American University School of International Service
International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program
ISLAMIC PEACE PARADIGMS
SIS 461.003 / SIS 619.004
Fall 2013 Monday 8:10-10:40PM
Instructor:
Dr. Mohammed Abu-Nimer
Phone: (202) 885-1656
E-mail: abunimer@american.edu
Office: SIS 211
Office Hours:
Thursday: 3:00-5:00PM
or by appointment
Teaching Assistant:
Timothy Seidel
Phone: (202) 540-8191
E-mail: timothy.seidel@american.edu
Office: SIS 211
Office Hours:
Thursday: 11:00AM-12:00PM
or by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The ideal of peace is deeply embedded in the religious vision of Islam, but ideas for
achieving peace have differed. This course explores the interpretive foundations, history, and
practice of peace within the context of major Islamic Paradigms: tradition, reformism (islah),
renewalism (tajdid), and Sufism (tasawwuf) and compares and contrasts them with the Peace
Paradigms developed in the West. The origins, value structure, and methodology of each
paradigm are examined in light of the challenges facing contemporary Islamic societies. Based
on Prof. Abdul Aziz Said’s thematic conceptualization, the course examines five areas of inquiry
and explores the following paradigms:
(1) Peace through Coercive Power: Realist/Power Politics
(2) Peace through the Power of Law: World Order and Institutions
(3) Peace through Will Power: Nonviolence and Movements for Social Change
(4) Peace through the Power of Communication: Conflict Resolution
(5) Peace through the Power of Love: Transformation, Person and Community
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES:
This course explores the multiple and diverse approaches to engage in peacebuilding
from Islamic religious and cultural lenses. It specifically aims to: 1. Examine theological
constructions of peacemaking from various Islamic perspectives; 2. Understand the complexity
and challenges involved in adopting certain peace paradigm in Islamic context; 3. Review
current trends in Islamic peacebuilding and identify leading voices in implementing Islamic
peace paradigm.
Based on the above objectives, the main learning outcomes for this course are for
students to be able to:
 Describe, compare, contrast, and critically examine concepts and theoretical approaches
to the study of Islamic peace paradigms;
 Demonstrate the capacity to critically analyze and understand the modern day Islamic
movements and their relationship to peace and conflict resolution;
1

Identify proponents of the most general, systemic, and philosophical Islamic approaches
to peace and their distinctive features (strengths and limitations);
 Critically evaluate the roles of Muslim individuals, governmental and non-governmental
agencies in building peace.
The course adopts an interactive format. It has in-class dialogue sessions to explore the various
Islamic peace paradigms and their public perceptions of conflict. Be prepared to fully engage and
delve into Islamic peace paradigms.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND EVALUATION:
The final grade will be based on:
- 10%
Class participation
- 40%
Journal entries
- 20%
Class presentation and discussion
- 30%
Research paper
Class Participation (10%): 10% of the final grade will be based on your attendance and
the quality of your participation in class discussions. Therefore it is imperative that students
come to the class prepared. In order to prepare for the class, students are expected to do all the
required readings and prepare one question for discussion. Unexcused absences will affect your
participation grade. The student is responsible for making up all assignments missed because of
excused absences. Late submission of assignments without an official excuse will affect your
grade.
Journal Entries (40%): 40% of your grade will be based on five (5) journals submitted
throughout the semester. Each journal entry should be five pages (typed, double-spaced). Each
entry should demonstrate your acquaintance with the assigned literature, as well as your personal
critique of the literature, the perspectives explored in class and the connections to the current
worldly events.
Class Presentation (20%): After selecting a partner, each student (in pairs) will lead a
class discussion and presentation that focuses on one specific weekly required reading. The
presentation length is 25-30 minutes and should link the readings to one or more current events
(See more instructions on this assignment in a separate handout).
Research Paper (30%): Students will submit a research study paper where they will
explore the relevance and application of one of the paradigms to a case study (individual
peacemaker/institution/movement). Students should do extra-curricular research and are
encouraged to conduct interviews when possible. Research papers should be no less than 18
pages and no more than 20 pages (double spaced, 12-point font). Research papers are due
December 9, 2013. Research papers will be evaluated on timely submission, page requirements,
proper use of citations, relevance to class themes and topics, display of a good understanding of
course material, a clear thesis or argument, brief contextual background information on the case,
argument is well developed and is clear, display of evidence/facts/interviews to support the
argument, analysis of Islamic factors, principles and values, and conclusions, implications of the
research. Students are expected to submit a proposal and discuss their case studies with Professor
Abu-Nimer by the 7th week of the course.
The final grade for the course -- A numerical score will be equivalent to the following letter
grades: 100-95: A; 90-94: A-; 85-89: B+; 80-84: B; 75-79: B-; 70-74: C+; 65-69: C; 60-64: D
2
IMPORTANT DATES:
September 16: Journal Entry # 1 Due
October 7: Journal Entry # 2 Due
October 28: Journal Entry # 3 Due
November 11: Journal Entry#4 Due
November 25: Journal Entry# 5 Due
December 9: Research Paper Due
PEDAGOGICAL STYLE:
This is an interactive course in which you are expected to engage with the ideas and
thoughts presented in the assignments, by the professor, other students -- and yourself. The
philosophy of teaching followed is collaborative learning. It works as follows: In an MIT study
of modes of learning, the basic professor-lecture model was shown least effective in student
ability to master the course material. Assigned readings and group research projects fared better;
however, when students and teachers worked cooperatively, learning increased exponentially.
Moreover, collaborative learning stimulated the highest degree of creative thought. By taking
this course, you are already involved in the process of creative thoughtfulness.
What is Collaborative Learning?
 Collaborative learning means that in addition to the lectures, and the requisite
assignments, we will engage in active, ongoing and focused discussion.
 The process is based on the concept that we each -- equally -- hold experience-based
knowledge that provides a solution (or stimulus) to another person’s question.
 Rather than passive learning, you will be engaged in “doing,” in thinking, creating,
rejecting, and building.
 You will be required to analyze the ideas of others, to organize your own and to express
them constructively.
 We each have our own learning styles and ways of expression. Becoming aware of these
and using them wisely is part of the collaborative process.
 In the collaborative process, we not only listen and observe, but actively participate by
contributing ideas, resources and follow-up action. We also adjust our perceived realities.
 Preparedness includes coming to class having read and thought through the assignments,
ready to build on what has already been done, to offer new solutions.
 Collaborative learning does not stop when you walk out of the class room (nor begin
when you enter). You are encouraged to continue your discussions and to work
collaboratively out of class. Your assignments, however, are individual.
Collaborative Learning is neither a free-for-all, nor talk for talk’s sake. Collaborative Learning
does not mean slacking off and hiding behind the work of others.
GENERAL POLICIES:
This course is structured to involve students’ participation. Class attendance and class
preparation are necessary for participation in exploring the issues of the course. Regular
attendance is required as is punctual reading of assignments. It is very unlikely that anyone
missing more than 2 class periods, for whatever reason, will receive higher than a "C" for class
participation. It is the responsibility of any student who misses three class sessions during the
semester to confer with the instructor to see whether he or she should continue the course.
3
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES:
If you experience difficulty in this course for any reason, please don’t hesitate to consult
with me. In addition to the resources of the department, a wide range of services is available to
support you in your efforts to meet the course requirements.
Academic Support Center (x3360, MGC 243) offers study skills workshops, individual
instruction, tutor referrals, and services for students with learning disabilities. Writing support is
available in the ASC Writing Lab or in the Writing Center, Battelle 228.
Counseling Center (x3500, MGC 214) offers counseling and consultations regarding personal
concerns, self-help information, and connections to off-campus mental health resources.
Disability Support Services (x3315, MGC 206) offers technical and practical support and
assistance with accommodations for students with physical, medical, or psychological
disabilities. If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please notify me in a
timely manner with a letter from the Academic Support Center or Disability Support Services so
that we can make arrangements to address your needs.
STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
All students are governed by American University's Academic Integrity Code, which
details specific violations of ethical conduct that relates to academic integrity. By registering,
you have acknowledged your awareness of the Academic Integrity Code, and you are obliged to
become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. All of your work
(whether oral or written) in this class is governed by the provisions of the Code. Academic
violations, particularly plagiarism, have been increasing in recent years, partly due to web sites
and other sources that offer information or papers that students can submit as their own work.
