UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON- CLEAR LAKE
HUMANITIES 3035
BASIC TEXT III: NON-WESTERN TRADITION
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 6-9PM
ROOM: ARBOR 151
ADJUNCT FACULTY/INSTRUCTOR
Stephen Finley, scfinley@rice.edu
http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~scfinley/
Angela Peters, Unit Secretary
Phone: 281-283-3353
Office location: Bayou 1508
Office hours: Before Class or After Class by Appointment
REQUIRED TEXTS
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart.
Ali, Noble Drew. The Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple of America
Chang, Iris. The Rape of the Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II
Neihardt, John G. Black Elk Speaks.
Ngugi, wa Thiongo. Devil on the Cross.
Rahula, Walpola. What the Buddha Taught.
Selections from the Qur’an.
SUPPLIMENTARY READING
Article: “The Qur’an” in the Encyclopedia of Islam.
Additional Reading on the Moorish Science Temple to be indicated by the Instructor.
Other Reading at the Instructor’s Discretion.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Touchstones of literature and art from non-western cultures such as those of Asia, Africa,
the Middle East and Native America, and African America.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To discuss critically the meaning of “non-Western.”
2. To read critically important texts of non-western literature.
3. To relate these texts to their cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts.
4. To interrelate themes, methodologies, and influences among the texts.
5. To review critically the course texts in writing, in a coherent manner that
describes, summarizes, and critiques the texts.
6. To engage in scholarly debate and discussion regarding aspects of the texts and
interpretation.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Active participation in discussions, which would include attendance. The
instructor, however, may not take attendance at every class meeting. At the same
time, you should contact the unit secretary should you have an emergency that
will affect class participation or assigned work.
2. Six 2-3pp. reflection paper on each of the assigned texts due at the time we
discuss the subsequent text (Thursdays). Specific guidelines will be given.
3. One group reflection paper of 5-7pp. The Group will also be required to lead the
discussion group on both class meetings in which we discuss their texts. Group is
also required to email a copy of the group reflection to each class member on the
Monday before the Tuesday class meeting by 5PM.
4. The discussions are class-member driven. Notwithstanding, the Instructor will
introduce each section (Thursdays) with a video and/or brief lecture in order to
contextualize the various readings as well as participate and moderate the
discussions.
5. While this is literature course and not a religious studies course, religion is a
critical theme in all of the readings for this course. The Instructor asks that each
of the students respect the religious and cultural perspectives that underlie each of
the texts as well as the perspectives of other class members. Concurrently, the
instructor encourages critique of ideas in the text and engagement and critique of
the ideas of course members.
GRADING AND EVALUATION
Group Reflection/Discussion=20
Reflection Papers (6x10)=60
Class Participation=10
Final Exam=10 (TBA)
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Total=100 Possible Points
OTHER PROCEDURES/RULES

Academic honesty: All UHCL students are responsible for knowing the standards
of academic honesty set forth in the UHCL catalogue and the Student Life
Handbook for the University Academic Honesty Policy. Plagiarism—using the
research or the published words of another without proper citation and credit of
the course—will result in failure of the course.

Disabilities: If you have a disability and need special accommodation, consult
first the Coordinator of Health Disabilities Services, Bayou 1402, telephone
281.283.2627, and then discuss the accommodation with me. This must be done
before the first exam (assignment).

Late work will only be acceptable if prior arrangements were made with the
Instructor.

Incompletes: A grade of “I” will be given only in cases of documented emergency
or special circumstances late in the semester, provided that you have been making
satisfactory progress. A grade contract must be completed. Please contact Ann
Hinojosa for Incomplete contracts. Grade appeals may be made through HSH
Grade Appeal Committee.

Changes in syllabus: The instructor reserves the right to make appropriate
changes in the syllabus. It is the student’s responsibility to keep updated on
course information if he or she is absent.

In case of inclement weather, please call the University hotline at 281.283.2221.
SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS AND DISCUSSIONS
*Texts need to be read by their assigned date in preparation for class discussion.
June 6: First class meeting: syllabus overview; introduction to course themes; Video:
Western Tradition
June 8: Things Fall Apart; Video: Chinua Achebe: Africa’s Voice/Lecture
June 13: Things Fall Apart
June 15: Devil on the Cross
June 20: Devil on the Cross
June 22: Qur’an: Selected Readings/Encyclopedia of Islam Article on Qur’an
June 27: Qur’an
June 29: The Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple of America/Additional Reading
Assigned by Instructor; Lecture
July 4: Holiday
July 6: Black Elk Speaks
July 11: Black Elk Speaks
July 13: The Raping of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of WWII
July 18: The Raping of Nanking
July 20: What the Buddha Taught; Video: The Little Buddha
July 25: What the Buddha Taught
July 27: Final Exam: Comprehensive