Ethical Traditions in Islam

Subject ISLM30003 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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 1.5-hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None.
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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Dr Muhammad Kamal
Subject Overview:

This subject introduces students to the rich heritage of ethical traditions in Islamic thought. Students will study and critically evaluate the key features and contributions of Muslim theologians, philosophers and Sufis, who attempted to deal with revelation and rationalistic discourse in exploring the meaning of ethical life for Muslims and discussing whether philosophy and religious wisdoms were equals and allies in the pursuit of happiness. The origin and development of these traditions will be introduced with an emphasis on the relevance and application of some ethical issues, such as free will, predestination, human responsibility, and bioethics, to contemporary Muslim societies.

Objectives:
  • be able to understand and analyse the key features, methods and contributions of Muslim theologians, philosophers and Sufis in dealing with ethics
  • to trace the development of ethical traditions in Islam
  • be able to understand the relevance and application of ethical ideas and issues such as free will, predestination, human responsibility, and bioethics to contemporary Muslim societies
Assessment:

A 500-word take home 20% (due week 6), a 1,500-word journal excercise 30% (due week 8) and a 2,000-word major essay 50% (due during the examination period).

Class attendance is required for this subject; if you do not attend a minimum of 75% of classes without an approved exemption you will not be eligible for a pass in this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookroom.

Recommended Texts:

None.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be familiar with research methods. thinking in theoretical and analytical terms.
  • communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, confidence in self-expression.
  • understand of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and international awareness and openness to the world.
Notes: This subject will be taught online by the University of Melbourne. It is offered to students of University of Melbourne, University of Western Sydney and Griffith University. Local tutorial support will be available at all three universities. Available as a breadth subject. Students who have completed 110-210 Muslim Philosophy and Thought are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Available as a breadth subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Arabic Studies Major
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies Major
Philosophy Major
Related Breadth Track(s): Islamic Studies

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