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THL334 Interfaith Dialogue (8)

Abstract

In the context of increasing religious plurality in Australia, this subject introduces students to the principles of interfaith dialogue and also allows for dialogue between different religious traditions. It examines how such dialogue may, from a Christian perspective, assist with the building of tolerance and understanding of religious traditions other than Christianity. In order to promote students' capacity to engage in interfaith dialogue, the subject examines one religious tradition, namely Islam, in depth. The subject explores the history, beliefs, practices and thought of Islam, as well as key issues arising from the historic relationships between Christianity and Islam.

 

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
Distance*Canberra Campus
Session 3
InternalUnited Theological College
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL334
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Theology

Assumed Knowledge

THL111, THL113 and THL215

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate critical appreciation of the principles of interfaith dialogue;
  • be able to participate in interfaith dialogue;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the central beliefs and practices of Islam;
  • be able to demonstrate knowledge of the history and presence of Islam in Australia;
  • be able to discuss key issues in the history of Islam, including Muhammad's call and life; the expansion of Islam; the great Muslim empires
  • be able to discuss key issues in relation to the place of Islam in the modern world;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the Quran in the Islamic worldview;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of some of the key issues in Islamic thought and the contribution of important individuals to the development of Islamic thought; and
  • be able to demonstrate self-guided reading and learning skills.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • The principles of interfaith dialogue
  • Islam as a case study in interfaith dialogue
  • A summary history of Islam
  • Muhammad's call and life
  • The expansion of Islam
  • The great Muslim empires
  • Islam in the modern world
  • The central beliefs and practices of Islam
  • Islam in Australia
  • The Quran and its significance for Islam
  • Important individuals who have contributed to the development of Islamic thought

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school. This residential school provides students with the opportunity of engaging with the subject matter in an intensive manner in a group setting.

Activitives include lectures, tutorial presentations, library research, experience in interfaith dialogue, and visits to sites of religious significance such as a Mosque and a Synagogue.

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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.