I. GENERAL PURPOSE:

This course will study some of the important and often dramatic changes occurring in Islam today by examining the effects on this religion resulting from Third World historical, political, social, and economic factors.  Case-studies will be drawn from contemporary Muslim societies, but placed in context of similar situations involving other religious traditions in South America, Africa, and Asia.  Particular attention will be given to the subjects of Muslim women, the rise of Islamic militant movements in the 20th century, and instances of global religious violence involving Muslims.
 

II. REQUIRED READING:

 Frantz Fanon.              The Wretched of the Earth.
 Mark Jurgensmeyer.      Terror in the Mind of God.
 Malcolm X.                 The Autobiography.
 Joe Sacco.                  Safe Area Gorazde.
 Omid Safi, ed.             Progressive Muslims
 Tayeb Salih.                Season of Migration to the North.

 Hammond Concise Atlas of World History (6th edition).
 Hammond Atlas of the Middle East (2001 edition).

  Selected Readings (available on-line reserve, Rush Rhees Library):

  1.  UNFPA/UNDP/Worldwatch
  2.  J.E. Stiglitz.             From: Globalization and Its Discontents (3-39).
  3.  P. Hoodbhoy.         From: Islam & Science (28-49).
  4.  S. Murden.             "Impact of the Global Economy in Muslim Countries."
  5.  J. Shaheen.             "Reel Bad Arabs."
  6.  O. Bin Laden.         "Betrayal of Palestine."
  7.  O. Bin Laden.         "Terror for Terror."
  8.  O. Bin Laden.         "To the Peoples of Europe."
  9.  P. Hoodbhoy.         From: Islam & Science (77-84).
 10. Jane I. Smith.          "(Women in) Islam."
 11  Robert Jay Lifton.   "Protean Man."
 12. T. Sonn.                 "Diversity in Rochester..."
 

III. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

 1.  To integrate knowledge of vital human issues with the deepened perception of peoples whose values and lifestyles may differ considerably from one's own.

 2.  To be able to discuss critically crucial problems facing Third World nations.

 3.  To examine the roles of religion, and various religious approaches to contemporary issues in the Third World.

 4.  To recognize the importance of Islamic religious traditions in a changing world as they respond to forces that shape and mold our lives.
 

IV. REQUIREMENTS & GRADING:

 1.  Class attendance and participation (= 15 pts.).
 2.  Prompt completion of assignments.
 3.  Two map assignments (=  20 pts.).
 4.  Two take-home exams (= 200 pts.).
 

V.  OFFICE HOURS:

 Wednesday 10-11 and by appointment.  Rush Rhees Library #424; 275-4760.
 E-mail:  theh@mail.rochester.edu
 

VI. CALENDAR: