Time Schedule:
Timothy G Amen
SISME 490
Seattle Campus
Content varies.
Class description
This is an upper-division course offered through the Middle East Studies program of the Jackson School of International Studies. The course will examine select cases of Islamic movements in the years since Mohammed’s death in 632 A.D. Our cases will not be limited to Middle Eastern Islamic movements. Rather, we will be guided in our selection of cases by the principles of breadth (historical and geographic) and relevance (Is the movement being examined pertinent to understanding the Dar al-Islam—and relations between the “world of Islam” and global politics—today?) The goals of the course are several: · to develop a descriptive grasp of select cases of Islamic (political) movements in the years since the Shi’a questioned the selection of the first successor to the Prophet; · to evaluate and develop explanations for such movements as we consider both the particular social and general “systemic” dynamics of each case selected; · to use the base thus built to predict the fate of contemporary Islamic movements from North Africa to Southeast Asia; and, finally · to improve written and oral communication skills.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Class sessions will combine lecture, occasional video materials, and regular discussion. Lectures will not simply rehash assigned reading: Your reading will provide a base that lectures will expand. Student participation in the class is not simply expected; it will be demanded—and graded!
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Your final grade will be based upon ü attendance and participation (10%) ü two multiple-choice/short answer quizzes (10% each) ü in-class midterm (15%) ü in-class final (25%) ü 8-10 page (non-research) paper; two drafts required; first draft to be peer-edited (30%) [Any graduate students enrolled in the course will substitute a 10-15 pp. research paper for this last exercise—plus a presentation to the class based on that effort.] Failure to complete each and every one of these exercises will result in a grade of "Incomplete" for the course. "Make-ups" will be administered only in those cases where an acceptable excuse is communicated to the instructor (in advance, whenever possible).
