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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARAB1030 Introduction to Arab and Islamic Civilisation

20 creditsClass Size: 50

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

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

Year running 2019/20

This module is approved as a discovery module

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
At the end of this module students will:
1. Be able to identify some of the key classical aspects of Arab-Islamic culture, as it has developed since the 7th century until the present day.
2. Have acquired a basic foundation in Arab and Islamic civilisation allowing students to pursue advanced studies in this field.
3. Have developed a number of basic personal transferable skills (PTS), including oral presentation, essay writing and time management skills.


Syllabus

On this course, students will be introduced to a number of subjects related to the evolution and development of Arab culture and the Islamic faith from its inception. More specifically, the themes covered in this module include:
- An Introduction to Islam
- Pre-Islamic Arabia.
- Muhammad, the life of the Prophet
- Introduction to Islamic doctrines,
- Introduction to the Qur’an
- Sunnah and Islamic law
- Lawful and Unlawful in Islam,
- Women in Islam
- Culture, politics and economics within the Ummayad and Abbasid Empires
- Baghdad as a cultural centre of excellence
- Al-Andalus as a centre of knowledge in Europe
- Islamic civilisations contribution to world knowledge and the importance of trade and travel in the Islamic world.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture211.0021.00
Seminar111.0011.00
Private study hours168.00
Total Contact hours32.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

168 hours of private study, including the hours spent on student preparation for weekly lectures, biweekly seminars, the essay and final examination.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback Arrangements
Feedback on essays will be provided in week 4 of semester two and a copy of the assessment form will be given to each student.
In respect of the exam, each student shall have an opportunity to receive a copy of the exam feedback proforma, detailing the particulars in respect of individual student performance.
Feedback on overall progress can be obtained throughout the academic year during my weekly Advice and Feedback Hours.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2000 words50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

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


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)2 hr 00 mins50.00
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: 24/04/2018

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