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While I suppose that everyone here who's complaining is already an expert in Islamic history and culture, may I humbly suggest that most Americans are not, and that therefore courses like this are sorely needed right now. In WWII, many Americans took it upon themselves (as befits good citizens) to learn German and Japanese language, history and culture. The people who did this were not castigated as unpatriotic by their neighbors, but viewed as making a valid contribution to the war effort. Back then people understood that when we go to war with a foreign people, it behooves us to know a little bit about whom we're fighting.

I agree that it is a good thing to understand islam. But you surely don't believe that is the purpose of this course. There is only one way this course could ever be approved at Berkeley and that is if it was anti-Christian and a strict indoctrinization course for islam.

.....reality check.....

.....how many folks have or will got to "Berkeley" cause they are wanting to make.....

.....a valid contribution to the war effort.....

While I suppose that everyone here who's complaining is already an expert in Islamic history and culture, may I humbly suggest that most Americans are not, and that therefore courses like this are sorely needed right now.
No need to get defensive or to presume motive.
The obvious (and rational) question is: will this be an apologism for Islam? or a truly objective view of it?

In WWII, many Americans took it upon themselves (as befits good citizens) to learn German and Japanese language, history and culture. The people who did this were not castigated as unpatriotic by their neighbors, but viewed as making a valid contribution to the war effort.
I concur completely. However, recent experience tells us that most popularly accessible facts about Islam are selective, misleading and constitute mostly propaganda.

Back then people understood that when we go to war with a foreign people, it behooves us to know a little bit about whom we're fighting.
Again I agree. An objective realist view is what will accomplish the objective.
More of what we have been hearing and reading (even at the presidential level) is next to useless; indeed, worse than useless.
I do not pretend to be an expert on Islam. The dozen or so books I have read since the 60s have helped, however.
I will plead ignorance, but I will not allow total ignorance.

For instance... how many of these "illuminating" courses will mention the fact that when the Turkish (Muslim) empire was bolstered by Germany (with German Officers) during World War I, and they fielded a 1.3-million man army to fight the allies, the entire Arab portion of that army deserted (400,000) en masse?
No, not because they sympathized with the allies, LOL.

For a fascinating view of Islam, uncolored by the events of the last two centuries, and the distortion introduced by oil, I suggest a thorough reading of The first edition of the Encyclopedia Brittanica, 1771.
Just look under Mahomet and Islam...

I agree with you entirely. I took a distance learning course on Islamic History last spring from our local community college in the Philadelphia suburbs. Nor did I pay $500! I learned a lot and was most grateful after 9/11 that I had read something about Mohammed and how the religion developed. Interestingly, the course was offered again this spring and, I believe, was cancelled. I presume from lack of interest. I was astounded. I would think people would be lined up to take it in light of the events of last fall.