Najam Haider

Since I did the 4-credit Islam course in a 6-week summer section, it was a LOT of work - probably 5+ hours of reading a week, plus a response paper. But it's a 4-credit class in 6 weeks, so...

70-100+ pages of reading a week, along with a written response. Most of my responses ended up being 4-6 pages. You have two free passes a semester (use them wisely!). If you do not use your passes, Professor Haider will drop your lowest two response scores. There is a 5-7 page final paper and a project within the first month of class. The project is a creative project, and is rather fun.

He's the best. Really! I took Islam with him over the summer. Everything said here is true. He's intense, super knowledgeable, a great teacher, engaging, and hilarious. At first, it seems like his habit of pushing back when you say things in class would shut down possible contributions, but he just appreciates when students say things with certainty. He has a really nuanced but understandable way of presenting and explaining topics. I'd recommend this class, or any class taught by him, to anyone thinking about it.

Wow! Professor Haider is really wonderful. I am a religion major and signed up for his course as part of the major. I thoroughly enjoyed the course! While the workload may seem like a lot, you end up learning a lot. Professor Haider (or his TA in discussion sections) makes sure to address the readings. He is an absolutely incredible lecturer-- Professor Haider has both the ability to explain things with depth and clarity, as well as maintain a high energy level that keeps the class engaged. Professor Haider is someone who constantly pushes you to think critically, be it during class discussions or in your weekly response. My writing and my way of approaching sources has changed for the better having been in his class. Overall, I highly recommend taking this course!

Weekly blog response, one short assignment (two pages double spaced), final paper.

I won't rehash all the things that have been said about Professor Haider in much detail. There is a lot of work, and sometimes the readings can be repetitive. Every week you have to write a blog post, and he grades them on a scale of quarter points up to 10.0, but in reality you will likely never get above a 9.5. My average over the semester was probably between and 9.0 and a 9.25, and I got an A. So don't worry too much because he will curve it. He is very exacting, sometimes almost to a fault. He can seem to be blind to the fact that his own criticisms are not ironclad. Absolutely make sure you meet with him early in the semester during his office hours. He appreciates getting to know his students. As has been said, he's very old school. He is intimidating in his comments, exacting in his standards, and demanding in his expectations for independent thought. Tips: try to tie in outside sources that relate in an unexpected but thoughtful way. Prepare for a lot of reading, and be judicious in what you read and how closely. Don't be afraid to challenge his views, but know how to back it up and anticipate his criticisms so you can address them on the fly. He truly is a quality over quantity person; he's not just saying that. Overall, I would highly recommend him to someone that can devote the time and energy he requires of you.

It's a lot of work but worth it. Weekly response papers/blogs (you can skip 2 weeks), one short paper, and one final paper. No midterm or final because he doesn't believe in tests.

I loved this course. Professor Haider is an incredibly engaging professor, encourages students to think critically, and is very passionate about this subject. Some students think he's mean, but his tough style is what makes him a great professor that keeps class interesting and encourages students to always participate. If you answer a question in class, he will push back and challenge you - be prepared and articulate. The workload is worth it though if you are really interested in learning this subject and just about the world in general. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS COURSE