Defined by the Code, plagiarism is using the work, ideas, or words of someone else without
attribution. Other violations include inappropriate collaboration (working on a project with
another person but not acknowledging her or his contribution), dishonesty in examinations,
whether in class or take-home, dishonesty in papers (not submitting original work), work done
for one course and submitted to another, deliberate falsification of data, interference with other
students' work, and copyright violations. The adjudication process and possible penalties are
listed in American University's Academic Integrity Code booklet, which is also available on the
American University web site. The Instructor has the responsibility to monitor course
assignments for violations of academic integrity, and the right to submit any suspicious
assignments for electronic analysis to detect such violations. Being a member of this academic
community entitles each of us to a wide degree of freedom in the pursuit of scholarly interests;
with that freedom, however, comes a responsibility to uphold the ethical standards of scholarly
conduct.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR DISRUPTION OF CLASSES:
In the event of an emergency, American University will implement a plan for meeting the
needs of all members of the university community. Should the university be required to close for
a period of time, we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of our educational programs will
be delivered to our students. These may include altering and extending the duration of the
traditional term schedule to complete essential instruction in the traditional format and/or use of
distance instructional methods. Specific strategies will vary from class to class, depending on
the format of the course and the timing of the emergency. Faculty will communicate class4
specific information to students via AU e-mail and Blackboard, while students must inform their
faculty immediately of any absence. Students are responsible for checking their AU e-mail
regularly and keeping themselves informed of emergencies. In the event of an emergency,
students should refer to the AU Student Portal, the AU Web site (www.prepared.american.edu)
and the AU information line at (202) 885-1100 for general university-wide information, as well
as contact their faculty and/or respective dean’s office for course and school/ college-specific
information.
EARLY WARNING NOTICES:
Undergraduate students may receive Early Warning Notices within the first month of
classes. These notices are designed for you to contact your faculty, receive assistance, and
develop strategies to improve your performance in the class. Please note that you should seek
help throughout the semester when you have questions, fail to submit an assignment, fail to
attend class, or receive an unsatisfactory grade.
COURSE READINGS:
Required course books can be found both at the American University Library Reserve
Desk (on Reserve) and the American University Bookstore. Other course materials, such as
articles and chapters, can also be found at the American University Library Reserve Desk and on
Blackboard. Students are also suggested to familiarize themselves with the Blackboard, as
important announcement will be posted there.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
1. Abu-Nimer, Mohammed. 2003. Nonviolence and Peacebuilding in Islam: Theory and
Practice. Gainesville, Fl.: University of Florida Press. ISBN-10: 0813027411; ISBN13: 978-0813027418
2. Funk, Nathan C. and Abdul Aziz Said. 2008. Islam and Peacemaking in the Middle East.
Boulder, Colo.: Lynn Rienner Publishers. ISBN-10: 1588265692; ISBN-13: 9781588265692
3. Huda, Qamar-ul (Ed.). 2010. Crescent and Dove: Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam.
Washington, D.C.: United States Institute of Peace Press. ISBN-10: 1601270607; ISBN13: 978-1601270603
