In addition to the textbooks
we use three additional monographs, two of which are written by Muslims (Wadud and Esack). Edward Said’s Covering Islam
provides the starting point for the semester. It is only after we have
finished his work that students start with the textbook material. My intention
for asking students to write book reviews about these three works is mainly
informed by a desire to engage them in a critical reading of the respective
texts. The description of the book review assignment spells out what students
need to keep in mind when writing the review. By implication, these standards
can also structure students’ initial reading of these books.
When students have finished
their book review they evaluate each other’s writing. For this purpose I have
developed a peer evaluation sheet. We spent a whole class session on the
evaluation with a subsequent discussion of issues that arose from these. The
students then are given the option to revise their book review and turn in the
final draft on the following day of class. Students report that reading someone
else’s paper as well as having somebody look through their
own work are helpful for them when thinking about improving both their
argument and writing.
In addition to the
description of the assignment I attached the peer review sheet as well as a
selection of student papers.