Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA2147: Classical Islamic History

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

Module Aims

Building upon the understanding of Islam and its institutions which students acquired in Level One modules, this module will expose them to a more nuanced and profound conception of the subject based on civilisational and historiographical approaches. We will consider the history of the classical period in its most holistic sense comprising the politics of the nascent community and the conquests, the shifts in power and culture signalled by the different dynasties and the formation of 'Islamicate societies' in their cultural variation.

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 an understanding of the problematics of studying classical Islam and the contentious issues and historiographical debates that have not yet been resolved by scholars.
2. evidence comprehensive understanding of the methodological tools applied to the study of the history of the Islamic religion, culture and its institutions.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. critically explain the pitfalls of Eurocentric approaches to non-Western societies and culture
4. Demonstrate understanding of, and an ability contextualise, Islamic historiography within approaches to the study of Islam
Personal and Key Skills5. solve various epistemological problems, whether or not related to Islamic studies, and evidence a capacity to examine critically and review existing historical literature
6. digest, select and organise material to produce, to a deadline, a coherent and cogent argument, developed through the assigned essay.
7. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.