Topic OutlineCore 140I - Islamic CulturesCore Category: Foreign Cultures Dr. Hengameh M. Hosseini,Fall ,[email protected] 519Ex 5723Office Hours Tuesday-ThursdayCourse DescriptionA study of the contemporary cultures, values, perspectives and lifestyles of various people of the Muslim world and a sympathetic understanding of cultural diversity and appreciation of other ways of life. The course is taught in English; thus knowledge of a foreign language is not a prerequisite.IntroductionAn awareness of foreign cultures deepens our understanding of the diverse world in which we live and our place in it. When we step beyond our limited cultural surroundings and attempt to enter into the minds of others in the world community, we are often confronted with alien values and perspectives that challenge our beliefs and assumptions. The broadly educated individual whose philosophy is of life is solidly grounded in human and humane principles should understand cultural diversity and be equipped to deal with it with empathy and sensitivity. Foreign culture courses taught in English provide this important dimension of a liberal arts education.ObjectivesAs a result of taking this course, you should be able:1. To assess and appreciate with deeper insight and sensitivity the various cultures of the Islamic world (Arab, Iranian, Turkish, Afghan, Pakistani, etc.):2. To analyze the interrelation of the geography, history, and cultural achievements of the Islamic world;3. To compare and contrast the American mode of thinking, creating, behaving and communicating with various Islamic modes (Shiite and Sunni);4. To understand the following definition of culture through your knowledge of the cultures of the Islamic world. Culture is the way of thinking, feeling, and behavioral characteristics of a particular people. It is a body of common understandings, which are transmitted from one generation to the next by means of language, traditions and institutions while evolving in response to changing circumstances.5. minimum of one writing assignment will be designed to develop the student’s ability to analyze cultural phenomena.Catalog DescriptionA study of the contemporary culture, values, perspectives and lifestyles of a foreign people focusing on a sympathetic understanding of cultural diversity and appreciation of another way of life. The course is taught in English. No knowledge of a foreign language is required.Topic OutlineGeographyEthnocentricityValues and AttitudesPatriotismHonorWork EthicEthics and MoralityBeliefsReligionSuperstitionsMythsEducationBehaviorLife StyleSocial RelationshipsRecreationCustoms and TraditionsEconomic, Social and Political LifeEconomic SystemSocial InstitutionsPolitical StructureCommunicationLanguageNon-verbal CommunicationMediaCreative WorksLiteratureArtMusicCinemaTextbookJohn L. Esposito. Islam The Straight Path, 3rd ed., Oxford University Press 2005.Other ReadingsClass HandoutsEvaluation1. Students will be given two (2) mid-term examinations on and Each of these will count 25% of the course grade.2. The final examination will also count at 25%.3. The remaining 25% of the course grade , students are expected to write an analytical paper dealing with one of the following topics:1- Classical Islamic literature or modern literature in any of the languages of Muslimcountries.2- Any type of art (including cinema in any of Muslim countries or group of Muslimcountries (Arab speaking, for examples).3- Political structure of any of one of fifty or so Muslim countries. This written project must be at least five (5) pages long.Students are expected to present this project to class during the last week of class. Presentation is a must.4. Make-up exams will not be available. 5. Intelligent, frequent participation is very essential to creditable performance in this course. While in class, students are expected to be attentive.Attendance PolicyRegular class attendance is assumed. Excessive absences, i.e., more than three (3) will result in point losses on semester grade. Being late to class, or leaving class without permission, will also count as being absent.Grading Scale93-100% - A88-92% - A-83-87% - B+78-82% - B73-77% - B-68-72% - C+63-67% - C58-62& - C-53-57% - D 0-52% - FTentative Course OutlineTopics to Discuss Text Chapters1. Introduction: Unity and Diversity in Islamic Culture 1, 15Some general characteristics of Muslim countries.2. Islam in brief, its history 2, 3, 43. What is Islam? 5, 6, 7, 8Topics to Discuss Text Chapters4. Social Customs in Islamic Societies: Past, Present 10, 135. Women in Islam Handouts, Chapter 146. Struggles of Women in Iran since the 1997 Election Handouts7. Arts, Literature, and Poetry in Islamic History 98. Islam and the West since the 18th Century 169. Contemporary Problems in the Islamic