RELN 210

I. Course Title: Islam in Global and Historical Contexts (GE)

II. Course Number: RELN 210

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

Lecture. This course introduces students to the origins, development, and contemporary significance of Islam, understood through its expressions in religion, culture, society, and politics, in global perspective.

Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

This course introduces students to the origins, development, and contemporary significance of Islam, understood through its expressions in religion, culture, society, and politics, in global perspective. After a brief overview of Islam’s fundamental aspects, the course divides into three units: a historical survey of Islam and its various traditions; a study of the Qur’an as the center of Islamic thought and practice; and an overview of Islam as a lived and living tradition in contemporary North America and selected other geographic-cultural regions. 

Across these units, reflecting multiple intersections of Islam from around the globe, the course addresses such topics as: Muhammad and the status of messenger in Islam; the Qur’an as text, object, and experiential entity; Islamic schools of theology, philosophy, and law; the historical Caliphate and varying political structures and uses of Islam; sectarian divisions, especially Sunni–Shiite differentiations; Sufi mysticism; Islamic influences on medieval European societies; Islamic art and literature; Muslim attitudes towards gender, race, and sexuality; and modern expressions of Islam.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

As an intermediate-level offering, this course employs a number of teaching and learning strategies and activities including the following, among others: 

1. Instructor-led lecture and discussion
2. Student led discussion and small-group discussion
3. Formal or informal debates
4. Individual and group oral presentations
5. Informal and formal writing assignments
6. Journal-writing
7. Individual and collaborative research activities involving library and Internet searches
8. Written and oral analysis of cases and/or texts
9. Written summaries/evaluations of out-of-class events
10. Guest lecturers/presenters

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

1. Summarize the origin and historical development of early Islam and identify connections between present-day forms of Islam and the period of its emergence; 
2. Describe and interpret significant concepts in Islamic thought and practice;
3. Compare and contrast differing forms of Islam in present-day socio-cultural contexts; and 
4. Explain the relevance of understanding Muslim diversity in personal and professional contexts.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

A variety of assessment tools will be used.  These may include quizzes/exams, writing assignments, presentations, and research papers, among others.

Review and Approval

August 2020

March 01, 2021