| Unit name | Muslims: Beliefs and Practices |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20223 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| 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?
What are they key tenets of Islam and how to they relate to its lived dimensions? How are ritual and piety framed from within the tradition?
This unit explores the rituals, beliefs, and doctrines of Islamic communities worldwide, paying attention to both key historical junctures for the tradition and discourses relevant to the understanding of Islam’s core practices and tenets. Thus, the unit covers topics such as the Quran and the Prophet, pilgrimages, and piety, but also Islamic law, modern Islamic identities and inter-sectarian discourses. In doing this, we will pay specific attention to the ways in which Muslims in different contexts and geographical areas have interpreted and lived their religion, while also critically reflecting about conflicting religious claims.
Readings will include not only scholarly works but also ethnographies, material from primary sources in translation (the Quran or other religious literature, biographies, and chronicles) and documentaries.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Specialist subject options are offered in the second year 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 two to four, depending on their interests. Specialist subject options are available to students on Liberal Arts programmes as well. 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 Theology 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, you will explore the origins of Islam, the development of its rituals, doctrines, and practices, and learn to appreciate their lived dimensions. You will learn about a variety of topics (from scripture to material culture and gender) that will lead you to have a fuller understanding of Islam, while also enhancing your knowledge of religions more broadly.
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 lived dimension of Islam, and a deep appreciation of issues shared across the Study of Religions field (secularism and religions, material culture, religious identity, inter-sectarian disputes, gender, and religion). You will also 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 do not count towards your mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
1 x group presentation (0%) [ILO 4].
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1 x 2000 word portfolio (30%) [ILOs 1-5].
1 X 2500-word summative essay (70%) [ILOs 1-3; 5].
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. THRS20223).
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.
