2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
ARAB1140 Muslim Beliefs: From Theology to Sunni-Shi'a Sectarianism
20 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Tajul Islam
Email: t.islam@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
Module replaces
ARAB1100This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module provides an understanding of the historical and theological developments that underpin Muslims beliefs in the modern age. With close reference to the Qur'an, the Prophetic Tradition (Sunna) and the most important definitions of Muslim creed. The module covers the thought of, and major studies on, theologians, philosophers and mystics who have shaped theological discourse and how these debates inform modern sectarian tendencies, especially the Sunni-Shi'a, Ash'ari-Hanbali and Sufi-Salafi divides.Objectives
Students will be taught to navigate through the main reference works that underpin Muslim beliefs in the modern age. They will gain an acquaintance with the Qur'an, the Prophetic Tradition (Sunna) and the most important definitions of Muslim creed. They will become familiar with the thought of, and major studies on, theologians, philosophers and Sufis who have shaped theological discourse and how these debates inform modern sectarian tendencies, especially the Sunni-Shi'a, Ash'ari-Hanbali and Sufi-Salafi schisms.Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have acquired:
- a critical understanding of the main trends of Islamic theology and philosophy.
- an appreciation of the impact of Greek Hellenism on Muslim thought.
- a clear understanding of modern Muslim sectarianism, through a familiarisation of the intellectual and socio-political environment in which it was nurtured.
- a grasp of the tensions within the various Muslim sects and denominations, in particular the Sunni-Shi'a contestations of orthodoxy and excommunication (takfir).
Syllabus
The topics covered in the module include:
- The Sunni-Shi’a split and the question of political succession after Muhammad.
- Theological disputes: the Kharijites, the Shi'a and the Murji'ites
- Rationalism and the development of Kalām-Theology
- Ash'ari and Hanbali traditionalism
- Ibn Taymiyya, the 'father' of Wahhabism/Salafism
- Ibn 'Arabi and Rumi: Theosophical Sufism
- Feminist Theology and Black Liberation Theology
- Jihadism: the legacy of excommunication (takfīr)
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 21 | 1.00 | 21.00 |
Seminar | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Private study hours | 168.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 32.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
Course readings, preparation for one essay and seminar participation.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored using the following methods:- Written assignments
- Designated feedback sessions (one per semester)
- Personal tutee appointments
- Tutor office hours
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 2000 words | 70.00 |
Poster Presentation | Formative | 0.00 |
Essay | Review Essay | 30.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
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 websiteLast updated: 10/08/2020 08:32:41
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