4. Kurzman, Charles (Ed). 1998. Liberal Islam: A Sourcebook. Oxford: Oxford University
Press. ISBN-10: 0195116224; ISBN-13: 978-0195116229
5. Said, Abdul Aziz, Mohammed Abu-Nimer, and Meena Sharify-Funk (Eds.). 2006.
Contemporary Islam: Dynamic, Not Static. London: Routledge Publishers. ISBN10: 0415770122; ISBN-13: 978-0415770125
RECOMMENDED TEXTS:
1. Ahmed, Akbar S. and Tamara Sonn (Eds.). 2010. The SAGE Handbook of Islamic
Studies. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. ISBN-10: 0761943250; ISBN-13: 9780761943259
2. Esack, Farid. 1997. Qurʼan, Liberation & Pluralism: An Islamic Perspective of
Interreligious Solidarity Against Oppression. Oxford, England: Oneworld. ISBN10: 1851681213; ISBN-13: 978-1851681211
5
3. Sachedina, Abdulaziz. 2001. The Islamic Roots of Democratic Pluralism. New York:
Oxford University Press. ISBN-10: 0195326016; ISBN-13: 978-0195326017
4. Said, Abdul Aziz, Nathan C. Funk, and Ayse S. Kadayifci (Eds.). 2001. Peace and
Conflict Resolution in Islam: Precept and Practice. Lanham, Md: University Press of
America. ISBN-10: 0761820078; ISBN-13: 978-0761820079
5. Said, Abdul Aziz and Meena Sharify-Funk (Eds.). 2003. Cultural Diversity and Islam.
Lanham, Md: University Press of America. ISBN-10: 0761825231; ISBN-13: 9780761825234
6. Thistlethwaite, Susan Brooks (Ed.). 2012. Interfaith Just Peacemaking: Jewish,
Christian, and Muslim Perspectives on the New Paradigm of Peace and War. New York:
Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10: 1137293373; ISBN-13: 978-1137293374
Note on Recommended Readings Included in the Syllabus
Following the required books in the syllabus, you will find a set of recommended books,
chapters, and articles. These books and articles are included in the syllabus as additional
resources for those students who are interested in particular themes and topics and who would
like to read more in those areas. Some of the recommended books will be available both at the
bookstore and the library. Recommended articles and book chapters will be made available at the
Library Reserves and, online space permitting, on blackboard for your convenience. While all
the students are required to do the “required readings” students are encouraged to read the
recommended readings relevant to their interest areas.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
WEEK 1 (Aug 26): Introduction
First week will include presentation of course overview, discussion of Students' Backgrounds
and Interests, preliminary Perspectives on Islamic Peace paradigms, and assignment of
Collaborative Presentations
WEEK 2 (Sep 9): What is Islam? Where is Islam? Why a Paradigmatic Approach?
Required:
1. Funk and Said, Islam and Peacemaking in the Middle East, part I.
2. Kurzman, Liberal Islam, chapters 1-4.
Recommended:
1. Armstrong, K. 1992. Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet (San Francisco, Calif.:
Harper San Francisco).
2. Karamustafa, A. 2003. “Islam: A Civilizational Project in Progress.” In O. Safi (Ed.)
Progressive Muslims: On Justice, Gender, and Pluralism (Oxford: Oneworld
Publications), chapter 3.
3. Smock, D. 2004. “Ijtihad: Reinterpreting Islamic Principles for the Twenty-First
Century.” United States Institute of Peace Special Report 125. Available online at
http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/sr125.pdf.
4. Dallal, A. S. 1995. “Ummah.” In J. L. Esposito (Ed.) The Oxford Encyclopedia of the
Modern Islamic World, Vol. 3. (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
6
Web Sources:
1. PBS Newshour “Dialogue: In the Name of Islam”:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/july-dec05/islam_8-04.html
2. Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project: http://www.al-islam.org/
3. The Koran online: http://www.hti.umich.edu/relig/koran/
PEACE THROUGH COERCIVE POWER: REALIST/POWER POLITICS
WEEK 3 (Sep 16): Development of Islamic Perspectives on Security and Social Order
Collaborative Presentation
*JOURNAL ENTRY #1 DUE
Required:
1. Said et al. Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam, chapter 2.
2. Funk and Said, Islam and Peacemaking in the Middle East, chapter 4.
3. Said et al, Contemporary Islam, chapters 1 and 3.
Recommended:
1. Esack, Qurʼan, Liberation & Pluralism, chapter 1.
2. Sachedina, Islamic Roots of Democratic Pluralism, chapter 1.
3. Kadayifci-Orellana, A. 2005. “Muslim Perspectives on War and Peace.” Proceedings
from the First Annual Conference of the Mahatma Gandhi Center for Global Nonviolence
at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 11 April 2005.
4. Khadduri, M. 1965. “The Islamic Theory of International Relations and Its
Contemporary Relevance.” In J. H. Proctor (Ed.) Islam and International Relations (New
York: Frederick A. Praeger Publishers), pp.24-39.
