Postgraduate Course: Islamic Movements in the 20th Century (IMES11060)
Course Outline
| School | School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | Although Islamic movements like the Muslim Brothers, the Talibans and al-Qaeda are sometimes derided as ¿medieval¿, they are in reality an essentially modern phenomenon that has no precedent in Islamic history. The mobilisation of millions within permanent organisations aimed at defense of Islam is indeed the product of entirely new circumstances such as colonial occupation, mass literacy, urbanisation, and Western-dominated globalization. Another misconception about Islamic movements is that they are violent by nature, whereas in fact non-violent means of action have featured very prominently in their history. This course aims to convey a better understanding of modern Islamic movements by examining their origins, social base, modes of action, and ideology. The course is organised according to four categories of aims pursued by modern Islamic movements: promoting Islamic norms and values within society, taking over state power, expelling foreign occupiers, and countering rival religious communities within society (sectarianism). |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Critical understanding of jihad as theory and practice in a variety of historical contexts.
Familiarity with explanations for the emergence and characteristics of political Islam and the role of religious ideology and tradition in modern Middle Eastern politics.
Ability to evaluate and critique scholarly and other writings on the above topics.
Ability to place jihad and other ideological factors within social, political and historical contexts. |
Assessment Information
3000 Word Essay (65%)
1500 Word Minor Assignment (25%)
500 Word Class presentation (10%) |
Special Arrangements
| PG Version |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
1. Introduction
2. Doctrinal and historical background
3. The reform of society (1): proselytising and education
4. The reform of society (2): charity and vigilantism
5. Seizing state power (1): early reformist movements
6. Seizing state power (2): revolution and armed struggle
7. Seizing state power (3): later reformist experiences
8. The defence of Muslim territories (1): the Islamisation of national liberation struggles
9. The defence of Muslim territories (2): al-Qaeda and global jihad
10. Sectarian and communal strife
|
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | IM20C |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Thomas Pierret
Tel: (0131 6)50 4148
Email: Thomas.Pierret@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Olivia Little
Tel: (0131 6)50 4917
Email: olivia.little@ed.ac.uk |
|
|
University Homepage