Postgraduate Module Descriptor


ARAM248: Texts and Traditions in Islamic Intellectual History

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

This module will introduce you to core texts in Islamic intellectual history. You will obtain deep insights into the evolution of Islamic thought and civilisation. You will develop an understanding of both the specific contexts of the texts studied as well as of their significance for universal history. In addition to learning about the texts studied, you will also acquire the skills to read, contextualise and analyse primary sources, explore and assess the scholarly literature, build on the existing knowledge and identify gaps as well as problematic areas necessitating reconsideration. These skills will prepare you for producing original research in the dynamic field of Islamic intellectual history, which is also linked to social and political as well as other cultural outputs, such as art, architecture, music, etc. The formative assessment for the module consists of a presentation followed by a discussion. This will prepare you for presenting at conferences and similar professional meetings. It will also give you the opportunity to present the outline of your research and integrate the feedback received while producing your summative assessment, an academic essay.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. acquire the skills necessary for the close reading and in depth study of key texts in Islamic intellectual history;
2. reach the ability to contextualise primary sources and discuss their significance both for the study of the close context of their production and for the overall evolution of Islamic and universal intellectual history.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. develop an understanding the importance and the methods of text-based studies in the field of Islamic studies;
4. build up an overview of Islamic intellectual history and its links to social and political history as well as to other cultural outputs;
5. attain the ability to locate Islamic intellectual history in universal history of humankind, including such fields as religious studies, philosophy, literature and political thought.
Personal and Key Skills6. produce original research based on the exploration and assessment of secondary sources (available scholarly literature) and the study of primary sources (original texts);
7. prepare and deliver a conference-style oral presentation
8. participate in scholarly/collegial discussions, give, accept and respond to feedback by peers;
9. present your research in clear and accessible manned in writing in the form of an academic essay.