HSY2275 - Islam: principles, civilization, influence

Leader: Constant J. Mews

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit examines the evolution and influence of Islam as a religion and civilization, with particular emphasis on the principles underpinning Islamic law and theology and Islamic civilisation in its classic phase. It examines core themes in the Qur'an, and in early works of Islamic history, literature and jurisprudence, as well as the different ways in which these principles were interpreted in practice in the early centuries of Islam. It considers how Islamic civilization responded to non-Islamic communities and cultural traditions within and outside the Arab world, notably in Andalusia and in the Middle East, with reference to the writings of great thinkers, mystics, and historians.

Objectives

Students successfully completing HSY2275:

1. Will have acquired a broad knowledge of the core principles articulated in the Qur'an and in other early Islamic writings.
2. Will be familiar with the evolution of Islamic civilization, from the early period to the great age of the caliphates of Cordoba and Baghdad, and subsequent crisis provoked by the Mongol invasions, up to the beginnings of the Ottoman Empire.
3. Will be familiar with the major debates in the field of Islamic studies about the reasons for Islam's expansion during the first seven centuries of its existence, and the way it interacted with non-Islamic communities and culture.
4. Will have developed a capacity to work effectively with others and a capacity to express ideas verbally in group situations;
5. Will have developed considerable facility in bibliographic research, analysis, and written expression.

Assessment

Primary source exercise (1000 words) : 20%
Essay (2500 words) : 40%
Exam (1000 words) : 30%
Tutorial participation : 10%

Contact hours

1x90 minute lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial

Prohibitions

HSY3275