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Semester 1

Pioneers of Political Islam (DIVI10101)

Subject

Divinity

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Visiting students should have completed at least 3 Divinity/Religious Studies courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses.

Course Summary

This course provides a historical and thematic survey of the phenomenon of political Islam, analyzing the writings of its key thinkers (in translation) and situating these ideas in their wider socio-political, economic, and gendered milieu.

Course Description

Academic Description: 'Political Islam' is a term that has dominated public debate, particularly after momentous historical events, from the Iranian Revolution in 1979 to 9/11 to the Arab Spring. But what, exactly, is this phenomenon? Why did it arise? Who are its principal thinkers and from which segment of the population does it draw the bulk of its support? How does it organize itself? What are its national, global, social, economic, and gendered demands? Indeed, to what extent can we refer to political Islam as a singular movement - 'it' - and, if we cannot, what binds diverse political Islamic groups together? That is, what sets them apart from other political parties in Muslim societies? This course will engage these questions by offering both a historic and thematic survey of political Islamic thought. Syllabus/Outline Content: The course is comprised of two components: 1. 'Conceptual Framing' - sets the stage for discussion by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the frameworks often used to analyze the phenomenon at hand. These include (but are not limited to) 'Political Islam', 'Muslim Politics' and 'Islamism'. This component will also provide the broader historical and global backdrop in which political Islamic thought emerged. 2. 'Thinkers and their Contexts' - represents the bulk of the course, offering case studies of the pioneering thinkers in political Islamic thought. Through reading primary texts in translation, students will be directly exposed to their writings. At the same time, students will contextualize their ideas by examining their social settings. A Note on Teaching Format: The lectures will be in-person and all students are expected to have completed the weekly readings before the lecture. This will be particularly important for the tutorial that will directly follow the lecture, as the tutorial will be discussion-based and students should be prepared to engage the issues, questions, and perspectives raised in the readings. If any students need to self-isolate, the lectures will be recorded and the tutorials will be streamed live (though not recorded). This digital option is only a last resort; unless they are sick or self-isolating, students must be present at both the lectures and tutorials.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 90%, Practical Exam 10% 10% - Participation: Participation is a key component of this class. As noted earlier, students are expected to complete all the weekly readings before each class, and will be assessed on the quality of their engagement in the class discussions. 30% - Critical Review: Students will submit a book review (1,000 words), outlining the argument of the work, its strengths, weaknesses, and wider contribution to the field. Students can choose a title from a list that will be circulated by the instructor. Alternatively, they can pick a title of their own choice, as long as it is first approved by the instructor. 60% - Final Research Essay: The essay will be 2,500 words on a topic related to political Islam. The essay should have a clear argument that is systematically evidenced. Detailed guidelines will be provided in class.

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