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RELI3000

Islam: History, Theology and Culture

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2013

UoN Broken Bay Instit - Online Semester 1

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007

Examines the theological and socio-political history of Islam (from its emergence in the 7th Century to its late 19th century encounter with modern western society) and focuses in particular upon the emergence of the Qur an, Hadith and basic teachings of Islam; the problems arising from Islam's rapid geo-political expansion during the and 7th and 8th centuries, its political institutions (the Caliphate), internal differentiation (the Sunni-Shia divide and Sufism) and its synergistic encounter with Greek philosophy and science; the development of Sharia law and its system of jurisprudence (Fiqh); and the rich diversity of its theological traditions and cultural expressions.

Objectives The course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Islam and its intricately interwoven socio-political and theological histories, and, in particular, the socio-political ramifications of its rapid geo-political expansion during the 7th and 8th centuries, the theological ramifications of the 'exotic' ideas it absorbed in the course of this expansion, and the theological means by which these ramifications were subsequently reconciled with the fundamental tenets of Islamic orthodoxy.
Content The theological and socio-political history of Islam (from its emergence in the 7th Century to its 19th century encounter with modern, as opposed to medieval, western society); the Qur an, Hadith, basic teachings and practices of Islam; problems arising from Islam's geo-political expansion, political institutions (the Caliphate), internal differentiation (the Sunni-Shia divide and Sufism) and its two-edged encounter with Greek philosophy and science; the development of its systems of law (Sharia) and jurisprudence (Fiqh); and the rich and complex diversity of its theological traditions and multi-cultural expressions.
Replacing Course(s) NA
Transition NA
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge NIL
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments 2 x 2000 word essays, 40% each
Presentations - Class 1000 words, 20%
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2013 Course Timetables for RELI3000