MR566/766/866: Qur’anic Arabic and Exegesis (4 units)
Mark H.,
Adjunct Instructor in Islamic Studies
Mohamed Rahouma, Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies
Winter 2004
DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces the alphabet, basic grammatical structures, and vocabulary of the Arabic language with specific application to the Qur’an. The examples and readings found in the textbook are almost exclusively drawn from the Qur’an and the hadith literature. Students will also be exposed to the chanting of the Qur’an, as this is one of the vital spiritual experiences uniting the 1.2 billion Muslims around the world. Also, as a help to the task of correct pronunciation, students will be provided with a recording of all the important exercises. Finally, as a result of this course students will be able to do basic exegetical work on the qur’anic text.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Increased skill and confidence to study the Qur’an in Arabic
• Greater understanding of Islam from the inside
• Greater ability to effectively share one’s faith with Muslims
COURSE FORMAT:
The instructor presents each lesson in class; some translation work is done in small groups; up to a third is devoted to questions brought to class.
REQUIRED
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Weekly exercises from the first fifteen chapters
covered by this course.
2. A two-page exegetical paper on a short qur’anic
passage.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Methods course for
doctoral students in Islamics.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.