Web Sources:
1. Library of Congress Conference entitled, Globalization and Civil Society in the Muslim
World, (Six participants explore the dimensions of civil society in the Muslim world from
a variety of perspectives): http://www.loc.gov/locvideo/mslm/mslmcvl/
WEEK 4 (Sep 23): Islamic Extremism and Fundamentalism in the Age of Globalization
Collaborative Presentation
Required:
1. Huda, Crescent and Dove, chapters 2-3.
2. Appleby, R. S. and M. Marty. 2002. “Fundamentalism.” Foreign Policy (128): 16-22.
3. Kurzman, Liberal Islam, chapter 22.
Recommended:
1. Sachedina, A. 1986. “The Creation of a Just Social Order in Islam.” In M. Ahmad
(Ed.) State, Politics, and Islam (Indianapolis: American Trust Publishers), pp.115-131.
2. Soueid, M. 1995. “Islamic Unity and Political Change: Interview with Shaykh
Muhammad Hussayn Fadlallah.” Journal of Palestine Studies, 25(1): 61–75.
7
3. Khashan, H. 1997. “The New World Order and the Tempo of Militant Islam.” British
Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 24(1): 5-24.
PEACE THROUGH THE POWER OF LAW: WORLD ORDER AND INSTITUTIONS
WEEK 5 (Sep 30): Islamic Law of Nations: Siyar and International Institutions
Collaborative Presentation
Required:
1. Funk and Said, Islam and Peacemaking in the Middle East, chapter 5.
2. Huda, Crescent and Dove, chapter 6.
3. Kurzman, Liberal Islam, chapters 16-19.
Recommended:
1. Pasha, M. K. and A. I. Samatar. 1996. “The Resurgence of Islam.” In J. H. Mittleman
(Ed.) Globalization: Critical Reflections (Boulder, Colo.: Lynne Rienner Publishers),
chapter 9.
2. Mohammad, N. 1985. “The Doctrine of Jihad: An Introduction.” Journal of Law and
Religion, 3(2): 381-397.
3. Said et al, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam, chapter 4.
Web Sources:
1. Organization of Islamic Conference Webpage: http://www.oic-oci.org/
WEEK 6 (Oct 7): Islamic Cosmopolitanism in the Contemporary Muslim Intellectual
Context: Tajdid and Islah
Collaborative Presentation
*JOURNAL ENTRY #2 DUE
Required:
1. Kurzman, Liberal Islam, chapters 10, 23-24, 27.
2. Said et al, Contemporary Islam, chapter 7.
3. Huda, Crescent and Dove, chapter 1.
Recommended:
1. Rahman, F. 1970. “Revival and Reform in Islam.” In P. M. Holt, A. K. S. Lambton,
and B. Lewis (Eds.) Cambridge History of Islam, Vol. 2 (Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press), chapter 7.
2. Voll, J. O. 1983. “Renewal and Reform in Islamic History: Tajdid and Islah.” In J. L.
Esposito (Ed.) Voices of Resurgent Islam (Oxford: Oxford University Press), chapter 2.
3. Beedham, B. 1994. “It Is Now the Year 1415 (A Survey of Islam and the West).”
Economist, 332(7875): 14-16.
4. Abu Khalil, A. 1995. “Islah.” In J. L. Esposito (Ed.) The Oxford Encyclopedia of the
Modern Islamic World, Vol. 2. (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Web Sources:
8
1. Maghraoui, A. M. 2006. “American Foreign Policy and Islamic Renewal.” United
States Institute of Peace Special Report 164. Available online at:
http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/resources/sr164.pdf.
WEEK 7 (Oct 14): Democracy and Human Rights in Islam
Collaborative Presentation
Required:
1. Said et al, Contemporary Islam, chapter 2 and 8.
2. Huda, Crescent and Dove, chapter 7.
3. Kurzman, Liberal Islam, chapters 28-30.
Recommended:
1. Peyman, H. 2007. “Islam and the Source of Human Rights.” In C. Wellman and M. H.
Modjandeh (Eds.) Theoretical Foundations of Human Rights: Collected Papers of the
Second International Conference on Human Rights (Qom, Iran: Mofid University Center
for Human Rights Studies), pp.353-376.
