Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA1018: Introduction to Islam

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

General historical background: Near Eastern monotheisms, Muhammad in Mecca and Medina.

- The Qur'anic revelation and formation of a community, creed and policy.

The Prophet, the hadith and the Sunna: historical contexts, lines of interpretation, the Prophetic example; devotion, covenant renewal, pilgrimage, visitation

- Islamic art and architecture

The formation of the Islamic tradition: formation of a community, creed, theologies and policies

Islamic mysticism/Sufism

Ritual and devotion

- Philosophy and theology

Fiqh, Shari'a, ethics and Islamic 'law'

Muslim responses to modernity

Who speaks for Islam? Religion and identity in the modern world

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 1111 x 1 hour lectures
Guided Independent study60 Reading for and reflecting on class discussions in seminars
Guided Independent study12Completion of formative on-line assignments in the Library Literacy component
Guided Independent study56Researching and completing summative assignments
Scheduled Learning and Teaching1111 x 1 hour seminars

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).