ISL401 Introduction to Islamic Psychology (8)

This subject introduces students to Islamic psychology, its context, definitions, framework and perspectives. Understandings of human nature will be explored from an Islamic perspective. The importance of the integration of psychological theories and interventions in the life of a Muslim will be discussed with a focus on the need to decolonise psychology and its content. This subject also provides a brief history of Islamic psychology and its origins, looking at early classical scholars, their worldviews and their heritage. Some of the classical scholars studied include al-Kindi, al-Farabi and Ibn Rushd (Averroes); physicians studied include al-Balkhi, al-Razi and Ibn Sina (Avicenna); and theologians studied include al-Ghazzali, Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Qayyim.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ISL401. 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

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain the histories of secular psychology and Islamic psychology;
  • be able to define, compare and contrast secular perspectives of psychology with Islamic perspectives of psychology;
  • be able to describe key Islamic psychology concepts;
  • be able to evaluate the key contributions of early Muslim scholars and modern contributions towards Islamic psychology;
  • be able to critically discuss the relationship between the Islamic scriptures and psychology; and
  • be able to formulate a working definition of Islamic psychology.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Quran, Sunnah and psychology.
  • Key concepts in human nature from an Islamic perspective.
  • Islamic psychology and its definitions.
  • Contemporary Islamic psychology frameworks.
  • Early contributions, history and origins of Islamic psychology.
  • Contribution of scholars, physicians and theologians to Islamic psychology.
  • Integrating Islamic psychology with Muslim life.
  • Decolonising psychology and its contents.
  • Challenges and solutions in Islamic psychology.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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