MR556/656: Current Trends in Islam (4 units)
J. Dudley Woodberry, Dean Emeritus and Professor of Islamic Studies
Martin Accad, Visiting Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies

Winter 2007 Pasadena

 

 

DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to help students gain an understanding of the basic beliefs and practices which inspire and guide the Islamic resurgence today. Consideration will be given to the impact of colonialism, Western ideas, independence and petrodollars, and the abolition of the “Ottoman Caliphate”, and the unity and variety of the responses to these stimuli. Responses that will be studied include modernism, revivalism, radicalism, and liberalism. The implications of these trends for a Christian perspective and witness will be examined.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

· Develop an understanding of the varieties of Muslims today

· Come to an appreciation of the historical elements that have led to the current observable trends in Islam
· Explore ways that the Church is interacting and can interact appropriately with contemporary Muslims

 

COURSE FORMAT: Class meets daily as a two-week intensive for lecture and discussion.

 

REQUIRED READING: Available in class syllabus.

 

RECOMMENDED READING (for areas of special interest): Available in class syllabus.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Write a 500 word interaction report on each required book that reflects on ethical, Christian, and/or missiological implications of two or more ideas in the book.
2. Write a 2500 to 3750-word paper in which you develop a Christian and/or missiological perspective on a specific group of contemporary Muslims (identified by their ideology, region, ethnicity, or other characteristics).

 

PREREQUISITES: None.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets Min 8 requirement for M.Div. Program. Meets Globalization requirement for M.A. Theology Program. Meets Multicultural requirement for Master of Arts in Theology, Theology and Arts.

 

FINAL EXAM: None.

 

Last Date Edited: September 21, 2006