Chabot College
Fall 2006
Course Outline for Religious Studies 64
THE NATURE OF ISLAM
Catalog Description:
64 - The Nature of Islam
3 units
Introduction to the nature of Islam as a religion or system for life, its culture and its impact on Muslim
individuals and groups. Includes a brief history of Islam and Muslims in relation to the basic sources
of Islam. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. compare and contrast the similarities and differences between three Abrahamic monotheistic
religions;
2. cite specific documents which give perspective to the evolution of the Islamic religion;
3. identify the development of Islamic tradition and its impact on Muslims;
4. identify the fundamental concepts of the Islamic religion.
5. make rational sense of the religion based upon fact and be able to discern between fact and
fiction.
Course Content:
1. An introduction to Abrahamic monotheistic religions as a means to better understand the Islamic
religion.
2. An analysis and discussion of major documents dealing with the study of Islam, including selected
part of the Qur'an.
3. An analysis and discussion of Islamic tradition.
4. An appraisal of fundamental concepts of the religion as they relate to a system of life.
5. An awareness of misconceptions about Islam in general and specifically in the college community.
Method of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Assigned readings
Lectures, discussions
Guest speakers
Audiovisual materials
Typical Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. In an essay, identify and differentiate the Abrahamic monotheistic religions
b. Using research, create a tape or give a speech in which you discuss the major documents
dealing with study of the Qur’an
Chabot College
Course Outline for Religious Studies 64, Page 2
Fall 2006
c.
In a researched speech or essay, evaluate the fundamental concepts of the religion as a way
of life
d. Maintain a Journal in which you document your responses to your learning about the Islamic
tradition, particularly misconceptions about the religious teachings and practice
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Class participation
b. Readings
c. Quizzes
d. Essays
e. Exams, including a final examination
Textbooks (Typical):
1.
2.
3.
4.
F. Denny’s, An Introduction to Islam, Prentice-Hall, 2006
Murata and Chittick, Vision of Islam, St. Paul, MN: Paragon Press, 1994.
Rahman, F., Islam, Chicago: Chicago University Press, 1979.
Safi, Omid editor, Progressive Muslims, Oxford: One World, 2003.
Special Student Materials:
None
HS:kh RelStud64
Revised: 09/30/05