ISLAMIC CULTURE

Course Objectives:
The course aims at giving a brief idea of the various fields adopted or created by Islamic civilization. Hence, this course is basic in building an intellectual frame for adopting a clear and conscious vision in understanding and analysis. It will illustrate the concept of Islamic studies as "a global, interdisciplinary, and comparative approach to the study of Islamic religion and Muslim cultures," It also shows the various intellectual, scholastic (mazhabi) and doctrinal trends that stand in the way of accepting any doctrine unless it is thoroughly examined and scientifically appreciated.

Brief Course Description:
This course deals with various topics and issues concentrating on the frames, general trends and basic issues of Islamic Civilization. The principal topics will include: the history of Islamic studies, in relation to Orientalism, area studies, and religious studies; problems of anti-Islamic bias and stereotypes; use of textbooks, primary sources, novels, films, and the Internet; teaching the Qur'an; Muslim presence in Europe and America ; contemporary reflection on "classical" sources; modern Muslim thinkers; gender studies; and other related subjects.

The course will feature regular visits and conversations with scholars in related fields of study, followed by detailed discussion of the texts used in the course, plus student presentations.

Course Outline:

1. Definition of Islamic Culture
2. Aspects of Islamic culture
3. Islamic Aqidah
4. Al-Ijmah (consensus)
5. History of Islamic Legislation
6. Ethics in Islam
7. The current Islamic World
8. Extremism: Causes and Remedies

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, the students should:
1. have a basic understanding of Islamic history, culture and practices.
2. critically understand how the history and practices of Islam shape the lives of Muslims today
3. be able to compare Islamic culture with other cultures.
4. especially be able to dispel prejudices about all Muslims being fundamentalist terrorists. 

Skills to be developed:
This course helps students in developing the following skills:
1. Communication (Oral & written) Through Assignments, Case Study discussions, and
Examinations
2. Analytical Through Case studies, and examinations
3. Team Work Through Case studies
4. Creative Thinking Through Case studies, assignments, classroom
discussions
5. Adaptability to Change Through Case studies, and examinations
6. Ethics Through lectures and assignments
7. Use of Information Technology Through use of PCs, Internet, CD-ROM, Statistical
data base in the library
8. International issues Through Case studies , assignments, classroom
discussions, and examinations

Evaluating Student Performance:
Class participation and attendance 10%
Individual assignments /or/ Tests (two) 40%
Mid-term examination 20%
Project Presentation 30% 

Grading:
Percentage Score Letter Grade GPA Points Percentage Score Letter Grade GPA Points

90 – 100 A 4.0 70 - 74 C 2.0
85 - 89 B+ 3.5 65 - 69 D+ 1.5
80 - 84 B 3.0 60 - 64 D 1.0
75 - 79 C+ 2,5 < 60 F 0.0

Educational Resources: 

Course Schedule & Outline:
Sixteen Week Semester, 3 hrs/Wk