Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA2145: Sufism and Islamic Devotional Life

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

Module Aims

This module aims to

(a) introduce you to the key figures and representatives of the Sufi tradition;

(b) trace the origins of Sufism back to the Qur’an and Hadith

(c) communicate the basic doctrines, teaching, spiritual practices and disciplines of Sufism;

(d) familiarize you with the key institutions, Orders and schools of the classical Sufi tradition

(e) give you an appreciation of the subtlety and depth of thought of key Sufi masters (e.g. Bayazid, Hallaj, Ghazali, Rumi and Ibn ‘Arabi)

(f) give you an insight into the key devotional practices (e.g. Dhikr, Sama‘) of Sufism

(g) allow you to situate the study of Islam in the context of its most profound dimension: the mystical.

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. demonstrate familiarity with the above-mentioned central aspects of Islamic religious tradition,
2. demonstrate an understanding of their proper contexts in the larger complex of Islamic religious life and history, and with the underlying correspondences with parallel phenomena in other religious traditions
Discipline-Specific Skills3. demonstrate the ability to read critically and carefully and to contextualize in an appropriate, comprehensive manner documents from an unfamiliar subject matter and cultural/historical setting.
4. demonstrate the ability to relate broad philosophical, ethical and spiritual issues and religious traditions to the corresponding practical issues and challenges in relevant areas of contemporary life
Personal and Key Skills5. demonstrate fluent analytical writing skills and the ability to sift and synthesize unfamiliar material from many sources
6. demonstrate the ability to give a cogent, succinct and effective brief oral public presentation.
7. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.