ISD104 – Introduction to Islamic Philosophy

Course Overview

This module aims to introduce students to the history, major schools and concepts of Islamic philosophy; and explore the question ‘What is Islamic Philosophy?’; investigating the historical emergence and development of this field of study from its earliest stages to the present day. This module will systematically and critically examine the major schools of Islamic philosophy and the issues around which these schools have built their intellectual edifice. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on combining historical and modern, problem-oriented approaches, thus providing an opportunity for students to relate philosophical concepts that have been developed over centuries to present-day issues.

Module Info

Module Title: Introduction to Islamic Philosophy

Module Type: Designated

Program: BA Hawza Studies

Prerequisite(s): None

Credit(s): 20

Module Code: ISC115

Component(s): Written report: 50% – Presentation: 50%

Syllabus
Outcomes
Strategy
Material

sYLLABUS

The module will cover two important periods: the life of the Prophet and the era of the caliphate leading up to the establishment of the Umayyad dynasty. It will discuss topics such as:

- The Prophet’s Succession and the Quraish’s Rule
- The five caliphs after the Prophet
- Abu Bakr and the ridda wars
- Umar’s administration of the new territories
- ‘Umar’s selection committee (shura)
- Caliphate system crisis: ‘Uthman and Banu Umayyad
- Ali’s Caliphate in Kufa and the civil wars
- The birth of the Khawarij
- The formation of a Shi’a trends

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge
Upon completion of this module, a successful student will be able to:

Identify the main concepts and questions in Islamic philosophy and major philosophical schools in Islam. (A1, A3, B4)
Examine the main points of controversy and basic issues in Islamic philosophy. (B2, B3)

Skills
This module will require a successful student to:

Analyse the relation between science, philosophy, and faith. (B2, B5, C1, C2, D1, D3)

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

Alongside lectures, students are expected to develop their learning through research and preparation leading to a research based essay. Seminars are used to debate and explore specific issues while the use of questioning and small group work in class ensures that students are constantly engaged and take an active role in the learning process.

Assessment strategy

Formative Assessment:
Participation in debates on a question around topics covered within class provides students the basis formative assessment, whereby students will be expected to present the case for or against a particular position and the quality of their argument be judged by peers. The module leader will regularly give feedback to student regarding the progress of their coursework, a draft copy of the completed coursework need be handed in to the module leader before the 10th learning week as part of the formative learning process. Additionally, revision sessions are arranged that will cover topics in preparation for exams, providing constructive formative feedback to students.

Summative Assessment:
Summative, graded assessment is by coursework and written examination. The coursework will require students to write an essay of 1,500 words that demonstrates a critical understanding of one of the main topics covered in class. A 2-hour written examination will take place at the end of the semester.

Assessment weighting
Coursework: 40%
Written examination: 60%

Learning Material

Core reading

Tabataba’i, S.M.H. (2003). The Elements of Islamic Metaphysics. Translated from Arabic by S.A.Q.
Qara’ie. London: ICAS Press.
Ubodiyat, A. (2000). An Introduction to Islamic Philosophy. F. Asadi & M. Dasht Bozorgi trans.,
Qum: The International Organisation of Seminaries and Islamic Schools.