Fall 2006

MES 320 • The Qur'an

Course Description

For the one-quarter of the world's people who are Muslim, the ultimate source of divine guidance is the Qur'an. the Qur'an has infused not only Muslim religous practice but also Muslim law, etiquette, literature, and the arts. To the beginner, however, the Qur'an can be a daunting text. To this end, we will read extensively from the Qur'an itself (in translation), as well as from other texts. In our studies, we will focus on Qur'anic cosmology (eg, God, human nature, satan, judgment), ethical principles, ritual prescriptions, and legal injunctions. We will also examine some of the prominent symbols, images and rhetorical structures of the Qur'an. Students will have the opportunity to compare Qur'anic and Biblical accounts of the major prophets shared by Judaism, Christianity and Islam, such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. We will study the Qur'an in Muslim devotion and as a medium for artistic expression, e.g. in calligraphy. We will also discuss those themes and verses of the Qur'an that engender the most controversy in the world today, such as politics, warfare and gender.

Grading Policy

3 papers (45%), 9 quizzes (45%) and class participation (10%)

Texts

The Qur'an, tr. Yusuf Ali; Watt, Bell's Intor to the Qur'an; Ra man, Major Themes of the Qur'an; Abdel Haleem, Understanding the Qur'an; Course Packet

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