Course Description
Historical, thematic, detailed study of the life of Mohammad, the prophet of Islam, from earliest sources. An examination of biographical (sirah) material, the Transmitted Traditions (hadith), and debates about the Traditions. The introduction to Arabic script and phonology will permit students to read a few of Mohammad's short sayings.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Acquire facility with a voweled Arabic text; memorize ten short hadith; prepare an annotated bibliography of the life of Mohammad; and do a research paper.
Athena Title
MOHAMMAD
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce students to an in-depth understanding of the historical person of Mohammad and the essential themes of his teachings. The course will present the student with the necessary bibliographical keys and technical terminology within the domain of the transmitted traditions of Mohammad, which with the Koran comprises the "canon" of Islam, for anyone wishing to understand or do research in the Islamic world. This course differs from an introductory course to Islam as well as "Islam in the Caliphal Age" in that it concentrates on the historical Mohammad with an accent on the science of transmitted tradition (hadith). Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Communicate Effectively through Speech To strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction by means such as class reports, class discussion, and oral examinations. Computer Literacy To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web, email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral class reports and completion of written assignments. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
I. Introduction to the study of hadith 1. Koran, hadith, and hadith qudsi 2. Chains of transmission and Rijal literature 3. Terms: sound, reliable, weak and invented 4. Sources: sirah and the standard compilations 5. Works on the life of Mohammad II. Introduction to the life of Mohammad 1. Historical Background, Byzantine and Persia 2. Arabia at the time of Mohammad a. Social context b. Religious context III. His early life 1. Family background 2. Birth and early childhood 3. Education 4. Marriage and his life before forty IV. Meccan period 1. Revelation and the Koran 2. The early message a. early converts b. reactions c. persecution d. Hijra to Madina V. Madinan period 1. Socio-political aspects 2. Jihad 3. The Shariah 4. The period of arbitration 5. The conquest of Mekkah 6. His death and legacy