DESCRIPTION: This is a foundational course introducing students to sociological and anthropological studies of Islam. They will explore factors other than religion and common historical reference which influence and shape Muslim societies. They will look at the social organization within Muslim societies and the impact of culture on Muslim peoples. They will address issues such as "Is there a Muslim Society?" or "Is the veil defining Muslim women?" After exploring the ways early Islam interpreted cultural and social structures, students will analyze various factors that help us understand Muslim peoples in the present day, such as modernity, secularism, globalization, economic trends, local customs, and social practices. As they study the work of anthropologists and sociologists, students will become familiar with new methodologies for observing Muslim peoples. They will also discover the diversity of Islamic societies and the transformation they undergo. This class addresses as well the advantages and disadvantages of integrating these approaches to Christian mission and how they influence Christians' respectful witness to Muslims.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will

1. describe Islamic societies from a sociological and anthropological perspective;

2. identify sociological and anthropological tools to research Muslim societies;

3. be aware of the diversity of social and cultural expressions of Islam around the world;

4. understand how the gospel relates to Muslim peoples.

Bates, Daniel, and Amal Rassam. Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East. 2nd ed. Prentice Hall, 2000. 329 pages. ISBN: 978-0136564898. Publisher Price: $69.40.

Cooke, Miriam, and Bruce B. Lawrence, eds. Muslim Networks from Hajj to Hip Hop. The University of Carolina Press, 2005. 336 pages. ISBN: 978-0807855881. Publisher Price: $ 22.95.

Marranci, Gabriele. The Anthropology of Islam. Berg Publishers, 2008. 224 pages. ISBN: 978-1845202859. Publisher Price: $ 34.95.

Sutton, Philip W., and Stephen Vertigans. Resurgent Islam: A Sociological Approach. Polity, 2005. 248 pages. ISBN: 978-0745632322. Publisher Price: $69.95.

Articles (1400 pages) posted on the Moodle website, available during the 10-week class.

1. One 1,500-word essay based on the required reading discussing what lessons can be learned from the study of Muslim peoples from a sociological and/or an anthropological perspective as Christians engage in a respectful witness to Muslims (30%).

2. One 2000-word paper in which the student addresses a specific topic on Muslim peoples drawing from research conducted by sociologists and anthropologists (30%).

3. Participation in online Moodle activities: Every week, the student writes 150-word reflections on the topics addressed in class, participates in forum discussions and small individual and group assignments (40%).