Islamic Studies and Orientalism
- Arts
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 103 pages
- 12 units
This course explores Islamic Studies in relation to Orientalism. It examines the historical context of Islam, its characteristics, and the concept of Orientalism. The course delves into biased and unbiased perspectives from Orientalist academics, the life and mission of Prophet Muhammad, and criticisms of Islamic scriptures like the Qur'an and Hadith. It also covers aspects of Sharia law, including polygamy and the Islamic penal code.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ISL304, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL304 · UNIT 1: Islam and Its major Characteristics
Islam is a monotheistic religion which means total submission to the will of Allah and obedience to His commandments. The main issues to be examined, which would help to introduce the learner to this unit are the following: The meaning of Islam; Brief history of Islam; Concept of Islam and; Characteristic of a true Muslim.
What you should be able to do
- Analyze the historical context and characteristics of Islam.
- Critically evaluate Orientalist perspectives on Islamic studies.
- Understand the life and mission of Prophet Muhammad.
- Examine the key aspects of Islamic scriptures, including the Qur'an and Hadith.
- Discuss the principles and applications of Sharia law.
- Assess the criticisms and defenses of Islamic practices like polygamy and penal codes.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Scholar
- Historian
- Cultural Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Academic Researcher
- Education
- Research
- Government
- International Relations
- Cultural Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Islam and its Contextual Perceptions
Unit 3: Select Biased and Unbiased Orientalism Academics
Requires understanding of complex historical and cultural biases that have influenced Western perceptions of Islam.
- Module 3: The Islamic Scriptures
Unit 4: Criticism of *Ḥadīth*
Demands critical analysis of varying interpretations and authenticity concerns surrounding Hadith collections.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Islam and its Contextual Perceptions
Unit 1: Islam and Its major Characteristics · 3 hours
Read the introduction to Islam, focusing on its meaning and significance.. Identify the key aspects of Islamic history.. Understand the Muslim Creed and its importance.. List the characteristics of a true Muslim and reflect on their application in daily life..
- Week 2Module 1: Islam and its Contextual Perceptions
Unit 2: The Concept of Orientalism · 3 hours
Define Orientalism and its various interpretations.. Examine the roles played by early non-Muslim critics of Islam.. Discuss the emergence of Orientalism as an academic discipline..
- Week 3Module 1: Islam and its Contextual Perceptions
Unit 3: Select Biased and Unbiased Orientalism Academics · 3 hours
Compare and contrast the views of biased and unbiased Orientalist academics.. Analyze the perspectives of Bonn Abraham Geiger, Alois Sprenger, and William Muir.. Discuss the viewpoints of Henry Stubbe, Johann W. von Goethe, and Thomas Carlyle..
- Week 4Module 1: Islam and its Contextual Perceptions
Unit 4: Sir William Muir and David Samuel Margoliouth · 3 hours
Study the biographies of Sir William Muir and David Samuel Margoliouth.. Evaluate their works on divine revelation and identify their biases.. Understand their contributions to Orientalist literature..
- Week 5Module 2: The prophet and his Mission
Unit 1: Biography of Muhammad · 3 hours
Review the key events in the life of Prophet Muhammad.. Examine Jewish and Christian criticisms of Muhammad.. Understand the Skeptics' views on Muhammad and his message..
- Week 6Module 2: The prophet and his Mission
Unit 2: Muhammad"s Marriages · 3 hours
Identify the Prophet's wives and their backgrounds.. Analyze the reasons behind the Prophet's marriages.. Understand the social and political context of these marriages..
- Week 7Module 2: The prophet and his Mission
Unit 3: Criticism of Polygamous Practice of Muhammad · 3 hours
Examine the criticisms of the Prophet's polygamous practices.. Analyze the motives behind the Prophet's marriage to Zainab.. Understand the historical and cultural context of these criticisms..
- Week 8Module 3: The Islamic Scriptures
Unit 1: The Holy Qur"ān · 3 hours
Define the Qur'an and its significance in Islam.. Explain the process of revelation of the Qur'an.. Understand the place of the Qur'an in Islamic legislation.. Explore the relationship between the Qur'an and science..
- Week 9Module 3: The Islamic Scriptures
Unit 2: Criticism of the Qur'an · 3 hours
Analyze the criticisms of the Qur'an from various perspectives.. Examine the grammatical, scientific, and historical criticisms.. Understand the criticisms of Qur'anic jurisprudence and their refutations..
- Week 10Module 3: The Islamic Scriptures
Unit 3: *Ḥadīth* / *Sunnah* · 3 hours
Define Hadith and Sunnah and their meanings.. Understand the position of Hadith in Islamic jurisprudence.. Differentiate between Hadith and Sunnah..
- Week 11Module 3: The Islamic Scriptures
Unit 4: Criticism of *Ḥadīth* · 3 hours
Examine the Orientalists' views on the preservation of Hadith.. Analyze the role of Hadith in historical documentation and preservation.. Understand the misconceptions surrounding the prohibition of Hadith documentation..
- Week 12Module 4 The *Sharīʿah*
Unit 1: Islam and Polygamy · 3 hours
Explain the meaning of polygamy in Islam.. Discuss the virtues of polygamy and its conditions.. Understand the position of women in Islam and their rights..
- Week 13Module 4 The *Sharīʿah*
Unit 2: Aspect of Islamic Penal Code · 3 hours
Examine the Islamic penal code related to theft.. Analyze the conditions for amputation and its justifications.. Understand the Islamic perspective on capital punishment and its application..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key events in Islamic history from Units 1-4.
- Compare and contrast the views of biased and unbiased Orientalist academics.
- Focus on the main themes and messages of the Qur'an and Hadith.
- Review the principles of Sharia law and their applications.
- Practice answering essay questions on controversial topics like polygamy and penal codes.
- Create concept maps linking key figures, events, and concepts from the course.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL304 about?
This course explores Islamic Studies in relation to Orientalism. It examines the historical context of Islam, its characteristics, and the concept of Orientalism. The course delves into biased and unbiased perspectives from Orientalist academics, the life and mission of Prophet Muhammad, and criticisms of Islamic scriptures like the Qur'an and Hadith. It also covers aspects of Sharia law, including polygamy and the Islamic penal code.
How many units does ISL304 have?
ISL304, Islamic Studies and Orientalism, has 12 units across 4 modules, over 103 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL304?
ISL304 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Arts.
Is ISL304 hard?
ISL304 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ISL304 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is ISL304 assessed?
ISL304 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ISL304?
Religious Scholar, Historian, Cultural Analyst, Policy Advisor and Academic Researcher.