| Unit name | Political Islam |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30184 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Toby Matthiesen |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
How have Muslim intellectuals envisioned the ideal society and political order? What are the various manifestations of political Islam and so-called Islamism? How have Muslims reacted to the political challenges of modernity, including colonial rule and military intervention? Why have ideas such as the Caliphate or various conceptions of the Islamic State had such an enduring appeal? In which situations have Islamists rejected or embraced democratic processes, and where have they formed hybrid regimes? Is political Islam in decline?
This unit uses these questions as a point of departure to examine the various ways in which Muslims have sought to shape politics according to Islamic norms. It examines in particular the different movements of political Islam, from Salafism to the Muslim Brotherhood to Salafi-Jihadis and various Shii Islamisms, and analyses how these have developed in sometimes contrasting ways across the Islamic world.
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. 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
The unit focusses on the different manifestations, origins and potential future developments of political Islam. As such, we look at the emergence of modern Salafism, and at specific movements like the Muslim Brotherhood, Salafi-Jihadis and various strands of Shii Islamism. This course addresses the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the politics of Islam. We will study the exceptional impact that Islam as a religion has had on the political scene, both by capturing the imaginations of Muslims through political utopias, and by preoccupying and challenging global politics.
By the end of the unit, we will have gained a deeper understanding of the various manifestations of political Islam around the world, and the ways in which Muslims have tried to shape politics based on specific views of Islam.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will have gained a better understanding of the diversity, origin, and development of political Islam, and in turn of the relationship of politics and religion more generally. You will be able to discuss confidently the different historical and ideological trajectories of political Islam, and to engage critically with the existing scholarship and with public debates on an important topic. You will be able to evaluate a range of primary evidence and secondary sources in written 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):
1500 word portfolio (40%) [ILOs 1-3].
2500 word summative essay (60%) [ILOs 1-5].
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. THRS30184).
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 University 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. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
