Introduction to Islam, 15 Credits

Contents

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge about Islam's forms of expression in history and the present. This includes an overview of Islam as an individual religious vocation, the historical development of Islam as systematic religious doctrine and practice, and the world-historical significance of Islamic civilization. The course introduces the sacred texts of Islam and how these have been used and given different meanings up to our own time. Half the course is devoted to how Islam is understood and practiced in various local, regional, national and international contexts in South Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, in sub-Saharan Africa and in the global Muslim diaspora. 

The course consists of three parts: 1. Introduction to Islam; 2. Introduction to the texts of Islam; and 3. Introduction to the context of Islam. 

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding 

After completing the course, the student should be able to: 

• demonstrate knowledge of the basic features of Muslim faith and religious practice; 
• demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of Islam up to the present day; 
• recognize and question the use of central concepts in Islam;  
• give an account of Islam's central documents and show understanding of the diversity of interpretations and religious practice that characterize Islam in history and the present. 

Skills and ability 

After completing the course, the student should be able to: 

• apply basic religious science concepts to understand and analyze different expressions of Islam in history and the present; 
• demonstrate the ability to value the role that Muslim tradition and Islamic concepts have played and are playing for various political endeavors in history and the present; 
• demonstrate the ability to account for and critically discuss facts, problems and problem solving regarding the study of Islam. 

Judgement and Approach

After completing the course, the student should be able to: 

• be factually critical of various claims about Muslim religious belief and practice; 
• demonstrate a versatile and objective approach regarding historical and contemporary religious expressions of Islam, including political aspirations and events. 

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

Teaching takes place in the form of lectures, seminars and workshop exercises.  

When the course is given as an online course, the teaching takes place through the course platform.  During the course, there is English-language literature, therefore the student must be able to grasp academic English literature to pass the course. When the course is given in English all course content will be in English, however, students may be able to turn in their assignments in Swedish.  

Examination modes

The examination consists of both oral and writing exams. The first module, Introduction to Islam, comprising 3 credits, is examined through a seminar and a quiz. The second module, Introduction to the texts of Islam, comprising 4.5 credits is examined through a combination of a workshop and a written assignment. The tasks are assessed with the grades Pass or Fail. The third part of the course, Introduction to the context of Islam, is examined through a final take home exam comprising 7.5 credits. The exam is graded with the grade Passed, Passed or Failed.  

To receive a pass with distinction on the entire course, a student need a pass on the first two modules and a pass with distinction on the last module (exam). For a grade pass on the course all the modules of the course must have the grade pass.  

A retest must be offered no later than two months after the regular exam, however, the retest must be offered no earlier than ten working days after the results of the regular exam have been announced and a copy of the students' exam is available. For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-test may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one further re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular examination, so-called collection test. Those who have passed the exam may not undergo a new exam for a higher grade. 

The examiner can decide on deviations from the examination form of the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the form of examination must be considered according to the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request adaptation from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination, which is then notified to the student.  

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.  

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.