MCCCD Program Description

Arabic Culture and Islam

Course: AHU245

First Term: 2009 Summer I

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: A survey of Arab heritage in the Arab world (Middle East). Cultural and social institutions and their contribution to the development of the region and its heritage.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Trace the origins of Arab heritage and culture, Arab landmarks, and human diversity. (I) 2. Describe pastoralism and nomadic society. (I) 3. Evaluate power, leadership, patronage, and tribalism. (I) 4. Describe the origin and spread of Islam. (II) 5. Explain Islam as culture and politics. (II) 6. Analyze sources of social organizations: kinship, marriage, and the family. (III) 7. Portray women and moral order. (III) 8. Analyze communal identities and ethnic groups. (IV) 9. Summarize the human condition today in the Arab world as it relates to Islam. (V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. History A. Arabian peninsula 1. Pre-610 C.E 2. Hijaz region versus other areas 3. Landmarks B. Geological foundations, climate, and water C. Population and settlement D. Pastoralism and nomadic society E. Rise of civilization F. Cultural heritage 1. Language 2. Poetry 3. Hospitality G. Power and tribalism II. Islam A. The scope of Islam B. The rise of Islam C. Muhammad and his prophecy D. Realm of Islam after Muhammad E. Duties and rituals F. Sources of Islamic law G. Sects among Muslims H. Sufism in Islam I. Islam as culture III. Sources of Social Organizations and Women`s Moral Order A. Terms of kinship B. Family and household C. Marriage and marriage arrangements D. Post-marital residence and residential patterns E. Women and the veil F. Sexual modesty G. Honor and shame H. Changing roles of women in a modern world IV. Communal Identities and Ethnic Groups A. Ethnicity and race B. Language and religion C. Non-Muslim communities D. Regional ethnic grouping V. Islam Arab World Today A. Human Condition B. Political centralization C. Economic development D. Social and cultural dimensions of change

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 12/9/2008

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.