The religion of Islam was founded roughly 1400 years ago in Arabia. Since that time, Islam has grown into the world's second largest religion with adherents found around the globe. Over the past years, knowledge of Islam, its history, culture and people has become vital role in political situation and recent events (Revolution, fundamentalism, suicide bombers, and women’s veil) that affect our daily lives. But are they truly representative? How do they fit into the history of contemporary Muslim society? An Introduction to Islamic Civilization and culture will provide a background and broadened perspective of these facets through readings classroom lectures, visual and audio media. We will discuss and apply the historical, geographical and ethnographical highlights within a modern cultural context. This is not a course dedicated solely to the Modern Middle East. Instead we will be looking at the length and breadth of the Muslim world. In particular, we will focus on the role of social, cultural and intellectual institutions in the development of contemporary Muslim society. In addition, we will explore issues such as gender, class, race and inter-religious relations as a way to better understand the Islamic past and present. In briefly this course provides an introduction to Islamic culture and the Muslim World, the beliefs, including the social, political, and spiritual aspects. Instructional Methods 1. Presentations by the instructor, Multimedia presentations 2. Videos 3. Discussion.

a) Gain an understanding of the religious history and current affairs of Islam and be able to think and argue intelligently about the subject. b) Expanding personal knowledge and opinion of current events in the light of Islamic cultural understanding. c) Gaining an awareness of the historical, philosophical, aesthetic, religious, and sociological and gender related issues that shape Islamic lifestyles today. d) Encourage students to reflect on contemporary issues e) To enriches student’s understanding of the major historical periods in different civilizations f) Learn more about the dynasties and religious thought of early Islam, the variety in Islamic beliefs and the role played by Islam in the world today. g) Understanding the commonalities and differences between Muslims and the other religions.

Class preparation: The student will be required to prepare for class in time according to the schedule. Class Participation: Full attendance and active class participation are essential to success. Exam: Midterm Exam and Term Paper

References 1- 法土拉．葛蘭2004 (M. Fethullah Gulen) “最後的先知─穆罕默德的生命面貌” 希泉出版 Taiwan 2- 法土拉．葛蘭, 2004 (M. Fethullah Gulen) “信仰珠璣” 希泉出版 Taiwan 3- Maimul Ahsan Khan, 2009 “Women’s Rights in Islam” The Nahar Light Foundation - Bangladesh 4- Ergun Capan, 2002. “Terror and Suicide Attacks an Islamic Perspective” 希泉出版 Taiwan 5- John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed, 2007 “Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think” Gallup Press New York 6- 法土拉．葛蘭, 2007 (M. Fethullah Gulen) “請問伊斯蘭” 希泉出版 Taiwan 7- Ali Unal, 2006. “Islam Addresses Contemporary Issues” The Light - New Jersey 8- Ismil Buyukcelebi, 2003. “Living in the shade of Islam” The Light - Turkey 9- M. Fethullah Gülen, 2006. “Toward a Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance” The Light - New Jersey 10- Ali Unal and Alphonse Williams, 2000 “Advocate of Dialogue” The Fountain - Turkey Additional material will be presented in class. Handouts.