Summer 2019/Fuller Online

MR574

Johnston

MR574: MUSLIM PEOPLES: SOCIOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACHES (4 Units: 160 Hours). David L. Johnston.

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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 They will explore factors other than religion and common historical reference which influence and shape Muslim societies.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 “What does the veil mean for Muslim women?” 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 trans formation 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 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: 1,025 pp. required

Bowen, John R. A New Anthropology of Islam. Cambridge University Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-

0521529785, Pub. Price $35.99 [231 pp.].

Keskin, Tugrul, ed. The Sociology of Islam: Secularism, Economy and Politics. Reading, UK: Ithaca Press, 2011. ISBN 9780863724251, Pub. Price $19.95 [105 pp. assigned, available via eReserves].

Kreinath, Jens, ed. The Anthropology of Islam Reader. Routledge, 2012. ISBN: 978-0415780254, Pub. Price $60.95 [156 pp. assigned, available via eReserves].

Marranci, Gabrielle, ed. Studying Islam in Practice. Routledge, 2014. ISBN: 978-0-415-64398-6, Pub. Price $59.95 [151 pp. assigned, available via eReserves].

Reisacher, Evelyne A. Joyful Witness in the Muslim World, Sharing the Gospel in Everyday Encounters. Baker Academic, 2016. ISBN: 978-0801030840, Pub. Price $22.99 [224 pp.].

Woodberry, J. Dudley. From Seed to Fruit: Global Trends, Fruitful Practices, and Emerging Issues among Muslims, rev. & enlarged 2^nd ed. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2011). ISBN: 978-0-87808-036-6, Amazon, $39.38 [82 pp. assigned, available via eReserves].

Other articles will be available via eReserves [76 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Grewal, Zareena. Islam Is a Foreign Country: American Muslims and the Global Crisis of Authority. New York University Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-1479800568, Pub. Price $25.00.

Lila Abu-Lughod. Do Muslim Women Need Saving? Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2013. IBSN: 9780674088269, Pub. Price $20.00.

Marranci, Gabrielle. The Anthropology of Islam. Oxford, UK; New York: Berg, 2008. ISBN: 9781845202859, Pub. Price $35.96.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 1,025pp. of required reading. Short reading reports of 1-2 pages will be due each week (25%) [60 hours].
2. Weekly video lectures and film clips [20 hours].
3. 250-word weekly forum posts and 150-word forum responses (35%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3] [30 hours].
4. Group video presentation on one of four countries/areas, with an initial appraisal of missional possibilities (15%). [Learning outcomes #1,2,3] [20 hours].
5. A 1,000-word individual response to two of the group presentations, including some additional ideas on possible Christian responses (5%) [Learning outcomes #2,3] [5 hours].
6. A 2,500 to 3,000-word research paper including at least 1,000 words on missiological application (20%). [Learning outcomes #1,3] [25 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C1 and C2 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Required course in the Islamic Studies emphasis. Serves as a course substitute for MB501.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.