MR552/652: Lessons from the Muslim-Christian Encounter (4 units)

Martin Accad, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies

Fall 2007 Pasadena

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:

1. A critical understanding of the historical development of Muslim-Christian relation
2. Self-critical thinking about their own encounters with Muslims
3. Ability to use principles from past Muslim-Christian interactions that can inform present decisions
4. The skills necessary to communicate ideas and arguments in the new contexts of the 21^st 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: If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

1. Armour, Rollin. Islam, Christianity, and the West: A Troubled History. Maryknoll, New York. Orbis Books, 2002.
2. Goddard, Hugh. History of Christian-Muslim Relations. Edinburgh, UK: Edinburgh University Press, 2000.
3. Haddad, Yvonne Yazbeck, and Wadi Z. Haddad Zaidan. Christian-Muslim Encounters. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 1995.
4. Watt, William Montgomery. Muslim Christian Encounters: Perceptions and Misperceptions. New York: Routledge, 1991.

Recommended Reading:

Selected articles in the Reader.
1. Esposito, John, ed. The Oxford History of Islam. Oxford, UK: Oxford Press, 2000.
2. Kataregga, B. and D. Shenk. Islam and Christianity: A Muslim Christian Dialogue. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980.
3. Latourette, Kenneth. A History of the Expansion of Christianity. New York: Harper.
4. Moffett, Samuel. A History of Christianity in Asia. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis 1998.
5. Ovey, N. Mohammed. Muslim-Christian Relations: Past, Present, Future. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1999.
6. Zebiri, Kate. Muslims and Christians Face to Face. Oxford: Oneworld, 1997.

Assignments:

1. A 500-word critical review of relevant literature, including four required texts, plus an additional 500 pages from selected articles.
2. In an assigned team, prepare and present a case study of Muslim-Christian relations.
3. 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.

FINAL EXAM: None.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

Last Date Edited: 20 June 2007