The Qur'an and its Interpretation

Subject 110-480 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

July, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Islamic Studies (coursework and minor thesis), Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies, or permission of the coordinator
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Abdullah Saeed

Contact

Prof Abdullah Saeed

a.saeed@unimelb.edu.au

Dr Abdul-Samad Abdullah

abdulsa@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject will explore the development of Qur'anic sciences from the emergence of Islam to the modern era, the history of the Qur'anic text, the theories of revelation in Islam and the contribution of Muslim and Western scholars of the Qur'an to these areas in the modern period. The central focus of the subject, however, will be to explore methods of interpretation: its development, schools, principles and application. Selected texts from leading authorities of exegesis, both early and modern, will be analysed. Students will have the opportunity to examine issues surrounding modern interpretative approaches to the text. The subject will enable students to appreciate the theoretical, critical and analytical heritage of Qur'anic sciences and to place modern interpretative approaches within that context.
Objectives:
  • undersand and critically analyse key developments in the Qur'anic sciences;
  • practiise a comparative and anaylytical approach to the study of the tafsir;
  • make an objective analysis of different approaches to the study and interpretation of the Qur'an;
  • examine complex and important cultural materials from a scholarly perspective and present arguments in structured formats;
  • understand major global cultural phenomena through examination of primary texts;#
  • understand the place of methodology in interpreting a given text.
Assessment: An essay of 5000 words 100% (during the examination period)
Prescribed Texts: Materials supplied by the Institute
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • analyse and comment upon diverging scholarly approaches to a given issue;
  • develop thinking in theoretical and analytical terms through lectures, tutorial discussions and essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences;
  • develop written communication through essay and assignment preparation and writing.
  • analyse and systematically evaluate complex cultural phenomena through examination of primary texts;
Notes: Previously available as 110-556 Qur'anic Studies. Students who have completed 110-556 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Intensive subject taught between the 16th and 22nd of July.
Related Course(s): Master of Islamic Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies

Download PDF version.