Schedule of Assignments

NOTE: This schedule might be slightly adjusted in the future. So be sure to always consult the web for current updates.

In addition to the assigned books, several handouts will be made available throughout the course. These handouts are also required reading and the subject of quizzes and homework unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Week 1

• 08/25 Tues: Introduction: Mapping Culture and Religion

· 08/27 Thurs: Epic of Gilgamesh Tablet 1 and 2 online source, please print out

Week 2

• 09/01 Tues: OLD TESTAMENT (OT) Genesis Chapter 1-3
• 09/03 Thurs: OLD TESTAMENT (OT) Genesis Chapters 4-11

Week 3

· 09/08 Tues: OLD TESTAMENT (OT) Genesis Chapters 12-24

· 09/10 Thurs: OLD TESTAMENT (OT) Genesis Chapters 12-24 Discussion of Abraham’s Sacrifice

Week 4

· 09/15 Tues: Alicia Ostriker’s Poem: Abraham’s Sacrifice

· 09/17 Thurs: Topics for Paper I Writing Workshop – Bring a finished draft to class (mandatory)

Week 5

· 09/22 Tues: Video Islam – The Power of Faith

Paper I Due upload your paper to turnitin.com

· 09/24 Thurs: Arabian Nights pp. 1-29, Online Discussion Forum

[After the last class on Friday, 25 September, Fall Break begins.]

Week 6

• 10/01 Thurs: Arabian Nights I

Week 7

• 10/06 Tues: Arabian Nights II

• 10/08 Thurs: Arabian Nights III

Week 8

• 10/13 Tues: Arabian Nights IV
• 10/15 Thurs Arabian Nights V

Week 9

• 10/20 Tues: Koran - Sura II (The Cow) translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali;
• 10/22 Thurs: Review Koran - Sura II (The Cow)

Week 10

• 10/27 Tues: Review Koran - Sura II (The Cow) specifically: 2: 243-256 in regard to Jihad; The Hunt For Bin Laden. Discussion: How Holy is bin Laden’s Holy War? Find passages in the Koran dealing with Jihad. Do some online research on the concept of Jihad.
• 10/29 Thurs: Sura IV ; Study Questions Suggested: research on the concept of ‘aql, Islamic Concept of Knowledge

Paper 2 Topics

Week 11

• 11/03 Tues: class cancelled due to illness
• 11/05 Thurs: Writing Workshop, Draft of Paper II due in class for peer review

Week 12

• 11/10 Tues: Paper II is due!!!!!! Readings: Hamid - The Reluctant Fundamentalist (TRF) 1-50

• 11/12 Thurs: Book: Hamid - The Reluctant Fundamentalist (TRF) 51-93

Week 13

• 11/17 Tues: TRF pp. 93-120 Topics for Paper III
• 11/19 Thurs: TRF to end; Role Play

Week 14

• 11/24 Tues: Writing Workshop

Topics for Paper III

THANKSGIVING BREAK BEGINS AT END OF CLASSES ON TUESDAY, 24 NOV.

Week 15 (available for online feedback until 12/04. Latest date to submit homework assignments for 11/19 – 11/24 if not in class, is Monday, 11/30.)

• 12/01 Tues: cancelled
• 12/03 Thurs: cancelled

EXAM WEEK

· 12/07: Paper Three Due via turnitin.com