110-417 Researching Islam and Muslim Societies

This subject is taught in English and it deals with advanced studies in Islamic primary sources and methods of research in Islamic studies. It will cover issues such as the early development of main areas of Islamic studies; important primary sources of Islam; the methodologies followed in selected Shari'ah related areas of study; strengths and weaknesses in the so-called 'traditional' and 'modern' methods of research in Islamic studies; and the current state of research in selected areas of Islamic studies. Students will also undertake a small scale research project in Islamic studies and present the results in writing.

A 3-hour written examination and written work totalling 2000 words, or written work totalling 5000 words. Distance education students: One 3-hour written examination (65%) and a research paper of 2000 words (35%). Weekly or fortnightly assignments will be taken into account when finalising the result for the subject, even though they do not form part of the formal assessment. Masters students will be required to do some extra background reading and to present their written work in a more research-oriented mode.

Materials prepared by the institute.