Students will be presented with a general outline of the history of Islam from the seventh century to the present day. The course also examines the development of the central institutions of Islam in the context of that history. Special attention will be paid to particular developments and institutions such as: the emergence of Islam; the Qur'an and basic Islamic teachings; Islamic Jurisprudence; and political institutions (e.g. the Caliphate), which have influenced the modern political debate in Muslim communities in the Middle East and beyond.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of significant dates and events in Islamic history.
2. Reflect on and discuss the ways in which Muslims have interacted over time with other Muslims, on the one hand, and non-Muslims, on the other.
3. Analyse critical debates about, and schools of thought on, the meaning of key elements of the faith, such as the Qur'an and Prophet, pilgrimage, Islamic law, and the caliphate.
4. Develop an awareness of the interaction between doctrine and context in the understanding of Islam as a faith and a social force.
5. Participate in discussions about contested concepts with confidence and with tolerance for other points of view.