Weekly Report 2: “Arab and Muslim contributiont Due on Feb. 14

Find an article on-line (preferably from a newspaper from the Arab or Muslim world) about  “Arab and Muslim contributions to world civilization.” Find information on a Muslim or Arab Noble Prize winner or someone who has invented something or had a huge impact on world civilization and write a short report on this person and what her/his contributions. Due on Sunday, February 11, by midnight.

Weekly Report 1: "Syria" Due on February 4

You can submit here your weekly summary of one article you have read in one of the newspapers or magazines listed on the syllabus. Keep in mind that you ought to use a different newspaper or magazine each week. Make sure you include the Internet address (URL) of the article you have read.

The topic for this week's weekly report is "Syria." What the heck is going on there? The latest news." Find an article on any non-American newspaper (from the Middle East or Europe) about the latest developments, especially about the peace talks in Switzerland that are goun on right now, and write a summary of that article and post it on your Blog. Make sure to add the URL of the source you have used. I'll ask 2 students (randomly) to report on what they have read.

This weekly report is due on Sunday, February 4 by Midnight.

Reflection 1: Why did you choose to take this class?

Your first blog entry is a personal (subjective) reflection about the course and what you know about the Arab World. Please be as honest and direct as you can. I appreciate and respect every opinion, no matter whether I agree with you or not. Here are some questions, I want you to reflect about:

• Why did you choose to take this class?
• What are your expectations? What do you hope to get out of this class?
• Have you ever been to the Arab World? When? What did you do?
• What were your views about the Arab and Muslim world prior to 9/11?
• Did the events of September 11 change your views about Arabs and Muslims? How and why?

Image Source: http://foreignpolicyblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/arab-spring.jpg

Welcome to the Arab World - اهلا وسهلا في العالم العربي

Since 9/11 many people have lamented the lack of knowledge students and other people have about the outside world, especially the Middle East, the Arab and Muslim cultures. In ancient times, the present Middle East was the “cradle of civilization” and the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. What is the Arab World today? It is an unknown and misunderstood world in turmoil.

This course will offer an introduction to and an overview of the history, culture, politics and current events of the Arab world in the Middle East and Africa. The students will also be introduced to the Arab-American community and its contribution to culture and politics in the United States. One integral part of the class is a weekly discussion of current events in the Arab World, i.e. the situation in Iraq, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, US policy toward the Middle East, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the US war on terrorism.

Required Books:

1. Al Aswany, Alaa. The Yacoubian Building. New York, London, ... Harper. 2002
2. Margaret K. Nydell. Understanding Arabs. A Guide for Modern Times. Boston: Intercultural Press. 4^th Edition 2006
3. Salih, Tayeb. The Doum Tree of Wad Hamid. On Blackboard under Course Documents
4. Zepp, Ira. A Muslim Primer. 2^nd edition. Fayettevile: University of Arkansas Press, 2000
5. Films and other readings can be found on Blackboard under Course Documents or are on reserve at the library.

Weekly Report 6: "Arab-Americans" or "Muslim-Americans." Due on April 22

Weekly Report 6: "Arab-Americans" or "Muslim-Americans." Please find information about an Arab-American writer/poet/actor/ athlete/politician/… and write a short biography of this person. Due on Sunday, April 22 by midnight.

Reflection 8: Final Reflection Due on May 3

In your final reflection for the course, please read your very first reflection and think about the entire semester and what you have learned. Did the course fulfill your expectations, i.e. did you achieve what you wanted? Do you have a better understanding of the Arab World? Explain. Elaborate! This is not an evaluation of the course and the professor. I am more interested in your subjective opinion about how much you learned and what you wish we would have covered more or less. Your reflection should be honest, plain and to the point. Keep in mind that I do respect and value all opinions expressed in the reflections. Due on Thursday, May 3 by midnight.

Weekly Report 8: "Arab-American Writers" Due in Thursday, April 28 before 9:40 a.m.

Please find information about an Arab-American writer/poet and write a short biography of this person. Due on Thursday, April 28 by 9:40 am.