Postgraduate Module Descriptor


ARAM249: Theorising Islam

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

Overview

NQF Level7
Credits15 ECTS Value7.5
Term(s) and duration

This module will run during term 1 (11 weeks)

Academic staff

Professor Sajjad Rizvi (Convenor)

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Available via distance learning

No

In a global world in which we take a connected and inclusive approach to inquiry and are entirely aware of our position within that inquiry, how should we study Islam? What are the existing dominant modes of inquiry that emerged from orientalism and forms of the colonialist knowledge about Islam and Muslims? In this module, we will start from the ground of the humanities and ask what the limitations of prior inquiries into Islam might have been and how we can engage with the excitement of new intersectional and decolonial possibilities. Although we will engage in the study of theory, decolonial options in the study of Islam are also about the concrete examples of understanding the world from below and considering alternatives. We will not be replacing one dominant mode of the study of Islam but consider alternatives: what are the perspectives of women, sexual minorities, race and class positions that might help to nuance our understanding of the Islamic traditions. We will not assume any prior knowledge, but you need to bring enthusiasm, the desire to think beyond binaries and also be willing to take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of religion in the contemporary world.

Module created

31/08/2021

Last revised

31/08/2021