2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARAB1140 Muslim Beliefs: From Theology to Sunni-Shi'a Sectarianism

20 creditsClass Size: 13

Module manager: Tajul Islam
Email: t.islam@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2021/22

Module replaces

ARAB1100

This 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 website

Last updated: 30/06/2021 16:18:56

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