Fuller Online
MR550: Winter 2010
Woodberry/Basselin

 

MR550: INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM (4 units)

J. Dudley Woodberry, Professor of Islamic Studies;

Online Facilitation by Robin Basselin, Adjunct Instructor in Islamics.

 

DESCRIPTION:

An overview of Muslim faith and practice with special attention to comparisons with Christianity, varieties of expression, and their implications for Christian witness.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

á       Acquire an overview of the field of Islamic studies as a basis for further specialized study and ministry.

á       Understand the similarities and differences between Christian faith and Islamic faith and their varieties in order to form a basis for relevant Christian-Muslim interaction.

 

COURSE FORMAT:

The class will be conducted on the Internet using a 10-week lesson program aligned with FullerÕs academic calendar. Each week students and the instructor will interact with the material provided to the class through audio and visual presentations. This interaction will be through journaling, threaded discussions, and web-based research.

 

REQUIRED READINGS:

If already read, select other books from a supplementary reading list or book approved by instructor.

á       Denny, Frederick M. An Introduction to Islam. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1985, 1994 or 2005.

á       Kateregga, Badru D. and David W. Shenk. A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1997.

á       Moucarry, Chawkat. The Prophet and the Messiah. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001.

á       Qur'an. Preferably the translation of A. Yusuf Ali or A. J. Arberry (Macmillan).

á       "The World of Islam: Resources for Understanding" CD-ROM. Colorado Springs, CO: Global Mapping International 2000 (includes A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue and the QurÕan both required readings and about 60 books and articles, plus maps, pictures, and annotated bibliography).

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1.      Weekly Threaded Discussions, Journaling, Web surfing and research, and ÒchatÓ time.

2.      Interaction reports on each required book (2 pages, double spaced).

3.      Term Paper due the last day of the quarter in which you evaluate the qur'anic Jesus and suggest how it can serve as a bridge for interpreting the biblical Jesus (12-15 pages, double spaced).

4.      Th.M. Students only: Write a biblical perspective on Muhammad (5 pages, double spaced — please note you will be advised of relevant books to research).

 

PREREQUISITES: None.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

Foundational course for Islamic Studies concentration; Meets Min 8 requirement for M.Div. Program; Meets Globalization requirement for M.A. Theology Program; Ministry Focus Elective in MA in Global Leadership program.

 

FINAL EXAM: None

Updated October 2009

 

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification