Associate Professor
Dr. Lucas is Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Director of the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MENAS). Dr. Lucas' research explores the creative process by which individual Muslim scholars composed works in the genres of law, hadith, and Qur’anic commentary during the classical period of Islamic civilization. Dr. Lucas has spent significant time in Yemen, Iran, and Lebanon.
Currently Teaching
RELI 334 – Islamic Thought
A consideration of Islam, one of the world's major religions, and the view of the universe and the modes of behavior and values it advocates. Most of the course will be dedicated to an examination of the majority (Sunni) opinion, but some attention will be directed also to the more significant minority (Shi'i, et al.) positions as well. The course has no prerequisite but does build on the information presented in TRAD 101 Middle Eastern Humanities.
RELI 444 – Islamic Mysticism
Origin and development of Sufism and its impact on Muslim and non-Muslim worlds.
RELI 544 – Islamic Mysticism
Origin and development of Sufism and its impact on Muslim and non-Muslim worlds.