RT1353: Shi'a Islam

School Religion
Department Code SHARE
Module Code RT1353
External Subject Code 100796
Number of Credits 20
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Mr Richard Cawley
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

The Shi`a tradition is one of the most important and influential schools of thought within the Islamic tradition and currently accounts for some 15% of the world’s Muslim population.  Centred around the notion of the Imam, Shi`a Islam has exerted great influence on the history and thought of Islam.  This module aims to explore the development of the Shi`at `Ali, particularly regarding understandings of the nature, place and role of the charismatic figure of the Imam.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Knowledge and Understanding:

·         Demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the central religious notions of the broad Shi`a tradition, with particular regard to the nature, role and place of the Imam

·         Evidence an awareness of the key debates between Sunni and Shi`a, as well as between different Shi`a schools of thought (such as the Imamiyya and Zaydiyya for example)

·         Identify and discuss the main theological differences between Shi`a and Sunni Islam, as well as some of the main differences between the main Shi`i schools of thought studied in the course

·         Demonstrate an understanding of and engagement with secondary scholarly research on Shi`a history and theology

·         Recognise and utilise a range of primary source materials (in translation) and some of the various methodologies used in their application

·         Demonstrate an appropriate knowledge and awareness of the historical, religious, socio-cultural development of Shi`a Islam

·         Appreciate and understand, the development of Shi`a theology,

·         Understand some of the main approaches of Shi’i scholars to the exegesis of the Quran and Prophetic Traditions 

Intellectual Skills:

  • Critically evaluate historical data and formulate a reasoned synthesis from that data
  • Sustain an appropriate, empathetic and logical argument, which can be defended as reasonable
  • Discriminate between the visions of history offered within the various Shi`ite traditions and those offered in contemporary academic scholarship
  • Assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of both primary and secondary material, and of the arguments based upon this evidence
  • Empathetically engage with and understand the historical development of Shi`a Islam
  • Synthesis a broad range of multi-media material
  • Research key topics independently and to produce well-formulated arguments
  • Construct and defend an appropriately evidenced argument, that illustrates engagement with a wide range of interpretational frameworks
  • Co-operate with other group members in analysing and debating key topics 

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

  • Demonstrate an empathetic awareness of the views, beliefs and practices of others
  • Work independently to produce analytical academic essays in line with set criteria
  • Analyse and evidence an awareness of, the complexity of religious belief and practice and its multi-faceted nature
  • Illustrate an awareness of the wider impact of religion on different social and political contexts and how personal and communal religious identities are shaped by and impact upon these contexts

 Transferable Skills:

  • Analyse and evaluate material in accordance with set guidelines
  • Communicate orally in an effective and appropriate manner
  • Plan, compose and deliver a 10 minute presentation on an aspect of Shi`a history and/or thought
  • Research, locate and utilise a range of data drawn from different media (such as books, journals, the internet and other electronic resources)
  • Research complex topics according to set criteria
  • Prepare analytical academic essays, in line with set criteria
  • Produce work to a set deadline, thereby enhancing time-management skills

How the module will be delivered

Each session will employ a range of teaching and learning strategies designed to promote interaction, participation and reflection.  New ideas and concepts will be introduced through a structured presentation (using PowerPoint) and will be further developed through the use of questioning techniques and group work.  An important aim of this approach will also be to maximise student inclusion as much as possible.  These will help achieve the course’s learning outcomes by developing a relaxed and interested class atmosphere, by presenting new material in a manageable fashion and by providing students with an opportunity to discuss issues themselves and thus contextualise their own learning. 

Each presentation will be supported through supplementary material (such as handouts), whilst copies of a number of key texts will be made available.  Students will also be given links to relevant websites, where appropriate. 

How the module will be assessed

(a) an essay of 3,000 words on an aspect of Shi`a thought or history (worth 75% of the final module mark) 

(b) a 5 minute presentation on an aspect of Shi`i thought or  history, accompanied by a 1,000 word write-up, including academic rationale (worth 25% of the final module mark)

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Shi'A Islam N/A

Essential Reading and Resource List

·         Amir-Moezzi, M. A. (1994), The Divine Guide in Early Shiism, New York: SUNY Press

·         Amir-Moezzi, M A (2011), The Spirituality of Shi`i Islam: Beliefs and Practices, London: IB Tauris

·         Arjomand, S. A. (1984), The Shadow of God and the Hidden Imam: Religion, Political Order, and Societal Change in Shiite Iran from the Beginning to 1890, Chicago: Chicago University Press

·         Ayoub, M M (2005), The Crisis of Muslim History: Religion and Politics in Early Islam, Oxford: Oneworld Publishers

·         Bar-Ahser, M. M. (1999), Scripture and Exegesis in Early Imami Shiism, Leiden: EJ Brill

·         Bashir, S (2003), Messianic Hopes and Mystical Visions: The Nurbakhshiya Between Medieval and Modern Islam, Columbia: University of South Carolina Press

·         Dabashi, H (1993), Authority in Islam, London: Transaction Publishers

·         Daftary, F. (1990), The Ismailis: their History and Doctrines, Cambridge: CUP

·         Dakake, M M (2008), Charismatic Community: Shi`ite Identity in Early Islam, Albany: SUNY Press

·         Howard, IKA (no date, trans), Kitab al-Irshad: the Book of Guidance into the Lives of the Twelve Imams, Qum: Ansariyan Publications

·         Kohlberg, E. (ed. 1991), Belief and Law In Imami Shi`ism, Ashgate: Variorum

·         Kohlberg, E (2003), Shi`ism, Aldershot: Ashgate/Variorum

·         Lalani, A R (2004), Early Shi`i Thought: the Teachings of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, London: IB Tauris

·         Momen, M. (1985), An Introduction to Shi’i Islam, London: Yale University Press (essential)

·         Newman, A. J. (2000), The Formative Period of Twelver Shi`ism, Richmond, Surrey: Curzon Press

·         Newman, A. J. (2006), Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire, London: IB Tauris

·         Sachedina, A. A. (1981), Islamic Messianism: the Idea of the Mahdi in Twelver Shiism, Albany: SUNY Press

·         Takim, L (2006), Heirs of the Prophet: Charisma and Religious Authority in Shi`ite Islam, Albany: SUNY Press


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