Islamic Theology: Schools and Methods

Subject 110-482 (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:

Semester 1, - 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

Dr Muhammad Kamal

Contact

Dr Muhammad Kamal

muhammad@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject looks at the history and development of Islamic ‘theology’ from its origins to the present day. Students will explore early religio-political and theological debates within a socio-historical context. The rise of theological schools and their contributions to the development of Islamic theology will be examined. This subject covers all major Sunni and Shiite schools of theology and faith. Case studies of specific schools and their methods will be conducted, paying attention to how and in what context they developed. The rise of kalam (scholastic theology) and subsequent anti-kalam movements will be studied, including the mainstream Sunni critique of philosophy prior to and after Ghazzali. Students will study theological developments thereafter, the modern revival of Mu’tazili inspired rationalism through the writings of ‘Abduh for instance, and the attempts at reforming or opposing kalam. Texts by early and modern theologians will be studied, including literature on sects (firaq). Contemporary theological debates as an extension of past debates will be looked at, paying attention to how they manifest themselves as religio-political and social tensions between Muslims of different theological orientations.
Objectives:
  • demonstrate broad knowledge of the historical development of Islamic theology;
  • make comparative analyses of particular movements, controversies and figures;
  • draw on a range of sources and reflect critically on their contribution;
  • exercise critical judgement with regard to a diverse range of scholarly interpretations of primary texts;
  • analyse scholarly writings and present these in written form;
  • construct arguments within the framework of a methodology.
Assessment: An essay of 5000 words 100% (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:
  • exercise critical judgement with regard to a diverse range of scholarly interpretations of primary texts;
  • analyse scholarly writings and present these in written form;
  • construct arguments within the framework of a methodology.
Notes: Previously available as 110-558 Islamic Theology: Schools and Methods. Students who have completed 110-558 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Subject offered intensively between the 5th and 15th of May
Related Course(s): Master of Islamic Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies

Download PDF version.