Overview
RELS 206 has not been developed with the purpose of trying to defend or criticize Islam, nor is it meant to convince you of the validity of certain religious beliefs at the expense of others. The academic study of religion is in part about placing religious traditions in their proper socio-historical and economic contexts so we can better understand the growth and internal diversity of religious systems over a lengthy period of time. Doing so enables the individual to develop a real sensitivity to and understanding of the beliefs of religious practitioners without losing the analytical and critical methodology upon which the study of religion is built. The goal of Religious Studies 206, then, is to provide you with a strong, basic knowledge about Islam that will help you understand the historical, ritual, theological, and political manifestations of Islam and the diversity of voices and opinions within this religious tradition.
Evaluation
Students must hand in all their assignments by the end of the stipulated contract date and complete the exam with a passing grade of D (50 percent) or higher.
In order to pass the course, students must hand in their assignments, pass the exam, and achieve a composite grade of D (50 percent) or higher between the exam and the assignments.
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 10% |
| Assignment 2 | 15% |
| Assignment 3 | 15% |
| Assignment 4 | 20% |
| Final Examination | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Quinn, Anthony, Irene Pappas, Michael Ansara, and Johnny Sekka. The Message: The Story of Islam, (Online Video). Directed by Moustapha Akkad. Filmco International Productions, 1976.
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Ayoub, Mahmoud M. Islam: Faith and History. Oxford: Oneworld Publications, 2004.
Other Materials
All other materials are available online through the course home page or the Digital Reading Room.