2. Smock, D. 2002. “Islam and Democracy.” United States Institute of Peace Special
Report 94. Available online at http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/sr93.pdf.
3. Mayer, A. E. 2013. Islam and Human Rights: Tradition and Politics, 5th ed (Boulder,
Colo: Westview Press).
4. Nasr, S. V. R. 1995. “Democracy and Islamic Revivalism.” Political Science
Quarterly, 110(2): 261-285.
Web Sources:
1. Muqtedar Khan, M.A. (Ed.). Islamic Democratic Discourse: Theory, Debates and
Philosophical Perspectives. www.ijtihad.org/book3.htm
2. Islamic Human Rights Commission: http://www.ihrc.org/
3. Islam and Human Rights: http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Books/M_hri/
4. Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy www.islam-democracy.org
5. The Doha Declaration:
http://www.npwj.org/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=1715
WEEK 8 (Oct 21): Women in Islamic Peace Paradigms
Collaborative Presentation
Required:
1. Kurzman, Liberal Islam, part III, chapters 11-15.
2. Said et al, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam, chapter 15.
3. Yakoobi, S. and the Afghan Institute of Learning. 2007. “Underground Woman:
Afghanistan.” In D. Little (Ed.) Peacemakers in Action: Profiles of Religion in Conflict
Resolution (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), chapter 12.
Recommended:
9
1. Jad, I. 2005 “Between Religion and Secularism: Islamist Women of Hamas.” In F.
Nouraie-Simone (Ed.) On Shifting Ground: Middle Eastern Women in the Global Era
(New York: Feminist Press at the City University of New York), chapter 9.
2. Sharify-Funk, M. 2005. “Women and the Dynamics of Transnational Networks.” In F.
Nouraie-Simone (Ed.) On Shifting Ground: Middle Eastern Women in the Global Era
(New York: Feminist Press at the City University of New York), chapter 13.
3. Miller, W. F. 2002. “Public Words and Body Politics: Reflections on the Strategies of
Women Poets in Rural Yemen.” Journal of Women’s History, 14(1): 94-122.
4. Combs-Schilling, M. E. 1994. “Sacred Refuge: The Power of a Muslim Female Saint.”
Fellowship, 60(5-6): 17.
PEACE THROUGH WILL POWER: NONVIOLENCE AND MOVEMENTS FOR SOCIAL
CHANGE
WEEK 9 (Oct 28): Defining Nonviolence and Application of Islamic Principles in
Nonviolent Social Movements
Collaborative Presentation
*JOURNAL ENTRY #3 DUE
Required:
1. Funk and Said, Islam and Peacemaking in the Middle East, chapter 7
2. Abu-Nimer, Nonviolence and Peacebuilding in Islam, chapters 1, 2, 5.
3. Said et al, Contemporary Islam, chapters 10-11.
4. Huda, Crescent and Dove, chapter 5.
Recommended:
1. Said, A. A. and M. Sharify Funk (Eds.). 2003. Cultural Diversity and Islam (Lanham,
Md.: University Press of America), chapters 10-11.
2. Kadayifci-Orellana, A. 2005. “Peace through Nonviolence.” In A. K. Bangura (Ed.)
Islamic Peace Paradigms (Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt), chapter 4.
3. Johansen, R. C. 1997. “Radical Islam and Nonviolence: A Case Study of Religious
Empowerment and Constraint among Pashtuns.” Journal of Peace Research, 34(1):5371.
Web Sources:
1. Islam and Nonviolence: http://www.globalnonviolence.org/islam.htm
2. Interview with Mubarak Awad: http://www.peacemagazine.org/archive/v16n4p13.htm
3. Libforall organization: http://www.libforall.org/
PEACE THROUGH THE POWER OF COMMUNICATION: CONFLICT RESOLUTION
WEEK 10 (Nov 4): Western and Islamic Approaches to Conflict Resolution
Collaborative Presentation
Required:
1. Funk and Said, Islam and Peacemaking in the Middle East, chapter 6.
10
2. Abu-Nimer, Nonviolence and Peacebuilding in Islam, chapters 3-4.
Recommended:
