Modiwl HPS-1007:
Islam:Hist, Soc and Beliefs
Islam: History, Society and Beliefs 2024-25
HPS-1007
2024-25
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Farhaan Wali
Overview
Islam is the world鈥檚 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.
This introductory module explores the origins, beliefs and practices of Islam. 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 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鈥檃n 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
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
written 2000 word essay
Weighting
60%
Due date
04/12/2024
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Short release essay
Weighting
40%
Due date
13/01/2025