ISL591 Interpreting Islamic Sacred Texts (16)

This subject involves the study of selected Qur'anic verses and selected Hadith (Prophetice Narratives) from their original language at postgraduate level. Students will need to examine various tafsirs (exegeses) written on the selected Qur'anic verses. While studying the various tafsirs, students will need to examine and analyse text-critical issues, literary and historical context, literary structure, relevant critical approach(es) (e.g., form, narrative, sociological, ideological, etc.) as appropriate to the chosen verses. Similarly, selected Hadith will be analysed alongside various Hadith commentaries where students will need to examine and analyse critically the commentaries, as well as the text at hand.

Availability

Session 3 (90)
Online
United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ISL591. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation

Enrolment Restrictions

Bachelor of Islamic Studies (Honours)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to analyse critically the various exegeses written on selected Quranic verses;
  • be able to provide a detailed exegesis at postgraduate level of selected Quranic verses through the application of the methodologies studied;
  • be able to analyse critically the various commentaries written on selected Hadith;
  • be able to provide a detailed commentary at postgraduate level of selected Hadith through the application of the methodologies studied;
  • be able to demonstrate appropriate academic engagement and discussion skills through interaction with the subject co-ordinator;
  • be able to demonstrate independent research, writing and communication skills through preparation and presentation of substantial exegetical work.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Selection of Quranic verses: Student and subject co-ordinator will agree upon selected verses from the Quran on which the student is to present a major exegetical paper;
  • Selection of Hadith: Student and subject co-ordinator will agree upon selected Hadith on which the student is to present a major commentary paper;
  • Guided reading: The subject coordinator and the student will agree on readings appropriate to the student's topic which encompasses existing tafsirs (exegeses) and commentaries on the selected text. Such reading will also include attention to text-critical issues, literary and historical context, literary structure, relevant critical approach(es) (e.g., form, narrative, sociological, ideological, etc.) as appropriate to the chosen text;
  • Submission of substantial essays: Students will develop 2 substantial essays which attend to the exegetical and hermeneutical issues involved in the interpretation of the selected Quranic verses and Hadith.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ISL591 in Session 3 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Participation and engagement
10
2
Weekly analytical reports
20
3
Essay
50
4
Exam
20

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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