Summer 2020/Online

MR553

Meulenberg

MR553: ISLAM IN NORTH AMERICA (4 Units: 160 hours). Michal Meulenberg.

DESCRIPTION: This course looks at the diversity found in Muslim communities in North America through a historic, theological, and sociological lens. What historic events and which key people have shaped Islam in North America? How are different Muslim communities giving expression to their faith? What factors influence the identity formation of American Muslims? Additionally, students will be encouraged to investigate how the answers affect the way in which churches and Christian organizations interact with their Muslim neighbors.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to (1) explain the historic development of Islam in North America; (2) articulate the different expressions of faith among Muslim communities; (3) describe the ethnic, generational, cultural, and socio-economic diversity of Muslim American communities; and (4) develop a plan for Christian groups in North America to build genuine relationships with their Muslim neighbors.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: Electives fulfill the MAT PLO that states “Students will have demonstrated academic capacities appropriate to an area of focus in a theological discipline or to interdisciplinary theological study.” Addresses MAICS Area of Interest Class “Students will have demonstrated capacities to pursue vocations that engage the mission of God globally.”

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 35 instructional hours and discussion and 5 hours of engagement with Muslims (online). Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING & VIEWING: 1,100 total pages required.

1. Articles and Chapters posted on Canvas [370 pages assigned].

2. Curtis, Edward E. Muslims in America: A Short History. Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0195367560, Pub. Price $16.95 [105 pages assigned].

3. Curtis, Edward E. The Practice of Islam in America: An Introduction. NYU Press, 2017. ISBN: 978-1479804887, Pub. Price $28.00 [250 pages assigned].

4. Shenk, David W. Christian. Muslim. Friend. Twelve Paths to Real Relationship. Herald Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-0836199055, Pub. Price $14.99 [175 pages assigned].

5. During week 5, you will be asked to comment on the documentary “Unmosqued”. The documentary can be watched on www.UnmosquedFilm.com for $8.00.

6. Pick one of the following:

Afzal, Ahmed. Lone Star Muslims: Transnational Lives and the South Asian Experience in Texas. NYU Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-1479844807, Pub. Price: $27.00 [200 pages to be read].

Ebrahimji, Maria M. I Speak for Myself: American Women on Being Muslims. White Cloud Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1935952008, Pub. Price $16.95 [200 pages to be read].

Khabeer, Su’ad A. Muslim Cool: Race, Religion, and Hip Hop in the United States. NYU Press, 2016. ISBN: 978-1479894505, Pub. Price: $30.00 [200 pages to be read].

Jackson, Sherman A. Islam and the Blackamerican: Looking Toward the Third Resurrection. Oxford University Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0199782383, Pub. Price $33.95 [200 pages to be read].

Morales, Harold D. Latino and Muslim in America: Race, Religion, and the Making of a New Minority. Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN: 978-0190852603, Pub. Price $36.95 [200 pages to be read].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 1,100 pages of required reading. [65 hours] [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, and 4].
2. Two hours per week of instruction through online class activities such as video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, documentaries, etc. [20 hours].
3. 250-word weekly forum posts (10%). [8 hours] [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, and 3].
4. Two 250-word weekly forum responses (10%). [2 hours] [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, and 3].
5. Interactions with US Muslims [5 hours total] [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3, and 4].
6. A 750-word report on an interaction with two American Muslims (20%) [10 hours] [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3, and 4].
7. 750-word Book Review (20%). [10 hours] [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, and 3].
8. 8. A 3000-word research paper on a chosen topic (40%). [40 hours] [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Option to meet requirement in the 80 MAICS (2017).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.