MR568: The Case for Human Rights in
Islam (4 units)
David L. Johnston, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Islamic
Studies
Summer 2004 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
In a post-September 11 world, in which war is declared on
terrorism and many speak of a clash of civilizations (Islam versus the West),
Muslims are debating more seriously than ever their own vision of what global
society should look like. This
socio-cultural and political discussion is a profoundly theological one as
well. On the basis of what Muslims see
as revelation from God (Quran and Sunna), vigorous arguments are exchanged
between traditionals and liberals, islamists and progressives. This course is an introduction to the
theological background, range and anatomy of these current disputes, and is
divided into three parts:
• a survey of Islam’s view of the human person
• a focus on the human rights concept itself, its immediate sources in western
culture and its dominating role after World War II
• Muslim reactions to this powerful global push, i.e., the role of shari‘a for
islamists, both conservative and progressive, and for a wide range of liberals
LEARNING
OUTCOMES:
• Gain a working knowledge of the historical, cultural
and theological roots of current Muslim controversies on human rights
• Appreciate the complexity behind the theory and practice of human rights
norms today
• Evaluate one's own ministry objectives and strategies in the light of the
above information
COURSE FORMAT: Class meets as a two-week intensive, consisting of lectures, discussions, small group work and presentations.
ASSIGNMENTS:
• Daily questions based upon required reading (first day
of class reading found in course reader)
• Group presentation on the human rights situation in one part of the Muslim
world. 5-6 pages (1250-1500 words); paper due from each group member.
• 5,000 to 6,000-word paper
Th.M. students must additionally
submit a book review (from the "recommended" list), and add 1 to
2,000 words to their final paper, and in so doing, demonstrate greater
intellectual critique and analytical depth.
PREREQUISITE:
None.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Elective
FINAL
EXAM: None