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Department of History

H448 Rulers, Rebels and Scholars in Early Islam (II)

Course Code:
154800280
Unit value:
1
Year of study:
Year 2 or Year 3
Taught in:
Full Year
This course explores the origins and early development of Islam in the context of major historical, social and cultural transformation in the Near East from late antiquity to the thirteenth century. It combines broad historical and political narrative with a detailed study of key aspects of the development of religious and intellectual life in early Islam. The objective of the course is to provide a firm knowledge of the crucial formative period of Islam, and prompt critical assessment of some of the key concepts of Islamic history.

Prerequisites

To be taken with H448 Rulers, Rebels and Scholars in Early Islam, 600-1200 (i)

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

At the end of the course, a student should…

  1. have acquired a strong and detailed understanding of the narrative of Islamic history to 1200
  2. have a firm knowledge of the key aspects of religious and intellectual developments of the period
  3. have gained a good understanding of the pertinent primary and secondary source
  4. be able to critically assess prevailing approaches to the subjects covered, and
  5. be able to write a competent well-structured essay making substantial use of primary materials.

Method of assessment

This involves the writing of a 10,000 word essay, which has to be based on primary sources. 100% Coursework. There is no written examination. Except in the case of Independent Study Projects (ISPs), they must be taken in conjunction with the corresponding Advanced-level course; the two units together constitute a Special Subject.