NES 1945

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - January 11, 2024 7:32PM EST
  • Course Catalog - January 11, 2024 7:07PM EST

NES 1945
FWS: The Search for the Historical Muhammad

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024. Courses of Study 2023-2024 is scheduled to publish mid-June.

As the founder of Islam, Muhammad is one of the most influential figures in history. An important source for his life is the Sira of Ibn Ishaq (d. 761) as redacted by Ibn Hisham (d. 833), a biography that opens with Muhammad's birth in 570 and ends with his death in 632. In this seminar, we will read and discuss selected episodes in the Sira from a literary-historical perspective, with special attention to biblical and post-biblical themes and motifs that contributed to shaping the image of Muhammad as a holy man and prophet. Students will write short essays on specific episodes in Muhammad's life – e.g., his birth, Night Journey to Jerusalem, hijra to Medina, and death.

When Offered Fall.

Satisfies Requirement First-Year Writing Seminar.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  •   FWS Session. 

  • 3 Credits Graded

  • 20146 NES 1945   SEM 101

  •  
    • TR White Hall B02
    • Aug 21 - Dec 4, 2023

    • Powers, D

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    For more information about First-Year Writing Seminars, see the Knight Institute website at http://knight.as.cornell.edu/.