2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARAB2280 Islamic Law: Theory and Practice

20 creditsClass Size: 70

Module manager: Dr Mustapha Sheikh
Email: m.sheikh@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2017/18

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module will introduce students to Islamic legal theory in its differing historical and geographical contexts. It will introduce students to: The power relations that have historically facilitated and/or curtailed the development of legal theory; the dynamics involved in issuing a fatwa; the key theories which seek to explain why Muslim states ceased to apply Islamic law and also the recent re-emphasis upon the need to develop legal theory for the modern world. This module will also provide an opportunity to contrast theory and practical application through case studies covering a range of concerns.

Objectives

The module introduces students to:
- Islamic legal theory and interpretation in its differing historical and geographical contexts.
- The power relations which have historically facilitated and/or curtailed the development of legal theory
- The classical theories which are experiencing a revival through Islamic reformism

Learning outcomes
- A critical understanding of the dominant trajectories which Islamic law has taken.
- Informed insight into the tools at the disposal of the jurist.
- A clearer understanding of modern Islamic reformism through a familiarisation with earlier historical precedents

Skills outcomes
Students will gain confidence in approaching classical/medieval Islamic legal texts in English translation, and accessing modern studies on the same. They will also become familiarised with Muslim legal terminology.

Syllabus

The Qur'an and Sunna as sources of law
- The early jurists
- The Hanafi School
- al-Shafi'i, hadith and the development of Usul al-fiqh
- Ijma'
- Qiyas
- The Madhhabs, taqlid and "closing of the gates of ijtihad"
- Maqasid theory
- Islamic law in the Ottoman empire. The Tanzimat reforms
- Rupture and Revival
- - Case studies including slavery, sexual ethics, alcohol and Islamic banking

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			167.00
Total Contact hours			31.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			198.00

Private study

200 hours including the contact hours and also hours spent on student preparation for presentation, essay, exam, seminars and lectures.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored using the following methods:
- Written / oral assignments
- Designated feedback sessions (one per semester)
- Student questionnaires
- Personal tutee appointments
- Tutor office hours

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2000 words	50.00
Oral Presentation	20 Minute Presentation	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		70.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Unseen exam	2 hr 00 mins	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		30.00

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: 30/04/2018

Disclaimer

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