Course Catalogue

Sufism TRS4093

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course explores the main contours of Sufism, from its origins in ascetic Islam, to the development of Sufi orders in the medieval period and the responses of such orders to modernity

Timetable

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

 

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

Requirements of Entry

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.

Excluded Courses

TRS3012 Sufism Level 3

TRS4032 Sufism

TRS3036 Sufism Non Honours

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are: 

 

■ Essay (2,500 words) - 40% 

■ Presentation of 10 minutes followed by discussion chaired by the student - 10% 

■ Examination (90 minutes duration) - 50% 

 

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 Essay (2,500 words), but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ Recording of presentation as alternative to presentation. 

■ There are no alternatives to the exam, but extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustment. 

 

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

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ explore Sufism, often termed "mystical" Islam;

■ become familiar with the leading names and masters of the Sufi tradition and their contributions to Islamic history in general;

■ learn key Sufi technical terms and appreciate their nuances and uses in a range of primary texts.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ describe critically the general contours of Sufism within Islam;

■ identify the key terms in Sufi Islam.

■ discuss and analyse key texts in the Sufi tradition;

■ identify the central themes in these works;

■ critically engage with the term "mysticism";

■ assess why the Sufi tradition has proved so controversial within Islamic contexts.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions