Reflection 4: Guest Lecture by Dr. Boukhars. Due on March 20

Reflection 4 is about the lecture of Dr. Boukhars. Please consider what Dr. Boukhars talked about, especially how ISIS was created and what are the reasons for its rise. How did his lecture inform you about radical Islamist groups such ISIS and their ideology and theology? What did he say about the Sunni Shia divide? What political actors did he mention and what is their roles in the crisis in the Middle East and the Arab World? In the second part of his talk, he talked about the profile of the terrorists who committed the attacks in Paris and Brussels. Please summarize some of the 7-8 points he mentioned.   Due on Tuesday, March 20 by midnight.

Weekly Report 4: "Israeli-Palestinian Conflict" Due on March 25

Weekly Report 4: "Israeli-Palestinian Conflict" Find a recent article (in a newspaper from Israel or Palestine) about the latest developments in the conflict. " Due on Sunday, March 25 by midnight.

Reflection 3: Concert oby Ramzi Aburedwan. Due on March 1

Reflection 3 is about the Concert by Ramzi Aburedwan and the Dal'ouna Ensemble.

Now that you have attended a live concert by Ramzi Abu Redwan and the Dal'ouna Ensemble what is your take on an Arabic (Palestinian) music? How is what you heard and experienced different or similar to other concerts/ music you know or you are familiar with? Name a few of the instruments that the musicians used. Reflect on at least one of the pieces they played. Which one did you like the most? Why? Give concrete examples and incorporate the reading.
Elaborate on what you write and try to incorporate what you have read into your reaction.You may want to incorporate what you have read about "Music of the Middle East" into your reflection. The article is available on Bb under Course Documents. Reflection is due on Thursday, March 1 by midnight.

Weekly Report 3: Musicians of the Arab World. - Due on Feb. 28

Find information about  “Musicians of the Arab World." 
Write a report on any famous musician (dead or alive) from any country in the Arab world.  Due on Sunday, February 25, by midnight.

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/media/large/b/f/7/a956414642f535dd2e5b2d3c7928a.jpg

Reflection 2: Guest Lecture by Dr. Deveny Due on February 18

Reflection 2 is about Al-Andalus, the Islamic legacy of Spain and Dr. Deveny’s guest lecture. 

Here are some questions about the lecture by Dr. Deveny and also the readings that are due today. These questions should help you write your reflection and are meant as a guide for the midterm exam. Make sure that you spell Arabic, Spanish and other names and words correctly. You should use the list of terms that Dr. Deveny distributed in class. Just keep in mind that all of this will be part of the midterm. Reflection is due On Thursday, Feb. 18, by midnight.

• Who ruled Spain prior to 711? What groups did live there?
• Why should we study about Cordoba?
• What does make Spain interesting for us?
• Who and when did the conquest of Spain begin? Name the 2 leaders and discuss their heritage?
• Why were the Muslim armies so successful in conquering Spain?
• What is the Arabic name for Andalusia and where did it come from? What does it mean?
• When, at which battle and by whom were the Muslim armies stopped?
• Name at least 3 Spanish cities that played an important role during the Muslim rule?
• Which architectural and historic monuments do you associate with these three cities?
• What are the characteristics of Arabic-Muslim architecture found in mosques and palaces in Spain?
• Who were the Mozarabs?
• How many and what kind of books were the library in Cordoba in the 9th and 10th centuries? Why is this an amazing fact?
• In what areas did the Arabic language influence the Spanish language and culture? Give concrete examples!

 Due on Thursday, February 15 by midnight.

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.