<\/p>\n
Classroom: UH 1866
\nTuesdays and Thursdays, 10:50 am to 12:05 pm<\/p>\n
Professor: Amir Hussain<\/strong><\/p>\n Office: University Hall, Room 3724 Course Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n This course is an introduction to Jewish and Muslim traditions in contact and dialogue. This dialogue will be modeled in the class by Professor Hussain and Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, the Hillel Director of UCLA. While Professor Hussain is the instructor of record for the course and will do all of the grading, he and Rabbi Seidler-Feller will team-teach the course. Rabbi Seidler-Feller\u2019s office is UH 3723, and his LMU phone number is 310-338-2855. He can also be reached at his UCLA office, 310-208-3081 (ext. 103), or via email at\u00a0chaimsf@ucla.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n The course begins with an introduction to the historical evolution, the fundamental doctrines and beliefs, the practices, institutions and cultural expressions of both religious traditions. From this basic introduction to Judaism and Islam, there will be a close reading of primary texts from both traditions. This will be followed by a discussion of issues in comparative theology between the two traditions. The last few weeks of the course will be devoted to student seminar presentations about their research on Muslim\/Jewish theology.<\/p>\n Student Learning Outcomes:<\/strong><\/p>\n At the end of this course students will 1) demonstrate that they will think both empathetically and critically about Jews and Muslims; 2) demonstrate knowledge of the histories and cultures of Judaism and Islam; 3) demonstrate that they have the ability to interpret texts and other cultural phenomena (such as rituals, myths, architecture) that have religious presuppositions or implications; 4) demonstrate that they will think both empathetically and critically about conflicting religious claims; and 5) through class participation, seminar presentation and written assignments have improved their verbal and written skills.<\/p>\n Prerequisites \/ Recommended Background:<\/strong><\/p>\n No prerequisite.<\/p>\n Required Texts:<\/strong><\/p>\n Al-Qur\u2019an: A Contemporary Translation<\/em>, translated by Ahmed Ali, Princeton University Press, 2001.<\/p>\n Tanakh: The Jewish Scriptures<\/em>, Jewish Publication Society, 1985.<\/p>\n Abraham Joshua Heschel,\u00a0The Sabbath<\/em>, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005.<\/p>\n Amir Hussain,\u00a0Oil and Water: Two Faiths, One God<\/em>, Copper House, 2006.<\/p>\n Louis Jacobs,\u00a0The Book of Jewish Belief<\/em>, Behrman House Publishing, 1984.<\/p>\n Please bring the Tanakh and the Qur\u2019an to each class meeting. We will read the Heschel and Jacobs books from Jan. 21 to Feb. 4, and the Hussain book from Feb. 9 to 23. There may also be other course readings distributed in class.<\/p>\n Evaluation:<\/strong><\/p>\n It is important for each student to know at the outset that this course requires daily reading, written assignments and a seminar presentation. Moreover, regular class attendance and participation are required. Clear, grammatically correct composition and standard spelling are expected on all written assignments.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nPhone: (310) 338-5987 (or Department of Theological Studies at 338-7670)
\nFax: (310) 338-1947
\nEmail:\u00a0amir.hussain@lmu.edu<\/a>
\nWeb Page:\u00a0http:\/\/myweb.lmu.edu\/ahussain\/<\/a>
\nOffice Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm<\/p>\n