Details for Introduction to Islam

Quick Info

Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
Unit code: MIS305
Credit points: 10
Total workload hours per week: 10
Number of timetabled hours per week: 3 *

* Note: Units with reduced contact hours (such as those taught in Intensive format) will have an increased assessment component.↩

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites:

MIS101—Introduction to Cross Cultural Mission

The unit Introduction to Islam is part of the subject area Missiology and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This unit will provide an introduction to Islam and a developing basis for ministry to Muslims. It will provide students with the historical background and information necessary for understanding the complex cross-currents of Christian-Muslim Relations in contemporary society. It will also point the student towards effective approaches to Muslim evangelism and discipleship.

Subject Content

Pre-Islamic Arabia
The life of the Prophet Muhammad
The Development and Expansion of Islam
The Holy Quran and the Sunnah (traditions)
The Five Pillars of Islam and the Shariac (Islamic Law)
Contemporary reform movements in Islam
Christian-Muslim Relations through the centuries
Particular topics e.g. women in Islam, “fundamentalism”, Suimi, Shia, Sufism
Modern Christian approaches to Muslims

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, visit to a Mosque, interview with a Muslim leader, guided reflection, writing

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Major Essay (50% 2500 words); Documentary Analysis (30%, 1500 words); Report on Visit to a Mosque (20% 1250 words)

Prescribed Text

Readings provided

Representative References

Abdullah Saeed. Islam in Australia. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin, 2003.
Abdullah Saeed. Interpreting the Qur’an: Towards a Contemporary Approach. London, New York: Routledge, 2006.
Armstrong, Karen. Islam: A Short History. London: Phoenix Press, 2001.
Armour Sr., Rollin. Islam, Christianity, and the West. Edited by Paul F. Knitter, Faith Meets Faith Series. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2002.
Bell, Steve. Friendship First – the manual: Ordinary Christians discussing good news with ordinary Muslims. Friendshipfirst. 2004
Berkey, Jonathan P. The Formation of Islam: Religion and Society in the near East, 600-1800. Edited by Patricia Crone, Themes in Islamic History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
Esack, Farid. The Qur’an: A User’s Guide. Oxford: Oneworld Publications, 2005.
Esposito, John L. Unholy War - Terror in the Name of Islam. Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
Goddard, Hugh. “A History of Christian-Muslim Relations.” In Islamic Surveys, edited by Carole Hilienbrand, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2000.
Hussain, Jamila. Islamic Law and Society - an Introduction. Sydney: The Federation Press, 1999.
Kaitner, John. Islam: What Non-Muslims Should Know. Edited by John B Cobb Jr., Facets Series. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003.
Latifa. My Forbidden Face - Growing up under the Taliban: A Young Woman’s Story. London: Virago Press, 2002.
Love, Rick, Muslims, Magic and the Kingdom of God. William Carey Library, 2000
Parshall, Phil. The Cross and the Crescent, Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House, 1989
Reza Asian. No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam. New York: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2006.
Robinson, Stuart, Mosques and Miracles City Harvest Publications. 2003.
Saikal, Amin. Islam and the West - Conflict or Cooperation? Houndmills, Hampshire and New York: Paigrave Macmillan, 2003.