ISL502 Usul ad-Din: Methodology in Classical Islamic Theology (8)
Abstract|
This subject addresses Islamic theology (usul ad-din) as the foundational discipline in Islamic faith and its intellectual discourse. Key topics such as names and attributes of God; the relationship between God and humans; the scope of God’s power; and the efficacy of His decree will be studied according to the mainstream Ash'ari and Maturidi theological perspectives. Relevant other theological positions will be covered as a critical contrast to mainstream Islamic theology. This subject will also discuss the development of Islamic theology throughout history until the present day. |
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+ Subject Availability Modes and Location
| Session 2 | | Distance | United Theological College |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ISL502
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
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Subject information| Duration | Grading System | School: |
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| One session | HD/FL | Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation |
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Enrolment restrictions|
Master of Islamic Studies |
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Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to describe and evaluate critically the main Islamic theological topics and their scope
- be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the concept of God in Islamic theology
- be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the concept of prophethood in Islamic theology
- be able to discuss critically the concepts related to afterlife in Islamic theology
- be able to discuss critically the major Islamic theological schools such as Ashari, Maturidi, Mutazilite
- be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the theological differences between the Sunni and Shi'a
- be able to demonstrate independent research, organisation, written and oral communication skills through the presentation of a substantial work
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SyllabusThe subject will cover the following topics:
- Definition of Islamic theology and its scope
- Development of Islamic theology in Islamic History
- Early schools of theology
- Emergence of the Kharijites and distinctive aspects of their theology
- The Shi'ah and the influence of political events on theology
- The emergence of the Mu'tazilites and their fundamental doctrines
- Concept of God according to Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of theology
- The doctrine of acquisition (kasb) according to Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of theology
- Prophethood according to Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of theology
- Contemporary Challenges for Islamic Theology: Evolution, scientism, quantum physics
- Suffering and theodicy
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Residential SchoolThis subject contains a optional 2 day residential school.
The residential school is optional.
The purpose of the optional residential school is to provide an opportunity for exploration of the overall coursework covered. In addition to content review, this part of the course aims to facilitate an interactive session between the teaching academics and students.
Students will be involved in small group discussion, lectures, visual presentations and one-on-one sessions with the subject coordinator and lecturers to address any issues that may arise. Material and summary content covered in this session will be a valuable contribution towards the major assessment tasks.
Students unable to attend the optional residential school will be provided with an alternate assessment.
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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.