1. Said et al, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam, chapter 8.
Web Sources:
1. Sulha Tradition:
http://www.planet.edu/~alaslah/annual_report9900/annual_report2003.htm
2. http://peacefilmfest.org/program/?p=39
2. Sulha in Practice:
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArtUnd.jhtml?itemNo=603974&contrassID=2&s
ubContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y
WEEK 11 (Nov 11): Islamic Conflict Resolution in Practice
Collaborative Presentation
*JOURNAL ENTRY #4 DUE
Required:
1. Huda, Crescent and Dove, chapters 4, 8, 10.
2. Said et al, Contemporary Islam, chapter 13.
Recommend:
1. Weigert, G. 1996. “A Note on Hudna: Peacemaking in Islam.” In Y. Lev (Ed.) War
and Society in the Eastern Mediterranean, 7th-15th Centuries (Leiden, The Netherlands:
Brill Academic Publishers), chapter 14.
2. Salem, P. (Ed.). 1997. Conflict Resolution in the Arab World: Selected Essays (Beirut,
Lebanon: American University of Beirut), preface, chapters 1-2.
3. Said et al, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam, chapter 9.
4. Irani, G. E. 1999. “Islamic Mediation Techniques for Middle East Conflicts.” Middle
East Review of International Affairs, 3(2). Available online at http://www.gloriacenter.org/1999/06/irani-1999-06-01/.
PEACE THOUGH THE POWER OF LOVE: TRANSFORMATION, PERSON AND
COMMUNITY
WEEK 12 (Nov 18): Islamic Understandings of Consciousness and Its Cultivation
Collaborative Presentation
Required:
1. Funk and Said, Islam and Peacemaking in the Middle East, chapter 8.
2. Said et al, Contemporary Islam, chapter 14.
3. Said et al, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam, chapters 13 and 14.
4. Sachedina, Islamic Roots of Democratic Pluralism, chapter 4.
Recommended:
11
1. Special Issue on Sufism. 1994. Gnosis: A Journal of the Western Inner Traditions, No.
30.
2. Hodgson, M. 1974. “The Sufism of the Tariqah Orders.” In The Venture of Islam:
Conscience and History in a World Civilization, Volume Two: The Expansion of Islam in
the Middle Periods (Chicago: University of Chicago Press).
3. Denny, F. M. 1998. “Islam and Ecology: A Bestowed Trust Inviting Balanced
Stewardship.” Earth Ethics: Evolving Values for an Earth Community, 10(1): 10-11.
Web Resources:
1. Sikand: http://www.countercurrents.org/kashmir-sikand200706.htm
2. Sufism and Sufi Orders: http://godlas.myweb.uga.edu/Sufism.html
WEEK 13 (Nov 25): A Sufi Perspective on the Pursuit of Unity
Collaborative Presentation
*JOURNAL ENTRY #5 DUE
Required:
1. Funk and Said, Islam and Peacemaking in the Middle East, part III.
2. Rikhtehgaran, M. R. 1999. “Sufi Paradigm of Peace-Making.” In B. Saraswati (Ed.)
Culture of Peace: Experience and Experiment (New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National
Centre for the Arts), chapter 15. Available online at http://ignca.nic.in/cd_09018.htm.
3. Howell, J. D. 2001 “Sufism and Islamic Revival in Indonesia.” Journal of Asian
Studies, 60(3): 701-729.
4. Hamzeh, N. and R. H. Dekmejian. 1996. “A Sufi Response to Political Islamism: AlAhbash of Lebanon.” International Journal of Middle East Studies, 28(2): 217-229.
Available online at http://ddc.aub.edu.lb/projects/pspa/al-ahbash.html.
Web Sources:
1. Contribution of Indian Sufis to Peace and Amity: http://ignca.nic.in/cd_09019.htm
2. Women and Sufism: http://www.sufism.org/society/articles/women.html
3. International Association of Sufism: http://www.ias.org/aboutias.html
WEEK 14 (Dec 2): Conclusions and Evaluation
*DUE IN CLASS FOR PRESENTATION: RESEARCH PAPER OUTLINE.
*FINAL RESEARCH PAPER DUE DEC 9.
12