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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "HS 240"
COURSE NAME: "History of Islam I: The Golden Age of Islam"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall 2016
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Pejman Abdolmohammadi
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An extensive introduction to the formation of Islam and its historical development from its origins (7th century) until the sack of Baghdad by the Mongols (13th century). The course surveys the major political changes and intellectual trends of the period. Structured chronologically, with thematic sessions about theology, culture and law, emphasis is placed on the extent to which regional, ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences amongst the people of the Islamic world were absorbed into a communal “Islamic identity.”
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course will examine the Islamic political history, from the emergence of Mohammad in seventh-century Arabia, followed by the Arab Caliphate (Omayya and“ Abbasids), through to the Safawid and Ottoman Empires. The course will discuss the historical origins of Islam, the evolution of Muslim social and political history, by readings of primary sources, together with relevant secondary literature. Major issues in modern Islamic debate will also receive attention.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students who have successfully completed the course will: -- have thorough knowledge of the early history of Islam, especially regarding the expansion of this religion in the world. The students will able to apply their knowledge and analytical skills to understand modern social, cultural and also political processes in the Middle East -- be able to express their own critical views on historical development of Islam in the world -- have improved their writing skills -- have improved their critical reading skills.
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TEXTBOOK:
Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
The Oxford History of Islam | ed. John L. Esposito | Oxford University Press | 0195135261 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
Midterm Exam | | 50% |
Paper | | 20% |
Reading Reflections | | 10% |
Class Attendance and discussion | | 10% |
Paper presentation | | 10% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments. CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings. DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail. FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
An extensive introduction to the formation of Islam and its historical developments from its origins (7th century) until the time of the sack of Baghdad by the Mongols (13th century). The course surveys the major political changes and intellectual trends of the period. Structured chronologically, with thematic sessions about theology, culture and law, emphasis is placed on the extent to which regional, ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences amongst the people of the Islamic world were absorbed into a communal “Islamic identity.”
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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An Introduction to History and Politics of Islam
An Introduction to History and Politics of Islam
The Foundations of Islam
Tradition in the making: Community East and West
Conflict and Schism
Shiite and Sunni, Imamate and Caliphate
The status of religious minorities: "DHIMMIS"
Islamic Teaching and Practice
The Islamic Schools of Law
Faith and Community. The difference between umma and nation
The debate between Theologians and Philosophers
The way of the Sufi
Shiite Islam, Ali's Partisans
Islam in the modern world: Ibn Battuta's interpretation
Ottoman and Persian Empire
Ottoman and Persian Empire
MIDTERM EXAM
The Mosque: structure and communal function
Islam and modernity: Radicals, Reformists and Modernists
Islam and modernity: Radicals, Reformists and Modernists
The new secular modern States in Middle East: Ataturk and Reza Shah
The Islamic State: various interpretations
Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt
The case of Iran
Global Jihadism and 9/11
The so called Arab Spring and the new middle eastern civil society
READING REFLECTIONS PRESENTATIONS IN CLASSES
READING REFLECTIONS PRESENTATIONS IN CLASSES
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