This short course will introduce students to the history of Islamic Theology, Philosophy and Mysticism as it developed and flourished in the midst of Islamic Faith and Culture. The module will also examine modern debates within the larger context of Islamic Thought and try to follow some recent arguments on social and political issues.

Syllabus

• Formation of Islamic theology
• Mu‘tazilites: Early Rationalists
• Ash‘arism: early Orthodoxy
• The origin and development of Islamic philosophy
• Peripatetics (mashshā’is) and Illiminationists (ishrāqis)
• Transcendent theosophy
• Islamic Mysticism
• Renowned mystics
• Contemporary theological challenges
• Islam and modernity
• Islam and democracy

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate the origins, development and history of Islamic thought
• Discuss key contemporary debates in a Muslim context

Skills
This module will call for successful student to:

• Demonstrate critical analysis of key concepts and perspectives
• Evaluate the modern and traditional understanding of Islam

All learning materials are developed according to the SCATE format. Students are advised to study units available online followed by timetabled activities which are of crucial importance and require a serious attention. Students need to consult suggested reading materials which are not necessarily available online. At the same time, students are expected to contribute to Discussion Group as an integral part of their study. They would receive feedback regarding their activities and contribution by the module tutor. Extra reading and activities are provided for students who are interested to have a deeper and broader understanding of the issues of concern.

Assessment scheme
Students are required to complete all activities and review questions within the set deadlines and contribute to the discussion group as well. Finally, students are required to submit an essay of 3000 words on a relevant topic approved in advance by the module tutor.

Assessment weighting

• Activities: 30 out of 100
• Review Questions & Discussion Group: 10 out of 100
• Essay: 60 out of 100

Core Reading:

1. Fakhry, Majid, (1997) Islamic Philosophy, Theology and Mysticism, A Short Introduction, Oxford: Oneworld Press.

2. W. Montgomery Watt, (2009) Islamic Philosophy and Theology, New Jersey: Aldine Transaction Rutgers.

3. Bennet, Clinton. (2005) Muslims and Modernity: An Introduction to the Issues and Debates, Academi.

Supplementary:

1. S.H. Nasr & O. Leaman, (2001) History of Islamic Philosophy, London: Routledge.

2. W. Montgomery Watt, (1998) The Formative Period of Islamic Thought, Oxford: Oneworld Press.