Joseph Cumming, Instructor in Islamic Studies
Summer 2005 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
An
examination of critical issues in cross-cultural development of communities in
Islamic contexts. Issues include cultural adaptation of the cross-cultural
worker, Muslims’ worldview, building relationships with Muslims, women’s
issues, group dynamics and leadership development in Islamic cultural contexts,
and a variety of other practical issues in developing communities.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
· Insight into
cultural issues which critically affect face-to-face Christian work among
Muslims
· Understanding
of the relational context in which communities develop in Islamic contexts
· Grasp of
practical issues and steps in the process of developing these communities
COURSE FORMAT:
One-week
intensive. Lectures with time for questions, discussion and reflection on the
readings. Students are expected to attend every lecture unless they request
explicit permission for any emergency absence. Each day’s lecture will begin with a
biblical/theological study directly related to course content; this should be
considered an integral part of the lecture (necessary to preparing for the
final exam).
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED
READING: Available in class syllabi.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Four 1500-word critical reviews – one for each of four
required texts. At least the first half of each paper should outline the main
ideas and argument of the book, without revealing the student’s opinion, in
such a way that the book’s author would feel that s/he has been fairly
represented. The latter 30%-50% of the report should set forth what the student
agrees with or disagrees with in the book, and why.
PREREQUISITES: None.
Students
who are not already thoroughly familiar with the basic beliefs and practices of
Muslims are required to read William Miller, A Christian’s Response to Islam
(Wheaton, Il.: Tyndale House, 1980), instead of one of the other course texts.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAM: A short final
exam will be given on the last day of the course.
Last Date Edited: June
6, 2005