MCCCD Program Description

Islamic Ideas and Values

Course: HUM240

First Term: 2008 Fall

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

Description: Explores the origin and development of Islam; overview of Islamic values, beliefs, culture and the effect of these on Muslims lives in the past as well as in modern time

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Explain the emergence of Islam and how its spread in Asia, North Africa, and Europe ( I ) 2. Describe the life and teachings of Muhammad as the foundation of the basics of Islam and his continuous influence on events today (II ) 3. Describe the basic beliefs and practices of Islam and the significance of religious holidays and observances (II ) 4. Compare and contrast the Judaism, Christianity& Islam (II) 5. Explain the significance of the Qur`an and the Sunnah as the primary sources of Islamic beliefs, practice and law, and their influence in Muslims` daily life. (III ) 6. Analyze the sources and development of Islamic law and the influence of law and religious practice on areas as family life, moral behavior, marriage, inheritance, and slavery (III ) 7. Identify women`s role in Islam (IX ) 8. Discuss conceptions and misconceptions about Islam (V) 9. Explain the influence of Islamic economic practices (IX) 10. Compare and contrast the different Islamic schools of thoughts (VI) 11. Describe the Islamic attitude toward knowledge (VII ) 12. Analyze the development of Islamic architecture, art, music. (VIII ) 13. Describe the history of Muslims in the US. (X )
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. Culture Before Islam (Introduction) A. Jahiliyya (pre-Islamic/Nescience) period B. Tribal composition of Arabia C. Leadership and government system D. Beginning of Islam E. Where & Why in that area F. General characteristic of Islamic Civilization G. The Spread of Islam H. Influence of geography on Islamic economic, social, and political development, including the impact of conquest and trade II. The Religion of Islam A. What is Islam? 1. Basic Islamic credos 2. Pillars of Faith 3. Compatibility B. The Quran 1. What is Quran (the given name of the Holy Book)? 2. Scientific miracles (facts and prophesies) in the Quran 3. Verses that mentioned specific future events, which took place later 4. Key Islamic verses and sayings emphasizing goals, motivations, intentions, influences, and strengths C. The Prophet of Islam 1. Who is Prophet Mohammed? 2. Life of Mohammed 3. Some examples of prophet`s teachings and sayings 4. Miracles performed by prophet Mohammed D. Islamic Law (Shari`a) 1. Family in Islam 2. Marriage and divorce 3. Inheritance 4. Elderly people in Islam E. The Caliphates 1. Who are they? 2. Why and how were they chosen? 3. Their accomplishments F. Homogeneity of: Islam, Christianity & Judaism III. The Social System and Morality of Islam A. Individual responsibility B. The Islamic calendar C. Ceremonies and Festivals in Muslim Countries IV. Women in Islam A. Equality B. Women as: mothers, sisters, daughters C. Business women D. Educators E. Writers V. Common Conceptions and Misconceptions About Islam A. Polygamy B. Veil (hijab) C. Spread by sword D. Alcohol & Pork E. Fundamentalists F. Life after death G. Unity and diversity among Muslims h. What does Islam say about: 1. War 2. Terrorism VI. Schools of Thought: A. Sunni B. Shaia` C. Sophism D. Others VII. Islam and Knowledge: A. The Attitude of Quran & prophet toward knowledge B. Integration of pre-Islamic sciences C. How did the spread of Islam affect the development of sciences D. The mathematical sciences and physics E. Natural History and Geography VIII. Islamic Culture A. Geography and Culture of Muslim countries B. Calligraphy C. Art D. Music E. Architecture F. Magic IX. Economic Aspects if Islam: A. Role of work B. Property C. Contracts D. Modern Legal system E. Trade and commerce as a cultural vehicle X. Muslims in the US A. Not all Arabs are Muslims B. Accomplishments C. Relations with non-Muslims

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 3/25/2008

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.