Syllabus

The syllabus will consist of reading through and analysing selected narrations from different sources. During this the lectures will provide:

• An overview of different themes and type of tradition
• A comparison among meanings and contents of different reports.
• Selected traditions about God and his attributes from al-Kafi of Kulayni and al-Sahih of Bukhari
• Selected traditions on the character of the Prophet from Nahj al-Balaghah of Radi and al-Sahih of Muslim
• Selection from al-Sahifah al-Sajjadiyyah and other transmitted invocations.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:

• Comprehend and discuss ahadith in their original Arabic. (A6)

Skills
 This module will call for the successful student to:

• Evaluate some traditions in the light of the themes mentioned in the syllabus. (B3, B6, C1, D6)
• Compare and contrast the structure and contents of the various collections of traditions. (B2)
• Build upon and utilize ahadith as primary sources for their research.  (B2-B4, C1, C2, C5, C6, D1-D3, D5, D6)

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

The module is primarily skill-orientated, and so is mainly directed by the tutor in class sessions (supported by handouts and module folder material), where discussion and interaction are strongly encouraged. Samples of the texts shall be read in the class and more work is assigned for students to read on their own.

Assessment Mode

Formative Assessment:
Questions arising from lectures form the basis formative assessment, through small group discussions leading to the development of theological understanding. Revision sessions are arranged that will cover topics in preparation for exams, addressing student understanding and providing constructive formative feedback to students. Oral presentation will be used to address student understanding of issues of importance, providing constructive formative feedback to students.  Further development in student-led discussion groups allows for module leader observation and feedback.

Summative Assessment:
Assessment is by written and oral examination at the end of the semester. The oral examination of 15 minutes will require students to demonstrate correct reading and comprehension of an excerpt from the core texts (Outcomes 1, 2). The 2 hour open-book written examination will take place at the end of the semester (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4).

Assessment Weighting
Written examination: 80%
Oral examination: 20%

Learning Materials

Core readings

• Al-Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Isma’il. (1997) al-Jami’ al-Sahih, M. M. Khan (trans.), Riyadh: Darussalam
• Al-Kulayni, Muhammad b. Ya’qub.  (1377 AH) al-Kafi, ed. by A. A. al-Ghaffari, Tehran: Maktabat alSaduq
• Al-Nayshaburi, Muslim b. Hajjaj. (2007) al-Jami’ al- Sahih, Nasiruddin al-Khattab (trans.), Riyadh: Darussalam
• Al-Radi, al-Sharif Mohammad Hussein. (1423 AH) Nahj al-Balaghah, translated by Sayyid Ali Reza, Qum: Ansariyan Publications
• Ali Ibn Husayn, Imam Sajjad, Al-Sahifah al-Sajjadiyyah.
• Al-Suyuti, Jalal al-Din. (1401 AH) al-Jami’ al-Saghir, Beirut: Dar al-Fikr