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Approximately 22 states constitutionally declare that Islam is the official religion, and the combined populations of these states is 602.5 million, or over half of the Muslim population living in predominantly Muslim countries. In terms of cultural and geographical breadth, this clause--?Islam is the religion of the state?--is the most widespread of all possible constitutional formulations regarding Islam. This seminar will investigate the origins, interpretations, and contemporary uses of these clauses, with a focus on Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. All of these countries are experiencing a vibrant, contentious, and sometimes violent internal debate about the role of Islam in the state, and debates often center on the competing interpretations of this foundational constitutional clause. We will take some time to examine countries with state religion clauses referring to religions other than Islam to gain a comparative perspective on the significance of enshrining a state religion in a constitution. Evaluation: Research paper and class participation. The professor will work with each student individually to identify a topic of interest to the student that is feasible based on the kinds of sources the student is able to use. Teaching Method: Discussion and Lecture Prerequisites: None. Foreign languages are always helpful but not required for this class. Concurrent enrollment with Introduction to Islamic Law will also be helpful, but is not required.