Islamic Theology: Schools and Methods

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Total of 10 hours per week.

Admission to the Master of Islamic Studies (coursework and minor thesis), Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies, or permission of the coordinator

None.

None.

None.

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/

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.

• 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.

An essay of 5000 words 100% (examination period)

Materials supplied by the Institute

None.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• 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.

Previously available as 110-558 Islamic Theology: Schools and Methods. Students who have completed 110-558 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.