In this course, we will study the religion of Islam through its core text, the Qur’an. In our studies, we will focus on the following religious themes of the Qur’an: cosmology (e.g. God, human nature, Satan, and the afterlife), theology, ethics, ritual, and law. We will also examine some of the prominent symbols, images and rhetorical structures of the Qur’an, and we will learn to navigate the text. Through reading the prophetic narratives, we will compare Qur’anic and biblical accounts of the major prophets shared by Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The role of the Qur’an in Muslim devotion and as a medium for artistic expression will be explored as well. We will study the context in which the Qur’an was composed, as well as how the text has been interpreted over time. Prior knowledge of Islam and/or Arabic is helpful but not required for this course.
This course emphasizes themes of language and literature, global cultures, women and gender, and ethics and leadership, in conformity with those cross-listings and flags: We will look at female figures in the scripture and in Muḥammad’s life, as well as give special attention to Qur’anic prescriptions related to gender relations. We will study the language, terminology, rhetorical structures, and narrative passages of the text. The text will be approached through the soci0-historical context of late antique Arabia and its interpretation in medieval Islam and modern encounters with the West.
In fulfillment of the Ethics and Leadership flag, this course will give sustained attention to the ethical content of the Qur’an as well as to how Muslims interpret this content. Students will acquire knowledge about the Qur’an’s ethical content by reading assigned passages from the text and discussing these in class. Students will have opportunity to reflect on these passages and their contemporary relevance both in class and through journal exercises.
Course Texts
- Qur'an. You are not required to purchase a copy of the whole Qur’an. Required readings will be available on Canvas. For those who are interested in having access to the whole text, here are some recommended resources:
- The Qur’an, tr. M. A. S. Abdel Haleem. (Oxford U Press, 2005)
- To consult the Arabic text or hear recitation, see online editions at http://tanzil.net, http://www.quranwow.com, and http://quran.com.
- Bible. Not all required Bible readings will be provided on Canvas, so you will need to use your own editions. Searchable online versions found at www.biblegateway.com.
- Toshihiko Izutsu, Ethico-Religious Concepts in the Qur’an (2002)
- Abdullah Saeed, The Qur’an: An Introduction (2008)
- Readings available in pdf on Canvas:
- Excerpts from Muhammad Abdel Haleem, Understanding the Qur’an: Themes and Style (1999)
- Excerpts from The Qur’an, tr. Muhammad Abdel Haleem (2005)
- Excerpts from Barbara F. Stowasser, Women in the Qur’an, Traditions and Interpretations. (Oxford U Press, 1996)
- Islamophobia selections
Grading
NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to adjust course requirements during the term. Students will be notified of any such adjustments either in class or via email.
Course grades will be based on a combination of exams, journal entries, and attendance, as follows:
1 Initial writing exercise = 2%
1 Midterm exam = 20%
5 Journal entries, 6% each = 30%
Final exam = 30%
Attendance = 18%
= 100% total