Winter 2017/Fuller Online

MR550

Reisacher

MR550: INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM (4 Units: 160 hours). Evelyne A. Reisacher.

DESCRIPTION: An overview of Muslim faith and practice, with special attention to comparisons with Christianity, varieties of expression, and their implications for Christian working in Muslim contexts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of this course, students will be able to: (1) acquire an authentic insider’s understanding of Islam as a basis for further specialized study and ministry ministry; (2) overcome prejudices and assumptions resulting from misinformation today between Christians and Muslims globally; and (3) develop a faithful Biblical way to think and act Christianly towards Islam and Muslims.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. 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: 1,148 pp.

Brown, Daniel W. A New Introduction to Islam, 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. ISBN: 978-1405158077, Pub. Price $51.95 [360 pages].

Glaser, Ida. Thinking Biblically about Islam: Genesis, Transfiguration, Transformation. Langham Global Library, 2016. ISBN: 978-1783689125, Pub. Price $29.99. [346 pp.]

Martin, EJ. Where There Was No Church: Postcards from Followers of Jesus in the Muslim World. Learning Together Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0983065906, Pub. Price $12.50. [218 pp.]

Reynolds, Gabriel Said. The Emergence of Islam: Classical Tradition in Contemporary Perspective. Fortress Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-0800698591, Pub. Price $39.00 [224 pp.]

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 1148 pp. of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3] [70 hours].

2. Weekly instruction hours including video lectures, audio-lectures and PowerPoint presentations. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3] [20 hours].

3. 250-word weekly forum posts (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1 and 2] [10 hours].

4. 250-word weekly forum responses (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1 and 2] [10 hours].

5. Three 750-words essays in which you analyze Muslim beliefs and practices (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1 and 2]. [20 hours].
6. Write a 3,000-word paper in which you explore the Islamic understanding of Jesus and how it impacts your witness among Muslims (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1 and 3]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: Auditors are required to complete all assignments.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C1 and C2 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015). Required course in Islamic Studies emphasis.

FINAL EXAMINATION:None.