PACS 224 Current Issues in Peace Studies: Introduction to Islam will introduce students to the Islamic religious tradition and to Muslim communities in Canada. The course begins with self-directed study into how the news media constructs reality. The first part of our group study of Islam will include a discussion of pre-Islamic Arabia and the historical development of Islam, the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur’an and the Hadith, Islamic religious practices and law, as well as the Sunni—Shi‘a split.
The second part of the course will be concerned with the modern phenomenon of Islam in North America, focusing on Muslim communities in Canada. We will examine themes such as "fundamentalism", the "Islamic Threat", and Islamophobia. We will examine the meanings of "jihad" and look at Muslim teachings on war, violence, and peace. The roles of women in Islam will be examined throughout this course.
Prerequisites: English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 60 with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 40 |
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| Other | 5 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Discuss Islam and Muslims both empathetically and critically
- Discuss the histories and cultures of the Muslim world
- Interpret texts and other cultural phenomena (such as rituals, myths, architecture) that have religious presuppositions or implications
- Discuss conflicting religious claims both empathetically and critically
- Discuss the various roles religion may play in both generating and resolving conflict (community to global)
- Demonstrate improved verbal and written skills
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.