BA Linguistics and Arabic / Course details

This course includes a critical survey of relevant introductory and reference works the field of Islamic studies in order to consider theoretical problems surrounding studying Islam as a living tradition. It explores core texts in Islamic sciences (Qur’an, hadith, prophetic biography) in relation to the scholarly traditions (Islamic law, theology, Sufism) that have emerged as an effort to make the revelation relevant to the everyday social practices of Muslims. This process is carried out in combination with a chronological survey of significant developments in the history of major Muslim communities in Europe and the Middle East.

Available on which programme(s)?

All MES and R&T programmes 

This course aims to:

• Provide students with a general introduction to the academic study of Islam and the lives of Muslims in historical and contemporary social contexts.
• Explore the doctrinal principles of Islam and how they shape the lives of Muslims from an interdisciplinary perspective.
• Introduce students to major historical developments which have shaped Islamic history since the time of the Prophet.

By the end of this course students will have acquired:

• Knowledge of the intellectual history of Islam and the development of various scholarly approaches to the core texts.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the core texts of Islamic sciences (the Qur’an, hadith, prophetic biography).
• Demonstrated familiarity with major trends and dynasties throughout Islamic history.
• Appropriate command of key concepts and terminologies related to Islamic studies.
• Ability to discuss theoretical issues surrounding studying Islam and the lives of Muslims.

By the end of this course students will have acquired:

• Knowledge of aspects of the intellectual and political history of Islam and the development of various scholarly approaches to the core texts.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the core texts of Islamic sciences (Qur’an, hadith, prophetic biography).
• Appropriate command of key concepts and terminologies related to Islamic studies.

By the end of this course students will have acquired:

• The ability to locate and use library and online resources.
• The ability to review and critique scholarly writing.
• The ability to present ideas in a clear and orderly manner.

By the end of this course students will have acquired:

• The ability to present ideas clearly (oral and written).
• The ability to manage time and punctuality.

1. Dupret, Baudouin et al. (eds.). Ethnographies of Islam, Edinburgh: Edinburgh U.P., 2012
2. Ernst, Carl W. Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2004
3. Gilsenan, Michael. Recognizing Islam: Religion and Society in the Modern Middle East, Revised Edition. London: IB Tauris, 2000
4. Hodgson, Marshall G. S. The Venture of Islam. Vol.1: The Classical Age of Islam. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press , 1974
5. Hourani, Albert. A History of the Arab Peoples. London: Faber and Faber, 2002
6. Rippin, Andrew. Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, 4^th Edition. London: Routledge, 2012
7. Saeed, Abdulla. Islamic Thought: An Introduction, New Edition. Oxford: Routledge, 2006