Course Catalogue

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Through reading the fundamental Islamic sources, the Qur'an and Hadith (Prophetic Traditions), this course will explore the multiplicity of beliefs and practices in Islam and the diversity of its interpretation, and critique the stereotypical image of Islam. Topics of study may include the basic doctrine of Islam and topical issues around Islam, such as gender, jihad and 'Islam and the West'

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

This is one of the Honours options in Theology and Religious Studies and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Theology and Religious Studies, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

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The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Response paper (1,000 words) - 25% 

■ Essay (2,500 words) - 65% 

■ Seminar participation - 10% 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the response paper, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There are no alternatives to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ Learning diary as an alternative to seminar participation.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course aims to:

■ examine a selected range of the fundamental Islamic sources, such as the Qur'an and Hadith (Prophetic Traditions), as well as other key Muslim sources and academic works;

■ study the basic doctrines of Islam, as well as doctrinal diversity within Islam;

■ explore topical issues around Islam; for example, gender, jihad, problem of evil, Muslim-Jewish/Christian relations, Sharia, 'Islam and the West';

■ stress the importance of examining the context of sources;

■ survey and critique different perceptions of Islam.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ discuss Islam from a general religious and historical perspective;

■ offer an in-depth analysis of the diversity of interpretation in Islam both orally and in written form;

■ analyse key Islamic sources, and provide close readings of the writings of prominent Muslim thinkers and key scholarly works;

■ identify and develop independent research questions;

■ apply transferable skills involving independent and critical thinking, cultural awareness, information literacy and analysis;

■ communicate responses to the material studied on the course both orally and in written form through coherent and sustained argument.