Religious Studies 50

ISLAM

Fall 2002

Professor Varisco

e-mail me at socdmv@hofstra.edu

 

last updated 9/12

 

WEB CRITIQUE Guidelines for Web Critique Islam Links

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GUIDELINES FOR WEB CRITIQUE

BACKGROUND:

 

Follow the specific instructions for all three parts of this assignment, as noted below. As you write your critique, keep in mind the following criteria:

 

• What can you learn about the person or group that put the site together? Are you able to tell if it is a reputable person or mainstream organization? Are the identities of the writers or creators indicated and do they solicit feedback? Try to contact an email address for feedback and indicate what happens.

 

• Who is the site directed to? Is it trying to convert you to an idea? Do you think it has a commercial interest (trying to get money from you)?

 

• From your perspective, do you find any bias, misleading or erroneous information on the site? Do you find information that contradicts or confirms what you have learned in class? If so, what is the response of the site webmasters if you are able to send your comments or criticism?

 

• What do you find the most useful aspect of the site? How user-friendly is it? How persuasive is it?

 

• Find something specific on the site that relates to the course material or discussion. Discuss what you find and relate it directly to examples from the course or class discussion.

 

I suggest you look at several of the sites before you choose the best ones to critique. Select these sites carefully so you will be able to provide a critical assessment. For full credit you must communicate by e-mail with the creator of at least one of the sites. You will write a report of about 1000 words (ca. 4 pages).

 

Due Date: DEC 10 (last day of class). [Note: You may hand in or e-mail to me a draft at any time through NOV 26 for comments without a grade. I will try to return my comments by the next class period.]

GRADING: 10 points

level of effort

(1) adequate (2) impressive

relates material to class readings, films and lectures

(1) adequate (2) impressive

critical assessment of site format

(1) adequate (2) impressive

critical evaluation of site content

(1) adequate (2) impressive

synthesis and reformulation in your own words

(1) adequate (2) impressive

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS: Complete all three parts of the critique, keeping in mind the points mentioned above. I suggest you start work on this early in the term and revise as you think needed.

 

1. Select two of the following websites and relate them directly to the class materials.

 

• The Anti-Christ Slide Show http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/anti1.htm [I suggest you look at this after reading Jack Chick's "The Prophet." This may take a moment to load; scroll down and hit the "next button" at the bottom; if you are Catholic, this may scare the gazoobers out of you...]

 

• An Islamic Perspective on Sexuality http://www.arches.uga.edu/~godlas/sexuality.html

 

• Medieval Education and Learning in the Islamic World http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Education/Education.html

 

• Reflections from the Hajj http://www.erols.com/ameen/hajjexp.htm

 

•The Saudi Fatwah against Suicide Terrorism http://www.ict.org.il/articles/articledet.cfm?articleid=214

 

• 5% Nation of Islam http://sunsite.unc.edu/nge/

 

 

2. Choose either Option A or B below and explain how the paired sites influence your views, either positively or negatively, on the issue being presented. You are welcome to say what you personally think about the issue, but you must show how the particular sites influence your view. Try to find out who put the site out (e.g., by going back to the home page of the website). [You will not be graded on your opinion, but on your ability to show why you think the way you do.]

 

A. Compare and contrast the following two sites regarding differing views of Muslims on "terrorism."

 

• "ISLAM IS THE SOLUTION" http://www.khilafah.com/home/category.php?DocumentID=4876&TagID=1

 

• What Does Islam Say about Terrorism? http://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm

 

 

B. Compare and contrast the following two sites about Jesus as a prophet.

 

•"The Return of Jesus to Earth" http://www.jesuswillreturn.com/jesus04.htm

 

• 'Isa, the Muslim Jesus" http://www.answering-islam.org/Intro/islamic_jesus.html

 

 

 

3. Choose either Option A or B or C. Note that A and B are offensive sites. I think it is important to know these sites exist and understand their relevance. You are also free to choose option C, which is a Muslim site.

 

A. Watch these online video.s What are the stereotypes about Islam?

 

•"Taliban Women's Revolt" http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view.php?id=37558 [Warning: this cartoon has nudity and offensive language.]

 

• "Sultan the Jihadi Gerbil" http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view.php?id=46523 [Warning: this cartoon has offensive language.]

 

 

B. Play at least one of the "Osama" video games. What are the stereotypes. [Warning: these games are offensive.]

 

• Bad Dudes vs, Bin Laden http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view.php?id=31539

 

• bin laden - fist of allah http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view.php?id=34435

 

 

• or choose your own from several dozen at http://www.newgrounds.com/collections/osama.html

 

 

C. If you find either A or B offensive, you may examine the following website.

 

• Online Guide to Al-Aqsa Mosque http://www.al-aqsa.com/

 

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