Winter 2018/Fuller 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.
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. 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: 1,100 total pages required.
Agic, Senad. Immigration & Assimilation: The Bosnian Muslim Experience in Chicago. Wyndham Hall Press, 2004. ISBN: 978-1556053702, Pub. Price $24.00 [100 pages assigned]
Curtis, Edward E. Muslims in America: A Short History. Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0195367560, Pub. Price $13.95 [161 pages assigned]
Fine, Michelle and Selcuk R. Sirin. Muslim American Youth: Understanding Hyphenated Identities through Multiple Methods. NYU Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0814740408, Pub. Price $26.00 [250 pages assigned]
Grewal, Zareena. Islam is a Foreign Country: American Muslims and the Global Crisis of Authority. New York University Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-1479800568, Pub. Price $25.00 [243 pages assigned]
Jackson, Sherman A. Islam and the Blackamerican: Looking Toward the Third Resurrection. Oxford University Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0199782383, Pub. Price $28.95 [202 pages assigned]
Shenk, David W. Christian. Muslim. Friend. Twelve Paths to Real Relationship. Herald Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-0836199055, Pub. Price $14.99 [144 pages assigned]
RECOMMENDED READING: See the Course Syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
1,100 pages of required reading (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, and 4]. [55 hours].
Two hours per week of instruction through online class activities such as video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, documentaries, etc. [20 hours].
250-word weekly forum posts (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, and 3] [15 hours].
Two 250-word weekly forum responses (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, and 3] [15 hours].
A 900-word critical review of two books from the required reading list (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, and 3]. [10 hours].
A 600-word report on an interaction with an American Muslim (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2 and 3]. [5 hours].
A research essay on an assigned topic [3,000 words] (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4]. [40 hours].
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet requirement in the 80 MAICS (2017). Option to meet the C2 or C5 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.