Last modified: 22 May 2019 17:07
Taking a historical approach, the course will trace the key events that have led to current Political Islam (Islamism) concentrating on the ideology and practice of various movements and groups. It will explore contemporary constructs of identity and political arrangements within Islamism and encourage critical analysis and independent thought in relation to the challenges Islamist poses to existing theoretical paradigms. Areas to be explored will include: the political construct of early Islam, the Sunni/Shia divide, key ideologues, and contemporary movements such as the Muslim Brothers, Hamas and Hizbullah.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Old Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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Course Aims: in-depth knowledge of key concepts in Islamist ideology and practice. To enhance critical reflection on the historical development of Political Islam and to explore contemporary constructs of identity and political arrangements within Islamism. To identify the influences from, and resistances to, wider international developments on Islamism and to encourage a breadth of critical analysis of theories of political Islam.
Main Learning Outcomes: students will gain a broad understanding of the historical development of political Islam, will learn about the relation between Islamist ideology and practice. Students will gain skills in critical analysis and independent thought in relation to the challenges Islamist poses to existing theoretical paradigms.
Content: this course will explore in depth the diversity and nuances of political Islam (Islamism). Adopting a historical and contextual approach the course will outline the relevant aspects of Islam's early political formations in order to contrast Islamism with the historic development of the system of Westphalia. Key Islamist ideologues will be examined focusing in particular on the differences between reformism and revivalism and the Sunni/Shi divide exemplified in the case of the Iranian Revolution. Contemporary Islamism will be explored identifying the challenges posed to existing theoretical frameworks particularly in terms of territorial understandings, sovereignty and the construction of identities. The later section of the course will pay particular attention to the soft power of Islamism and the concept of welfare as resistance as a sub-altern strategy.
Available only to students in Politics OR International Relations degrees.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt 1 three hour written examination (60%); one 3,000 word essay (30%); one team presentation (10%). Resit 1 three hour written examination (100%).
There are no assessments for this course.
Feedback will be provided to students in the following means: essays; formal feedback, with the possibility of additional informal feedback in person and via email. presentations; formal feedback, with the possibility of additional informal feedback in person and via email.
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