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Understanding Islam and Muslim Societies (ISLM10003)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
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Today, approximately 24% of the world’s population is Muslim. What is Islam, and how does it shape our world: historically, culturally, economically, and politically? What binds nearly 2 billion Muslims together: how are Muslims ‘Muslim’, but differently?
This subject introduces students to the religion of Islam and explores its major beliefs, sacred texts, and diverse cultural manifestations, and considers how these influence the lives of Muslims, Muslim societies, and the world today. Focusing on the diversity that exists within Islam, and among Muslims, each lecture begins with a question or challenge that is relevant today. Examples of topics covered include the emergence of Islam, Prophet Muhammad, the Qur’an, Sharia and law, Sunnis and Shia, Sufis and spirituality, money and charity, gender and equality, relations with people of other faiths, and jihad. The subject also considers both Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority contexts and examines the lessons they hold for a world grappling with cultural diversity.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate familiarity with the beliefs, practices, traditions, and schools of thought in Islam;
  • show an understanding of the role that Islam has played historically;
  • demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the diversity that exists among Muslims around the world in their thinking and practices;
  • show familiarity of how Islam's foundational texts influence diverse forms of Muslim thinking and practice today;
  • demonstrate an ability to research issues related to Islam and society; and
  • communicate an argument using evidence to support a point of view.

Generic skills

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • acquire the ability to understand the main themes of Islamic thought;
  • to work effectively both independently and in groups to analyse these themes and develop the research skills in examining them;
  • develop skills and ability to critically examine and analyse the themes discussed in Islamic thought, and
  • apply a number of research methodologies adequately to produce independently scholarly arguments in oral and written communication skills.

Last updated: 31 August 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites


Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects

ISLM10001 Understanding Islam and Muslim Societies

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 31 August 2023

Assessment

Semester 1

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Class Test-Online

  • 1000 words
Week 1230%

Critical Review of a Reading and Presentation

  • 500 words
From Week 2 to Week 1115%

Ten Quizzes: Multiple Choice

  • 500 words
Throughout the teaching period15%

Take -home Exam

  • 2000 words
During the examination period40%
Hurdle requirement: Class attendance is required for this subject; if you do not attend a minimum of 75% of classes without an approved exemption you will not be eligible for a pass in this subject. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass this subject.Throughout the semesterN/A

Additional details

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Last updated: 31 August 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorAbdullah Saeed
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hoursA total of 30 hours: A 1.5 hours lecture and 1-hour tutorial per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022
    Last self-enrol date11 March 2022
    Census date31 March 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022
    Assessment period ends24 June 2022

    Semester 1 contact information

    a.saeed@unimelb.edu.au

Last updated: 31 August 2023

Further information

Last updated: 31 August 2023