MR566/766/866: Qur’anic Arabic and Exegesis, Part I (4 units)

J. Dudley Woodberry, Dean Emeritus and Professor of Islamic Studies
Winter 2005 Pasadena

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. In addition there will be readings directly from the Arabic Qur’an. Also, as a help to the task of correct pronunciation, students will be provided with a recording of all the important exercises.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Be able to do basic exegesis of qur’anic texts.
• Acquire a basic understanding of the primary source of Muslim faith and life.

COURSE FORMAT:

Bi-weekly classes devoted to the vocabulary, grammar, and translation of the Qur’an along with methodological and bibliographical tools for exegesis.

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 EXAM: Yes.

Last Date Edited: November 9, 2004