NYU London is currently recruiting for a part-time lecturer to teach a course titled What is Islam sponsored by NYU's College of Arts and Science. Teaching commences in the Autumn Term (Sept-Dec 2023).
Course Description:
This course explores the origins of Islam and the development of its rituals and doctrines to the 21st century. It assumes no previous background in Islamic studies. Students will learn about topics such as the Quran and the Prophet, Islamic law, the encounter of East and West during the Crusades, and Islam in Britain. They will find out how Muslims in different regions have interpreted and lived their religion in past and present. Readings will include not only scholarly works but also material from primary sources, for example the Quran or other religious literature, biographies and chronicles. The course consists of a combination of lectures, seminar discussions and field trips.
Course Objectives
Upon Completion of this Course, students will be able to:
- have knowledge of the history and basic tenets of Islam.
- have developed independent perspectives based on the secondary literature and primary sources.
- be aware of some of the important issues and debates arising in the study of Islam.
- have an understanding of the diverse ways in which Islam has been practised and interpreted over time.
- have developed skills in researching and writing essays and thinking critically about the subject, which will also enable students to expand their knowledge on the subject further.
Expectation of Hours:
4 credits; total contact hours = 35 hours. The semester is 15 weeks (14 weeks of teaching plus an exam week) and there are 2.5 hours of classroom instruction each week. In addition to the time required for course preparation, classroom instruction, and marking, the instructor is required to hold a minimum of one set 60-minute “office hour” at NYU London per week, during which time she or he will be available to meet with students.
Teaching information:
Instructors are encouraged to use a variety of pedagogical techniques. This typically includes a combination of lecture- and discussion-based class sessions, as well as the use of student activities, such as debate exercises, flipped classroom environments, and experimental simulations of economic coordination problems.
In addition to required midterms and final exams, instructors may use a variety of assignments to assess student comprehension of the course material. These may include online weekly homework, writing assignments, short student presentations, and in-class multiple-choice quizzes. Instructors may select the mix that is more appropriate to their teaching methodology.
Instructors should be prepared to teach in-person and simultaneously to be prepared for remote instruction should circumstances require it. NYU uses Zoom as its primary platform for remote instruction.
About NYU and NYU London:
Founded in 1831, New York University is the largest private university in the United States. The University has degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai and operates 11 global academic centers and research programs in more than 25 countries. NYU London is an undergraduate study abroad program of exceptional quality with teaching strengths across the curriculum. Our UK faculty, drawn mainly from local universities, has an excellent record in teaching and research. Classes are held at the NYU London centre at 4-6 Bedford Square, WC1. If you would like to learn more about our program please visit NYU London.