Module: Introduction to Islam

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Introduction to Islam
Module Code	TP105 (ITS) / RET1008 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Jonathan Kearney
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to Islam as a religious, social, literary and historical phenomenon. The module will explore the historical foundations of Islam and some of its most important subsequent developments. It will survey the major practices and beliefs of Islam through a close reading of key selections from the primary sources of Islamic religious literature. In this module students will develop knowledge of Islam in particular and develop a range of critical and analytical skills. Although the major focus of this module is Islam as lived and experienced by Muslims, some attention will also be given to issues relating the representation of Muslims by non-Muslims, especially in the contemporary period.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an ability to problematize the designation religion with particular reference to Islam
2. Display a broad knowledge of the historical formation and development of Islam and Islamic civilization
3. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of a number of key Islamic texts and their roles as sources of authority In Islam
4. Describe in detail a range of Islamic practices, beliefs and cultural complexes
5. Identify key critical issues in Islamic Studies and the Study of Islam

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	20	No Description
Independent Study	101	No Description
Assignment Completion	66.5	No Description
Total Workload: 187.5

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to the Module – Defining Islam and Islam as “Religion”

Arabia and the Near East before Islam

The Life and Career of the Prophet Muhammad

Sources of Islam: the Qur’an

Sources of Islam: the Hadith

Islamic Practices: the Five Pillars of Islam

Islamic Beliefs: the Six Articles of Faith

The Spectrum of Islamic Belief: Sunni, Shi‘i, Khariji and Sufi

Muslim Feasts and Festivals

The Islamic Encounter with Modernity

Islamic Cultural Complexes and Muslim Identity

Construction and perceptions of Muslims and Islam by non-Muslims

Tendencies in contemporary Islamic thought

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Essay	n/a	70%	n/a
Loop Quiz	n/a	15%	n/a
Assignment	n/a	15%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Aslan, Reza: 2006, No God But God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam, Arrow, London,
Bennett, Clinton: 2010, Studying Islam: The Critical Issues, Continuum, London,
Brown, Daniel W: 2009, A New Introduction to Islam, 2nd ed, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford,
Brown, Jonathan A. C: 2011, Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Peters, F. E: 1994, A Reader on Classical Islam, Princeton University Press, Princeton,
Shepard, William E: 2014, Introducing Islam, 2nd ed, Routhledge, London,

Other Resources

None