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Religious Studies 014                                Robert Kraft
Suggested Topics for Research Papers                  Spring 1994


All Research Papers will include comparative aspects, normally 
involving at least Islam and one or both of the other religious 
traditions. Exceptions to this principle must receive prior 
approval from the teaching staff. Topics other than those listed 
below (or variations on the topics listed) are also possible, 
with prior approval. Papers are to be about 1500 to 2000 words in 
length (plus bibliography, notes, appendices, etc.), which is 
roughly 5 to 8 pages in normal typed format. (Submission in 
electronic format may be possible with prior approval.) 
A one page report listing the topic chosen and providing some 
explanation of how you propose to go about researching it (with 
any bibliography or other known helps also listed) is due at the 
class period prior to spring break.

Warning: The main goal of these papers is to understand, as 
empathatically as possible, the relevant ideas, developments, 
etc. If your prior investment in a topic would hinder such 
understanding, it would not be advisable for you to attempt to 
research such a topic. E.g. if you prejudge variant versions of 
your "scriptural" traditions to be necessarily inferior or even 
false, you should think twice before choosing such a topic. Or if 
your immediate reaction to "women's rights" discussions is to 
defend a particular viewpoint that you already strongly hold, 
such topics might not be appropriate for you. Openness to new 
insights is an essential prerequisite for authentic research.

 
Topics focussing on scriptural ideas, persons and events:

The Creation Traditions in Jewish Scriptures and in the Quran
The Noah Story in Jewish Scriptures and in the Quran
The Abraham Story in Jewish Scriptures and in the Quran
Moses and Mosaic Law in Jewish Scriptures and in the Quran
David and his Psalms in Jewish Scriptures and in the Quran
"The Prophets" in Jewish Scriptures and in the Quran
The idea of "Holy War" in Jewish Scriptures and in the Quran
The Concept of "Covanant" in the Three Scriptures
The Concept of "Scripture" in the Three Scriptures
The Roles of "Angels" in the Three Scriptures
The Concept of "Satan/Iblis" in the Three Scriptures
The Concept of "Day of Judgment" in the Three Scriptures
The Concept of "Paradise" in the Three Scriptures
Alleged Justifications of "Mysticism" in the Three Scriptures
The Story of Jesus and his Companions in NT and Quran 




Topics focussing on other classical emphases in the traditions:

Evaluation of Muslim Understandings of Christian "Trinity"
Evaluation of Muslim Views of the Failings of Judaism 
Maimonides' Understanding of Islam (and Christianity?)
Aquinas' Understanding of Islam (and Judaism?)
Concepts of "Salvation" in the Three Traditions
Meanings of "Faith" in the Three Traditions
Meanings of "Charitable Acts" in the Three Traditions
Roles of "Religious Ritual" in the Three Traditions

Topics comparing developments of the traditions:

Standardization of "Scriptural" Collections in the Three Traditions
Offices of Religious Leadership in the Three Traditions
Developments of Formal Localized Worship in the Three Traditions
Attitudes to Civil Authority in the Three Traditions
Attitudes to Dissent/Variety in the Three Traditions
Attitudes to "Rationalism" in the Three Traditions
Attitudes to "Mysticism" in the Three Traditions
Roles of "Law" in the Three Traditions
Impacts of "Nationalism" in the Three Traditions
Concepts of "Peoplehood" in the Three Traditions
Effects of "Disenfranchisement" in the Three Traditions (or, What 
  happens when my religion is no longer in the majority?)
Sufi Attitudes to Other Religions (including Judaism, Christianity)
Bahaism and the Three Traditions
"Black Muslims" on Judaism and Christianity
Perceptions of "Black Islam" by the Three Traditions
Women in the Three Traditions: Leadership Examples
Women in the Three Traditions: Legal Rights
Women in the Three Traditions: Social Status and Roles
Women in the Three Traditions: Religious Involvement and Rewards



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