Summer 2009

ISL S311 • SACRED SPACE IN JUDAISM, ISLAM, AND CHRISTIANITY

Course Description

This class will analyze the theme of sacred space in the three Abrahamic religious traditions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, through an analysis of important sub-themes and motifs which are found in the religious texts of these traditions. These will include creation themes, the Garden of Eden motif, water, the womb, ritual behavior and purification rituals, sacred vestments, order vs. chaos, pilgrimage/sacred journey motifs, etc. We will also discuss the ancient and modern similarities and differences in these traditions' various views of sacred space in the home, church, mosque, synagogue, temple, and pilgrimage destinations.

Grading Policy

Class attendance & participation: 30% Weekly response papers: 30% Class presentation: 10% Term paper: 30%

Texts

The Quran in English translation; The Bible (including the Christian New Testament) in English translation; All other texts will be provided in a course packet

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