Overview

Debating Islam: From Peace to Violence offers a critical introduction to the history, beliefs, and practices of Islam, while interrogating the ways in which the religion has been represented—as both a force for peace and a source of violence—across historical and contemporary contexts. Beginning with the emergence of Islam in the seventh century, the module explores its development through key historical periods and examines core theological concepts, ritual practices, and intellectual traditions, including Islamic law, philosophy, and mysticism. Students will consider the social and cultural contexts in which Islam has evolved, as well as the internal diversity of Muslim thought and expression. Alongside this foundation, the module engages with contemporary debates surrounding jihad, just war, political Islam, and the impact of colonialism, Orientalism, and modern media in shaping dominant narratives about Islam. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how Islam is interpreted, lived, contested, and politicised in the modern world.

This introductory module explores the origins, development, and internal diversity of Islam, offering students a foundational understanding of the religion’s key theological, historical, and sociocultural dimensions. It begins with the emergence of Islam in the seventh century, examining the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the formative role of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Students will then study the historical development of Islamic thought and practice, including core beliefs such as tawḥīd (the oneness of God), prophethood, and eschatology, as well as the ritual pillars of faith. The syllabus also investigates the wider Islamic tradition by engaging with Islamic jurisprudence (sharī‘a), philosophy, and mysticism (taṣawwuf), while considering the diverse ways Islam has been interpreted across different periods and contexts. Finally, the module turns to modern and contemporary debates, including the revival and reform of Islam in response to colonialism, globalisation, and political conflict.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(D +) Shows some knowledge of key areas of the module with an acceptable presentation of arguments.

-good (B+) Shows detailed knowledge of key areas covered in the module with the arguments presented in a logical and coherent way.

-excellent -(A+) Shows comprehensive and very detailed understanding of the material covered in the module, based on extensive background reading.

Learning Outcomes

• To be aware of the heterogeneous nature of Islamic faith and to be aware of the historical, sectarian and cultural differences between Muslims

• To demonstrate an understanding of Islamic society and philosophy, as well as an understanding of the key issues facing contemporary Muslims

• 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

• 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 show understanding of how Islam as a faith relates to wider social, cultural and political contexts