Islamic Theology and Philosophy (Level 2)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| THEO2017 | Philosophy | 2 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- THEO2017
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module examines how Muslims have addressed fundamental theological and philosophical questions relating to their faith. These questions concern the foundations of religious knowledge and authority, God's unity and attributes, God's relationship to the world, divine determinism and human freedom, prophecy, and human destiny beyond death. Key figures will include the Mu'tazili and Ash'ari philosophical theologians, the philosophers Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Isma'ili esotericism, and the influential medieval intellectuals al-Ghazali, Ibn al-'Arabi, and Ibn Taymiyya. Selections from primary sources will be read in translation, and special attention will be given to the integration of late antique philosophical traditions into Islamic thought about God, God's relation to the world, and human destiny.
Target Students
Available to all Level 2 students including subsidiary, Liberal Arts, and exchange students
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: One essay of 2000 words (max)
- 50% Coursework 2: Essay of 2000 words (max)
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
Explore major theological and philosophical questions in Islam and gain deeper understanding of the intellectual projects that several major Muslim thinkers undertook. Acquire skill in reading primary Islamic texts in translation and relating these to their intellectual and historical contexts.Learning Outcomes
a) Knowledge and understanding of:
basic theological and philosophical questions that Muslims have addressed, key thinkers who have shaped Islamic thought, and diverse approaches that Muslims have taken to theological and philosophical discourse.
b) Intellectual skills:
critical, imaginative and integrative interpretation of primary source texts and secondary literature; analysis and assessment of competing theological, philosophical and historical arguments..
c) Professional practical skills:
coherent and well-grounded argumentation in writing and orally in seminars, analysis of complex and multi-faceted questions, cross cultural and comparative thinking.
d) Transferable skills:
research project management, giving balanced consideration to controversial issues, working with and learning from others through classroom discussion.