Timetabling
This unit aims to present a more objective and unbiased understanding of Islam than the superficial and frequently stereotypical image of Islam presented by the media. After a short introduction to the historical origins of Islam, the course will focus on the concerns that have dominated the writings of Muslim reformers from the eighteenth century to the present day. Special attention will be given to the pressing issues facing contemporary Muslims who live in a modern, secular and pluralist society.
Description
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
Demonstrate some understanding of the historical origins of Islam
Indicate the recent historical events that have provided the background to the emergence of modern Muslim reform movements
Describe the key concerns of significant reform movements that have emerged in the Muslim world from the eighteenth century up to the present day
Discuss the most important issues that Muslims are grappling with in a modern, secular and pluralist society
Evaluate the range of Christian responses to Islam in recent times.
Prerequisites:
30 points of Foundational study in Christian Thought and History
Teaching Methods:
There are six fortnightly sessions covering Islam in the Modern World. Each session consists of guided reading from the set texts, additional reading resources and some notes, together with an online tutorial. Students will be expected to contribute to the discussions in each session.
Contact Hours:
The equivalent of three hours per week for twelve weeks
Assessment:
2 x 2500 word essays (40% each)
Participation in each of the six online tutorials, comprising intentional, reflective and critical interaction with lecturer and peers to the equivalent of 1000 words (20%)
Bibliography:
* = set texts recommended for purchase
Armstrong, Karen. Islam A Short History . London: Phoenix, 2000.
Bonnery, Richard. Jihad: From Qur’an to bin Laden . London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004.
El Fadl, Khaled Abou. The Great Theft, Wrestling Islam from the Extremists . San Francisco: Harper, 2007.
Kamrava, Mehran (ed.). The New Voices of Islam; Reforming Politics and Modernity – a Reader . New York: I. B. Tauris, 2006.
Lumbard, Joseph E. B. (ed.). Islam, Fundamentalism, and the Betrayal of Tradition; essays by Western Muslim Scholars . Bloomington: World Wisdom, 2004.
Rahman, Fazlur. Islam and Modernity, Transformation of an Intellectual Tradition . Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1982.
Ruthven, Malise. Islam in the World . New ed. London: Granta Books, 2006.
Saeed, Abdullah. Islamic Thought, an Introduction . London: Routledge, 2006.
Said, Abdul Aziz et al (eds). Contemporary Islam; Dynamic, not Static . New York: Routledge, 2006.
Safi, Omid (ed.). Progressive Muslims; on Justice, Gender, and Pluralism . Oxford: Oneworld,
Unit Fields
Unit Level
