Description:

This course aims to provide students with a working knowledge of the religion and civilization of Islam. This will include a look at Islam as a religion, as well as the culture, civilization and institutions that resulted from the synthesis between Islam and the intellectual, cultural, spiritual and other expressions and aspirations of the various Muslim peoples. In addition to indentifying the core beliefs, practices and sentiments that defined the Muslim Community, we will look at those issues that came to form the focal point of ongoing debate and disagreement, which produced "tendencies" and "orientations," interaction among which resulted in the tensions (sometimes dynamic, at other times less so) that defined Muslim history. We will visit a number of the "major" communities (commonly considered to be part of the Middle East) in their historical encounter with Islam. We will also look at a number of Muslim communities in other parts of the world, including places where Muslims are a minority. We will end with a discussion between Islam and modernity and Islam in the West (specifically in the U.S.).

Text: The main text for this course will be J. Esposito, Islam: The Straight Path, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988 (1st edition), along with a coursepack, available at Accucopy.

Grading:

Grading will be based on student participation in class (10%), performance on the midterm exam (25%), final exam (35%) and the final term paper (30%). The final term paper is to be approximately 10 double-spaced, typewritten pages. It must clearly reflect each student's independent RESEARCH on a topic of his or her choice. In choosing a topic, students should conduct a preliminary investigation into the availability of quality sources in languages in which they are proficient.

Internet sources: Student who wish to use the internet should do so responsibly. Just as with any book, the fact that a statement appears in print neither guarantees its validity nor insulates the student from possible criticism. One should be particularly careful about web-sites that are inordinately biased one way or another. All internet sources used in the term paper must be fully downloaded (such that the source is clearly indicated) and submitted along with the term paper. Failure to do so will adversely affect grading.

Due Date: The term paper will be due on Thursday, 13 April. No late papers will be accepted unless the student submits a written request explaining his or her need for an extension. One copy of this letter should be addressed to Prof. Sherman Jackson and another to the chair of the Near Eastern Studies Department, Prof. Alexander Knysh. It will be responded to within 48 hours or the next class meeting, whichever comes first. The submission of a request for an extension is not a guarantee that one will be granted.

Statement of Academic Integrity: It is assumed that the final term paper represents the unassisted effort of each individual student. Any and all instances of plagrism will fetch an automatic F. If you have any question about the propriety of any form of collaboration with anyone, please consult Prof. Jackson in advance.