Islamic Religious Thought and Practice

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The objective of the course is to provide students with an in-depth introduction to a selected topic of Islamic religious thought and practice. The selected topics vary and can address both historical and recent themes. Possible topics include, but are not limited to: the Quran, the prophet Muhammad, Islamic jurisprudence, Islamic philosophy, Islamic theology, Islamic religious and intellectual history of a specific period, Shi`ism, Sufism, Islam and gender, and Islamic ritual. The selected topic will be announced in advance.

Learning Outcomes

The student has by the end of the course gained the following learning outcome defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

  • has advanced general knowledge about the religion of Islam
  • has an in-depth knowledge about the selected topic of the course
  • has a general knowledge about current debates in the academic study of Islam.

Skills:

The student

  • has the ability to analyze and explain complex religious concepts and phenomena
  • has the ability to read primary and secondary literature about religious topics critically, summarize it, and evaluate its argumentative structure
  • has the ability to explain and apply important methodological and theoretical approaches in the study of religions
  • has the ability to make reasoned and structured statements about religious topics in writing in accordance with the relevant rules for academic writing
  • has the ability to make clear and informed statements about religious topics in classroom discussions.

General competence:

The student

  • has the ability to work with larger amounts of written material within a limited time period, to synthesize it, and to present it clearly orally and in writing
  • has the ability to draw reasoned conclusions about newly introduced topics
  • has the ability to explain and apply complex theoretical and methodological approaches.

ECTS Credits

15 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
None
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Basic knowledge of Islam equivalent to RELV102 is an advantage. Students must have good knowledge of English, as the course is taught completely in English.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Due to course overlap, students cannot take RELV239 in combination with RELV339. If combined, the outcome of credits will be reduced with 15 ECTS credits.
Access to the Course
The course is open to students enrolled in the University of Bergen.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures (approximately 10) and seminars (approximately 5).
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

A minimum of 80 % attendance in the seminars (minimum 4 of 5 seminars).

Compulsory attendance is evaluated with "approved/not approved."

Compulsory requirements of this course are valid for two semesters; the semester when approved, and the following semester.

Forms of Assessment
  • One final essay at the end of the semester (up to 3000 words)
  • Two essays during the semester (up to 750 words each).
  • The final essay counts for 50 %, the two essays during the semester for 25 % each of the final course grade. All three must be passed in order to pass the course.

    The exam assignment will be given in English.

    The exam can be submitted in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

    Grading Scale
    A graded marking scale (A to F) is used. A is the top grade and F means Failed
    Assessment Semester

    Spring

    There will also be assessment early autumn term (only for students with valid mandatory course requirements).

    Reading List

    The reading list consists of approximately 1200 pages. All readings are in English.

    The reading list is published by December 1st. for the spring term.

    Course Evaluation
    The course unit will be evaluated regularly.
    Examination Support Material
    -
    Programme Committee
    The Programme Committee for The Study of Religions
    Course Coordinator
    The Programme Committee for The Study of Religions
    Course Administrator
    Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion (AHKR)