Methodologies of Hadith

Subject ISLM40003 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, 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: Intensive subject. Please refer to the timetable for dates.
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Islamic Studies (coursework and minor thesis), Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies, or permission of the subject 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 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/

Coordinator

Mr Redha Ameur

Contact

Professor Abdullah Saeed a.saeed@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject will survey the development of Hadith literature from its earliest times exploring the methodologies of scholars of Hadith and their ways of dealing with the Sunnah of the Prophet. It will elaborate on salient features of these methodologies covering their differences and agreements. It will explore the definition of Sunnah according to traditionists, jurists and theologians. The subject will also explore: the authority of the Sunnah and its necessity, arguments and evidences to prove authority of the Sunnah, and debates on the authority of the Sunnah by among a range of groups. It will furthermore critically evaluate the scepticism over the authority and viability of the Sunnah by Western scholars, such as Goldziher and Schacht. It will similarly make an assessment of the critical studies of the works of Western scholars by Muslim scholars in their defense of the authenticity of Hadith as the second source of Divine message. The subject will explore the strengths and weaknesses of major hadith collections, and undertake critical analyses of selected texts.
Objectives:
  • demonstrate knowledge of transmission and collection of hadith and as well as key aspects of hadith criticism in Islam.
  • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of major hadith collections.
  • examine critically theories of development of hadith.
  • analyse and systematically evaluate complex cultural phenomena through examination of primary texts.
  • develop the concepts, analytical approaches and evaluative thinking for problem solving.
  • employ textual evidence in constructing scholarly argumentation.
Assessment: A 5000-words research paper 100% (due at the end of the teaching period).
Prescribed Texts:

Materials supplied by the Institute
Recommended Texts:

None.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • analyse and systematically evaluate complex cultural phenomena through examination of primary texts.
  • develop the concepts, analytical approaches and evaluative thinking for problem solving.
  • employ textual evidence in constructing scholarly argumentation.
Notes: Previously available as 110-557 Methodology of Hadith. Students who have completed 110-557 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Islamic Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Arabic
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies

Download PDF version.