Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA1018: Introduction to Islam

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

Module Aims

The primary aim of this module is to introduce you (without needing prior background) to the basic sources and historical contexts for the origins of Islam (Qur'an, sira, hadith) and some of the basic spiritual principles expressed in those sources as well as the contexts and practices that exemplify the spiritual principles. An important secondary aim (which is indispensable for fulfilling the primary aim) is to help you become aware of and begin to abandon cultural stereotypes about what constitutes both "religion" and "Islam," and to begin to become aware of other disciplines and conceptual tools rooted in history and the social sciences which are more adequate for perceiving and conveying the actual phenomena related to cultural traditions, social practices and every-day lives among Muslim peoples. The module includes a component of library and information literacy designed for beginners in Arab and Islamic Studies.

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 Skills	1. Possess a conceptual awareness of the most basic vocabulary and sources of Islamic religious tradition; and a basic awareness of the diversities of Islamic traditions and practices. 2. Acquire the necessary library and information literacy skills required for Islamic Studies.
Discipline-Specific Skills	3. Read critically and carefully and to contextualise in an appropriate, comprehensive manner both documents and visual (media) materials from an unfamiliar subject matter and cultural/historical setting. 4. Recognize and contextualise all the relevant dimensions of religious life and tradition
Personal and Key Skills	5. Develop analytical writing skills and the ability to sift and synthesise unfamiliar material from many sources. 6. Relate broad methodological, philosophic, ethical and spiritual issues and religious traditions to the corresponding practical issues and challenges in relevant areas of contemporary life.

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 Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

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

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	11	11 x 1 hour lectures
Guided Independent study	60	Reading for and reflecting on class discussions in seminars
Guided Independent study	12	Completion of formative on-line assignments in the Library Literacy component
Guided Independent study	56	Researching and completing summative assignments
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	11	11 x 1 hour seminars

Online Resources

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