Chabot College
November 1995
Changed to RELS 64
Fall 2006
Course Outline for Religious Studies 11
THE NATURE OF ISLAM
Catalog Description:
11 - 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
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
Audio-visual materials
Method of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Class participation
Readings
Quizzes
Essays
Exams, including a final examination
Chabot College
Course Outline for Religious Studies 11, Page 2
November 1995
Textbooks (Typical):
1. M. Pickthall's "The Meaning of the Glorious Koran," 1953.
2. F.M. Denny's "An Introduction to Islam," 1994.
3. John Esposito's "Islam: The Straight Path," 1991.
Special Student Materials:
None
HS:kh RelStud11
11/8/95