Assignment Instructions
In college, I remember getting into a "discussion" with a classmate who was Muslim and from Turkey. I made a judgmental comment about the Qu'ran and he asked, "Have you ever read the Qu'ran?" Admittedly, I had not. I endeavored to not only read it, but also learn Arabic so I could grasp the prose. For your midterm paper, you will need to read the Qu'ran (if you have another translation than the Haleem one that is fine). While you read, take notes on anything that peaks your interest. Choose your topic (topic is due by the end of week three) from your reading of the Qu'ran. Looking for an informal yet scholarly paper 4-5 pages double spaced and properly cited (your reference page is not included in the 4-5 pages!) and written in the first person.
An example thesis would be, "While reading the Qur'an, I realized that many of the same people influential in Judaism and Christianity are also important in the Qur'an too." Remember, this is not a research paper and you need no references other than the Qur'an. I am interested in what YOU take away from your reading of the Qur'an, not what others are saying. The main objective of this paper is to communicate to me that you have read and engaged the Qur'an....
Grading Rubric
Grasp of Qur'an & Integration of Qur'an 50 points
Communication of Engagement (what was it that really surprised you and interested you while reading the Qur'an?) 20
Citations/Spelling/Grammar 10