Quran: Islam and Qur’an Essay

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DePaul University
Islamic World Studies Program/ The Department of Religious Studies
REL/IWS 271-201 (26156-26157): The Qur’an and its Interpreters
Winter 2013
Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Levan Center, Room 304

Instructor: Dr. Babacar Mbengue, e-mail: bmbengu1@depaul.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 2.45 pm- 3.30 pm at 2327 N. Racine (LPC) Room 103

Course Description:

This course will introduce the student to the important, and foundational text of Islam: The course will introduce students to the Qur’an (the central scripture), and the different interpretations of this text from the early period to the present. This course will begin by giving the students a thorough history of the text, its inception, its collection, and its standardization. After a firm grounding in the history of the text the course will go on to the different interpretations that were inspired by the text. The interpreters we will look at will range from the early period, 700-900 C.E., the classical period 1000-1200 C.E., the post-classical period: 1200-1800 C.E., the modern period 1800-1970 C.E., down to the post-modern period 1970 to the present. The class will concentrate on certain chapters in the Qur’an that addresses women, conflict, and theological issues. Students will familiarize themselves with the different approaches to these issues by different interpreters, from the earliest to the most modern.

Course Learning Outcomes:

This course fulfils the Religious Domain, Religious Traditions requirement for the Liberal Studies Program.

* Students will know and be able to clearly articulate the central beliefs and practices of the religion of Islam across its two major branches – Sunni and Shi’a; * Students will develop an understanding of major events in Islamic history through analysis and evaluation of information and ideas from multiple sources; * Students will be able to describe cultural manifestations of Islam in at least two global regions. The emphasis here is on cultural adaptations, modifications, and innovations – change; * Students will be able to articulate and evaluate ethical issues in Muslim communities from multiple perspectives; * Students will know and be able to use the major texts and sources in Islamic studies in order to pursue graduate studies, work in Muslim communities around the world and careers in diplomacy and government agencies and so on.

Course Requirements:

Students' grades will be based on:

Library Paper = 35%.
The library paper is the final paper. It will deal with a subject chosen by the instructor and posted on Desire2Learn at least 10 days before it is due. The library paper should be double space and at least 10 pages long. Students are expected to use at least a total of 10 academic references (reference journal articles or books) in their papers. The paper will be graded based on 5 criteria: content, language/clarity, references, organization and completeness. Include in each paper an appropriate use of the appropriate terminology reviewed in class. Papers are to meet the following criteria: double-spaced, 1” margins all-around, Times New Roman or Helvetica 12 pt fonts only. Please number pages and put name on each page. Please staple pages together.

Papers: = 25%.
The instructor will assign 2 papers. The topic of each paper will be posted on Desire2Learn one week before the paper is due. The paper should be double space, a minimum of 3 pages and a maximum of 5 pages long. Students are expected to use at least a total of 5 academic references (reference journal articles or books) in their papers. The paper will be graded based on 5 criteria: content, language/clarity, references, organization and completeness. Late papers will not be accepted unless accompanied by a documented excuse. Include in each paper an appropriate use of the appropriate terminology reviewed in class. Papers are to meet the following