Module HPS-1007:
Islam: History, Society and Beliefs
Module Facts
Run by School of History, Law and Social Sciences
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1
Organiser: Dr Farhaan Wali
Overall aims and purpose
This module will provide a broad overview of the historical, sociological and religious configuration of Islam together with a comprehensive analysis of Islamic beliefs and practices. The module will commence with an inspection of early Islamic history, society and beliefs, covering the life and career of Prophet Mohammad, and the Qur’an and Sunnah as the main sources of Islamic theology, as well as selected issues of Islamic law and philosophy. The module will also seek to introduce broader understandings and interpretations of the diverse nature of Islamic faith, namely the development of militant Islam. In sum, the module aims to encourage students to gain an understanding of a broader range of issues relating to the study of Islam, looking both at the religion of Islam and also Muslims in particular social and historical contexts.
Course content
Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion, yet for most people, its beliefs and practice remain obscure despite having a close religious connection with Judaism and Christianity. For this reason, this module has been designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Islamic faith, history and practice. The module will introduce students to the study of Islamic theology by exploring the emergence and development of Islam, from its origins in the seventh century to its modern revival. Therefore, the module will guide students through the following aspects of the study of Islam: (1) Introduce students to the history and development of early and modern Islam (against the background of social and cultural contexts); (2) Examine core Islamic beliefs and practices; and (3) Investigate the wider Islamic tradition by surveying Islamic law, philosophy and mysticism.
Assessment Criteria
threshold
Shows some knowledge of key areas of the module with an acceptable presentation of arguments.
good
Shows detailed knowledge of key areas covered in the module with the arguments presented in a logical and coherent way.
excellent
Shows comprehensive and very detailed understanding of the material covered in the module, based on extensive background reading.
Learning outcomes
-
To demonstrate an understanding of the Islamic faith and practice, as well as an understanding of the main approaches and methodologies in the study of the Islamic religion
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To demonstrate an understanding of the development of the historical and sociological importance of the Islamic core sources: namely the Qur’an and Hadith and the function they play in the synthesis of Islamic belief and practice
-
To demonstrate an understanding of Islamic society and philosophy, as well as an understanding of the key issues facing contemporary Muslims
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To be aware of the heterogeneous nature of Islamic faith and to be aware of the historical, sectarian and cultural differences between Muslims
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To show understanding of how Islam as a faith relates to wider social, cultural and political contexts
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
written 2000 word essay | 60.00 | ||
Take home (seen) exam | 40.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Lecture | 24 | |
Private study | 176 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
Courses including this module
Optional in courses:
- M931: BA Criminology & Criminal Justice with International Exp year 1 (BA/CJIE)
- M930: BA Criminology & Criminal Justice year 1 (BA/CRIM)
- M93P: BA Criminology and Criminal Justice with Placement Year year 1 (BA/CRIMP)
- V100: BA History year 1 (BA/H)
- V10F: BA History [with Foundation Year] year 1 (BA/HF)
- 8B03: BA History (with International Experience) year 1 (BA/HIE)
- V10P: BA History with Placement Year year 1 (BA/HP)
- V140: BA Modern & Contemporary History year 1 (BA/MCH)
- V130: BA Mediaeval and Early Modern His year 1 (BA/MEMH)
- VV15: BA Medieval & Early Modern History with International Exp year 1 (BA/MEMHIE)
- VV56: BA Philosophy and Religion year 1 (BA/PHRE)
- VV5P: BA Philosophy and Religion with Placement Year year 1 (BA/PHREP)
- 3VQV: BA Philosophy and Religion and English Literature year 1 (BA/PREN)
- VVR1: BA Philosophy and Religion and French year 1 (BA/PRF)
- VVR2: BA Philosophy and Religion and German year 1 (BA/PRG)
- VVV1: BA Philosophy and Religion and History year 1 (BA/PRH)
- VVR3: BA Philosophy and Religion and Italian year 1 (BA/PRI)
- VV57: BA Philosophy and Religion with International Experience year 1 (BA/PRIE)
- VVW3: BA Philosophy and Religion and Music year 1 (BA/PRM)
- VVR4: BA Philosophy and Religion and Spanish year 1 (BA/PRS)
- VVQ5: BA Philosophy and Religion and Welsh year 1 (BA/PRW)
- VVV2: BA Philosophy and Religion and Welsh History year 1 (BA/PRWH)
- L300: BA Sociology year 1 (BA/S)
- L31B: BA Sociology (4 year with Incorporated Foundation) year 1 (BA/S1)
- 3L3Q: BA Sociology and English Literature year 1 (BA/SEL)
- L30F: BA Sociology [with Foundation Year] year 1 (BA/SF)
- LV31: BA Sociology/History year 1 (BA/SH)
- 8Y70: BA Sociology (with International Experience) year 1 (BA/SIE)
- L402: BA Social Policy year 1 (BA/SOCPOL)
- L40F: BA Social Policy [with Foundation Year] year 1 (BA/SOCPOLF)
- L30P: BA Sociology with Placement Year year 1 (BA/SOP)
- LM49: BA Social Policy/Criminology year 1 (BA/SPCR)
- VV12: BA Welsh History/History year 1 (BA/WHH)
- LVH2: BA Welsh History/Sociology year 1 (BA/WHS)
- LQ35: BA Cymraeg and Sociology year 1 (BA/WS)
- M1V5: LLB Law with Philosophy and Religion year 1 (LLB/LPR)
- V102: MArts History with International Experience year 1 (MARTS/HIE)
- V101: MArts History year 1 (MARTS/HIST)