| Unit name | Global Islam |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30181 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Alabbas |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
How are multiple interpretations and versions of Islam produced and spread worldwide? How do they shape Muslims’ perceptions of their tradition and religious identity? How do “Muslims and non-Muslims reconcile rhetoric about the unity of Islam with the evident diversity of different forms of the faith that exist around the planet” both historically and in the contemporary period?
This unit uses these questions as a point of departure to examine the richness and complexity of Muslim cultures and societies and understand their diversity in a global context. We will focus on key topics (sectarian identity, gender, migration, intersections with social, cultural, and political issues, inter-religious dialogue) and explore different geographical areas. In so doing, we will become familiar with insiders’ perspectives as well as leading discourses in the study of Global Islam.
By the end of the unit, you will have gained a deeper understanding of the ways in which Islam identities and representations of Islam intersect, and an appreciation of the complex dynamics of their interaction.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Specialist subject options are offered in the second and final years of the Religion and Theology programmes. It is standard practice for single honours students to take four specialist options in each of those years (two per TB), and for joint honours students to take one. Specialist subject options are available to students on Liberal Arts programmes and are also available to taught postgraduates (MA Buddhist Studies, MA Theology and Religious Studies). The portfolio of units available will change from year to year based on staff availability, but it will consistently represent a full range of research strengths across the English department, as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increased optionality as students’ progress through their programme.
An overview of content
As part of this unit, we will tackle several topics and issues relevant for the understanding of Islam in a global context.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Through this unit, you will gain a more in-depth understanding of the diversity of Muslim cultures and societies, and will be stimulated to reflect on the interrelations between Islam and other religious traditions. Students will acquire appropriate skills in academic writing based on secondary sources, critical thinking, comparative analysis, and argumentation in written and oral communication.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1 x 2000 word portfolio (40%) [ILOs 1-3].
1 X 3000-word summative essay (60%) [ILOs 1-4].
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRS30181).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
