2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARAB1030 An Introduction to Arab and Islamic Civilisation

20 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Hendrik Kraetzschmar
Email: h.kraetzschmar@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2013/14

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

Have you ever wondered about the classical intellectual foundations for modern Arabic and Islamic thought and politics? This module provides a survey and aims to give you a thorough grounding in a number of vital topics. After a brief Introduction, we examine the state of pre-Islamic Arabia, politically and religiously, before studying the historical background to the Holy Qur'an. We look also at Islamic eschatology (death, judgement, Heaven and Hell), prohibitions in Islam and the position of women. The module concludes by examining the contribution of Islamic civilisation to world knowledge. - The module is taught over two semesters by means of lectures, seminars and discussion groups and the skill of public speaking is stressed. - There are no pre-requisites. - Assessment is by essay, group presentation and two-hour written exam.For further information please consult our website: www.leeds.ac.uk/arabic.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- identify some of the key classical aspects of Arab-Islamic culture, as it has developed since the 7th Century
- identify the succession of Islamic Dynasties and their role in the development of the Islamic civilisation
- recognise doctrines of the Islamic religion
- have a solid understanding of the contribution and impact Islamic Scholars have had to world knowledge.

Learning outcomes
For content and knowledge outcomes see above and below.

Syllabus

- An Introduction to Islam
- An event which changed History
- Pre-Islamic Arabia
- Muhammad, the life of the Prophet
- The Historical background of the Qur'an
- Islamic doctrines & The Five Pillars of Islam
- Islamic Eschatology, prohibitions in Islam, Women in Islam, The Rise of Islam.
- Islamic Dynasties and their role in history
- The conquests
- The Islamic civilisations contribution to world knowledge.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	21	1.00	21.00
Private study hours			179.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

preparatory reading for lectures/seminars, completion of coursework as well as preparation for presentations and exams

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be instructed to keep a 'personal progression log' which will be monitored by the module manager.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1,500 words	30.00
Presentation	Group presentation	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/02/2014

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