Evelyne Reisacher,
Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies
Description:
This course examines Muslim-Christian relations since
the inception of Islam to the present days, with examples from around the
world. It analyzes case studies, events, key people who shaped the relations
between Christians and Muslims and suggests how their legacy affects current
interactions between Muslims and Christians. This course also allows students
to discover a variety of models and principles of Muslim and Christian
relations, with attention given to the diverse life-contexts. Students will be
given the opportunity to examine their own relationship to the Muslim world and
how it affects their interactions with Muslims. Particular historical,
ecclesiological and theological issues will be addressed and guidelines for
practical encounters will be formulated.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students should be able
to demonstrate:
•
A critical understanding of the historical development of Muslim-Christian
relation
• Self-critical thinking about their own encounters with Muslims
• Ability to use principles from past Muslim-Christian interactions that can
inform present decisions
• The skills necessary to communicate ideas and arguments in the new contexts
of the 21st century
Course
Format:
The class will meet for two hour sessions twice weekly
for ten weeks. Class meetings will
combine detailed lectures with group discussions, involving participation from
students and class presentations. Readings are from several books covering each
section of the syllabus, and from a collection of articles.
Required Reading: Available
in class syllabus.
Recommended
Reading: Available in class syllabus.
Assignments:
• A 500-word critical review
of relevant literature, including four required texts, plus an additional 500
pages from selected articles.
• In an assigned team, prepare and
present a case study of Muslim-Christian relations.
• Research and write a 4,500 word
paper (double-spaced) that examines historical or current Muslim-Christian
encounters
• Th.M. students will be required to submit an additional 500
words of book review and write a 6,000 word paper demonstrating greater
intellectual critique and analytical depth.
PREREQUISITES:
None.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL
EXAM: None.