2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

THEO2225 Sufism

20 creditsClass Size: 99

Module manager: Dr Elizabeth Sirriyeh
Email: E.M.Sirriyeh@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is mutually exclusive with

THEO3350

Sufism

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

Sufism is frequently described as Islamic mysticism, although many Sufis would not consider themselves to be mystics but pursuing a spiritual life of purification of the heart in devotion to God. What has attracted so many Muslims over the centuries to follow the Sufi Way and join Sufi orders? Why have other Muslims criticised Sufis or even rejected Sufism completely as un-Islamic? How have Sufis responded, survived and adapted in the modern world? If you are interested in spirituality and its place in Islam, you may be interested in this module on Sufism. The module covers the historical development of the Sufi tradition, its literature including medieval Persian poetry and modern Arabic novels in English translation, its saints and their cults and, finally, some of the ways in which Sufism has spread in the West in both Islamic and non-Islamic forms.This module is taught with lectures and workshops or seminars throughout Semester 2. It is suitable for those who have some background on Islam, usually gained from a previous module with Islamic content at Level 1 or 2. It is also suitable for Level 2 students without such background, but who are prepared to undertake preliminary reading on Islam before starting the module.

Objectives

To introduce students to medieval and modern Sufi spirituality and to the expressions and role of organised Sufism worldwide. On completion of this module, students should have acquired knowledge of developments in the Sufi tradition within Islam and gained some familiarity with contemporary manifestations of Sufism among Muslims and, to a limited extent, among non-Muslim Sufis in the West.

Learning outcomes
Critical reading and interpretation of primary and secondary texts; note-taking; producing written assignments to deadlines; presentation of oral arguments; collaborative work in small groups; use of library and internet resources.

Skills outcomes
Critical reading and interpretation of primary and secondary texts; note-taking; producing written assignments to deadlines; presentation of oral arguments; collaborative work in small groups; use of library and internet resources.

Syllabus

The module investigates various aspects of the Islamic spiritual tradition of Sufism from the formative period to the present. It examines questions relating to Sufism's origins, historical development and current manifestations in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa. Sufi literature is studied with special reference to the Persian poetic tradition, including English translations of authors such as 'Attar and Rumi. Attention is also given to modern criticisms of Sufism, to the efforts of Sufis to defend themselves against attacks and to undertake reform. Finally, there is an exploration of new directions in Sufi thought and practice among Sufis in Europe and the U.S.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Preparation for lectures and workshops, production of written assignments, revision for examination

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress of students to be monitored through workshop performance and assessment with provision of written feedback

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	800-1,000 words	15.00
Essay	1,200-1,500 words	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

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	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

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: 01/05/2009

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD