Assignment: Islam

SYNOPSES

The topic is about Islam to create this, you will be collecting in one spot what you've learned from your homework (reading, videos, etc.), our in-class sessions and our speakers. They are like one big summary of what we've learned about the religion under consideration. A synopsis should cover these points:

1. Where this religion is currently being practiced, and roughly how many adherents it has;

2. A brief history of (a) its beginnings and (b) its growth (notice these are 2 different things, and cover them both);

3. Its sacred texts;

4. Its core beliefs (perhaps for a couple different "schools" within the tradition);

5. Its main rituals (ditto);

6. What you think someone who is committed to this religion might find of value in it. (At least two paragraphs).

For each religion, I may specify exceptions to this format, or identify special concepts you need to cover. I'll indicate any such special requirements both in class and in an email. Each synopsis should be at least two and no more than four typed pages, with normal font and margins. With the exception of point 6, you need not write in full sentences; a bulleted summary is fine. For point 6, use complete sentences.