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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
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:

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.”

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. 
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. 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Oxford History of Islamed. John L. EspositoOxford University Press0195135261     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
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.”
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.
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.

SCHEDULE

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