Winter 2014/Fuller Online
MR574
Reisacher
MR574: MUSLIM PEOPLES: A SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH. Evelyne A. Reisacher
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 They will explore factors other than religion and common historical reference which influence and shape Muslim societies.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; and (4) understand how the gospel relates to Muslim peoples.
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:
Cooke, Miriam, and Bruce B. Lawrence, eds. Muslim Networks from Hajj to Hip Hop. The University of Carolina Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-0807855881, Pub. Price $22.95 [336 pp.].
Greenlee, David, Longing for Community: Church, Ummah, or Somewhere in Between? William Carey Library, 2013. ISBN 978-0878085330, Pub. Price $15.99 [295 pp.].
Hoexter, Miriam, Shmuel N. Eisenstadt, and Nehemia Levtzion, The Public Sphere in Muslim Societies. SUNY Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0791453681, Pub. Price $29.95 [202 pp.].
Kreinath, Jens, The Anthropology of Islam Reader. Routledge, 2011. ISBN: 978-0415780254, Pub. Price $55.00 [432 pp.].
Articles (1000 pages) posted on the Moodle website, available during the 10-week class.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
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%).
One 2000-word paper in which the student addresses a specific topic on Muslim peoples drawing from research conducted by sociologists and anthropologists (30%).
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%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Serves as a course substitute for MB501.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.