MR552: History of the Muslim-Christian Encounter (4 units)
Evelyne Reisacher, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies
Winter 2013 Fuller Online
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; and 4) The skills necessary to communicate ideas and arguments in the new contexts of the 21st century.
COURSE FORMAT:
This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. 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
Goddard, Hugh. History of Christian-Muslim Relations. Edinburgh, UK: Edinburgh University Press, 2000. 224 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1566633406. Publisher Price: $16.95.
Haddad, Yvonne Yazbeck, and Wadi Z. Haddad Zaidan. Christian-Muslim Encounters. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 1995. 520 pages. ISBN 13: 978-0-8130-1359-6. Publisher Price: $29.95.
Jabbour, Nabeel T. The Crescent through the Eyes of the Cross: Insights from an Arab Christian. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2008. 272 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1600061950. Publisher Price: $14.99.
Mallouhi, Christine A. Waging Peace on Islam. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002. 348 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0830823048. Publisher Price: $17.60.
Reisacher, Evelyne A., ed. Toward Respectful Understanding and Witness Among Muslims: Essays in Honor of J. Dudley Woodberry. William Carey Library, 2012. 317 pages. ISBN. 978-0-87808-018-2. Publisher Price: $16.79.
ASSIGNMENTS:
A 500-word critical review of three books from the required reading list (15%)
Research and write a 4,500-word paper (double-spaced) that examines historical or contemporary Muslim-Christian encounters from a Christian perspective (35%)
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 (50%)
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAM: None.