to affect everyday life across areas such as education, health, housing, and the criminal justice system.

The course also poses reflective and ethical questions for students as Muslim women who love this faith. Do we understand the realities faced by marginalized communities, and do we bring these concerns sincerely to Allah in prayer? What roles do we play in society, whether through silence, action, or advocacy? Students are encouraged to examine their own positions within systems of power and responsibility, and to consider what meaningful change looks like within their spheres of influence and concern. Grounded in reflection, learning, and accountability, the course emphasizes both inner heartwork and outward responsibility in responding to injustice.

This course intentionally centers Black Muslim scholarship, lived experience, and intellectual traditions as essential sources of knowledge for understanding poverty, justice, race, belonging, and social transformation in America. Through engagement with Black Muslim authors, educators, and community builders, students will examine both the realities of injustice and the traditions of resilience, faith, service, and institution-building that have helped communities flourish.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze why justice, race, and poverty are moral, spiritual, and communal concerns for Muslim women and Muslim communities.
• Identify the myths we hold regarding race, poverty, and justice in America, and differentiate between the thoughts we have, the actual history, and present-day situation.
• Develop practical strategies to cultivate empathy, challenge bias, and promote justice within their spheres of influence
• Explain key injustices in various systems: heath, education, criminal justice, etc., and how this impacts the quality of life of Black Americans.
• Evaluate the impact arrogance and conceit has had historically as well as contemporarily in society and identify the antidote to supremacist ideology.
• Differentiate between being at fault and being responsible for making a change in society. Though we did not create the unjust systems, we are responsible as ‘those who have been raised up’ to work to dismantle it through our prayers, words, as well as building fairer structures with our hands and hearts.
• Evaluate and imagine community-based responses rooted in Islamic ethics that address injustice and promote human flourishing.

Course Prerequisites

Course Materials

Students are responsible for purchasing all required textbooks before the start of class.
Ribāṭ textbooks are available at the Rabata Bookshop

Registration Information

Questions?
Contact registration@rabata.org

Attendance Policy

Live attendance is highly recommended. Joining live allows you to engage with your instructor and fellow students, participate in discussions, and be part of the course community.

We understand that schedules may make live attendance difficult. All sessions are recorded and made available to students.

Technology Requirements

To ensure a successful online learning experience, all students must have regular access to a personal computer and reliable high-speed internet. Courses at Ribāṭ University are delivered through Canvas and may include video lectures, interactive discussions, digital readings, and multimedia assignments.
Students are responsible for maintaining the technology needed to participate fully.

Minimum Technical Requirements

Technology Skills

Additional Notes and Technical Support

• Students are expected to check course announcements and email regularly.
• Technical support is available for login issues, course access, and basic troubleshooting.