May–RLST 202. Natural Science and Religious Life. Anderson (M-F 9:10-12:00)--P Maimonides held that both the natural science and religious thinking have the same goal, namely to understand the nature of the universe we inhabit so that we can learn how to best live our lives as human beings. Both believe that if we have accurate knowledge of reality, we will be able to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives. This course is an examination of the ways that religion and science interact, offering their various descriptions of the world and the ways that all things are related. The course focuses on particular areas where science and religion clash. Some theories of the afterlife, and the environmental crisis. The course will make use of a wide range of materials from philosophical, ethical and religious literature to historical documentaries and representations of religion and science in science fiction. There will be four short essays (5-7 pages).

May–RLST 221. Ethics and Ecology. Welch (M-F 9:10-12:00)--SBS Students will examine the relationships between worldviews (philosophy, theology, epistemology) and moral action, between what we believe is TRUE about the natural world and how we OUGHT to behave toward it. We will examine our own assumptions about Nature, God (or not), and we will assess the current "state of the planet" in light of what may be the end of an era of human 'development'--expansion, reliance on fossil fuels-- and we will consider a more eco-centered ethic.  Seminar discussions, films, and visits by local environmentalists will balance the theoretical with the practical, the indoors with the outdoors.  

May –RLST 262. Special Topics: Culture, Religion, and Politics of Contemporary Arab World. Hamad (M-F 9:10-12:00)--INT      The course starts with the period before Islam (roughly the two centuries before the birth of Prophet Muhammad in 570 A.D.). It explores the importance of poetry and language for the Arabs, the establishment of Islam in Madinah, and the impact of expansion on both Muslims and the Qur'an as a text. Gives a brief historical background about the destruction of Baghdad by the Mongol hordes, the establishment of Mamluk power in Cairo, the rise of the Ottomans, and the impact of an impinging European domination on Arab societies. The course focuses on the modern period. It evaluates the nineteenth and twentieth-century Islamic movements and their legacy for present-day Islam. The role of women, both past and present, and the Muslim-Christian encounters as reflected in the works of famous Arab writers and novelists, will also be investigated.     Because of the time constraints of the Maymester, we may not explore these and other issues in great details. Videos and slides are used where appropriate. There is no prerequisite for this course and no knowledge of Arabic is necessary. Students will take a short exam, write short paper(s) and present to class their findings on topics of their choice. In lieu of the exam, students may write a short term paper not exceeding 10 pages in length.)

May–RLST 294.01. SpTp: Religion and Culture of Morocco.  Sharif Barsoum (Class Meeting on Campus: May 7, May 8; May 9 (9am to 3pm/lunch provided free at 1pm); Travel to Morocco May 10 to May 26, 2012.  Religion and culture are complex phenomena that intersect in a variety of ways; depending on the location, they are historically imbricated in such diverse areas as politics, the arts, education, and social and gender relations. "Religion and Culture of Morocco" is designed to give students an opportunity to explore these connections firsthand in a North African context. The Maymester course encompasses two portions. The first, devoted to in-class lectures and study at Vanderbilt, and the second of which will involve hands-on research and experience in Morocco, supplemented by additional lectures and presentations. The initial in-class component (15 hours) will introduce students to Moroccan history, as well as provide an overview of the religious traditions (Islam, Judaism, and Christianity) that have contributed to the development of Moroccan culture. Once in Morocco, an equivalent amount of lecture time (15 hours) will be used to focus on specific cultural practices and religious institutions, and their wider relationship to contemporary religious, cultural, and political changes in the country.

Open to all Vanderbilt undergraduate majors in good academic, disciplinary and financial standing, subject to the consent of the instructor. (For more information contact Sherif Barsoum, Director, SSS at 3-0812, or sherif.barsoum@vanderbilt.edu.)By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Construct a chronology of Moroccan history, based on the various dynasties and religions that have affected Moroccan society with an emphasis on Islam.
• Identify persons who have been influential on political, religious, and artistic life in the country.
• Develop an expertise in an aspect of Moroccan culture, and articulate the significance of it during a group discussion.

First Summer Session–ARA 210A. Elementary Arabic I. Hamad (M-F 10:10-1:30)—No AXLE credit.  Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and one of the official languages of the United Nations. It's the vehicle of a great civilization that embodies thousands of years of heritage and has contributed significantly to the Renaissance. This course aims at providing you with a solid background in all four skills, i.e., listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Arabic. It seeks to establish a useful vocabulary base that you can use to converse at the elementary level, and familiarize you with the basic structure of the Arabic sentence. It also introduces you to the fundamentals of Arabic grammar to produce simple Arabic sentences and sustain conversation orally, and to produce sentences and paragraphs in writing within the range of vocabulary and grammar taught. The course will emphasize the comprehension of simple sentences both spoken and written within the attained range of Arabic grammar and vocabulary. Understanding some cultural facets of the Arab world is an important component of the course. Five contact hour per week and individual work in the language laboratory. Students with prior Arabic experience will have to take a placement test. No exceptions.

Second Summer Session–ARA 210B. Elementary Arabic II. Abdulkadir Gure (TR 11:00-12:15) –INT.  Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and one of the official languages of the United Nations. It's the vehicle of a great civilization that embodies thousands of years of heritage and has contributed significantly to the Renaissance. This course aims at providing you with a solid background in all four skills, i.e., listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Arabic. It seeks to establish a useful vocabulary base that you can use to converse at the elementary level, and familiarize you with the basic structure of the Arabic sentence. It also introduces you to the fundamentals of Arabic grammar to produce simple Arabic sentences and sustain conversation orally, and to produce sentences and paragraphs in writing within the range of vocabulary and grammar taught. The course will emphasize the comprehension of simple sentences both spoken and written within the attained range of Arabic grammar and vocabulary. Understanding some cultural facets of the Arab world is an important component of the course. Five contact hour per week and individual work in the language laboratory. Students with prior Arabic experience will have to take a placement test. No exceptions.

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