1) The Orlando City Council has been asked to consider a new piece of “anti-Sharia” legislation that would “prohibit the application of Sharia law in the precincts of this fine city, especially in its propensity to establish Islamic culture throughout our lands under a new Caliphate, which would thereby promote the practice of jihad.” The council is made up of seven members given the title of “Alderman” and “Alderwoman.” Having heard about our class (“Islam”), they have requested your expert opinion on this important matter, before they vote “yes” or “no” to ban Sharia law in Orlando. You are to draft a letter in which you address this proposed ban, arguing either for or against it. How you make the argument is up to you, that is, whether you focus on Sharia, jihad, or something else. Use at least two readings from our class in your letter.
2) You are one of the most accomplished scholars of Islamic studies in the country, with over 40 publications and a tenured position at a prestigious university. Your old friend (and rival) from graduate school, Herbert Q. Smythe, has shared with you a paper he will be presenting at the American Academy of Religion, titled, “Plight of the Muslim Woman: Finding Equality in Spite of Scripture.” His argument is that Muslim women need to be educated more broadly, especially in order to come in contact with the great writers on human rights, as well as feminist thinkers. This will allow Muslim women to break free from the patriarchal framework their religious scriiptures present. You have been asked to respond to his paper. Addressing Dr. Smythe and his audience, please compose a response that uses what you have learned in our Islam course, especially (at least) two texts we have read. You can agree or disagree with your old friend, or you can agree with points he has made, while disagreeing with other points. Remember: His paper does not exist, so it is up to you to imagine its contents however you like and in a way that lets you make an original argument.
