Course Catalogue

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This course explores the wide diversity of depictions of Muhammad through 1400 years of history by looking at key works by both Muslims and non-Muslims. Topics of study may include the life of Muhammad, the importance of Muhammad as represented in the Qur'an, the Hadith (Prophetic Traditions) and other Muslim sources, comparison between Muhammad and other prophets in Islam, and interpretations of Muhammad as reflected in non-Muslim sources.

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: 

■ Essay (2,500 words) - 65% 

■ Response paper (1,000 words) - 25% 

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

■ 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). 

■ Online forum contributions as alternative to seminar participation.

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

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ explore a history of the way in which the figure of Muhammad has been understood;

■ analyse the "creation" of Muhammad by engaging with a wide variety of relevant interpretations;

■ examine a selected range of the fundamental Islamic sources, as well as medieval and contemporary sources, by Muslims and non-Muslims (in English);

■ emphasise the importance of examining the context of the sources.

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

■ recount general historical and religious knowledge about Muhammad;

■ offer an in-depth analysis of the wide variety of interpretations of Muhammad;

■ read and understand early Islamic sources, as well as medieval and contemporary texts;

■ carry out close readings of the various interpretations offered by both Muslims and non-Muslims, taking into account the context of the authors;

■ 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.