Module manager: Dr Abdul-Bashid Shaikh
Email: A.B.Shaikh@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Have you ever wondered about the classical intellectual foundations for modern Arabic and Islamic thought and politics? This module provides a survey and aims to give you a thorough grounding in several areas. We shall examine the development of the Islamic faith from its inception in terms of how it impacted on the social, moral and religious fabric of Arabia. The module concludes by examining the contribution of Islamic civilisation to world knowledge. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:- identify some of the key classical aspects of Arab-Islamic culture, as it has developed since the 7th Century- identify the succession of Islamic Dynasties and their role in the development of the Islamic civilisation- recognise doctrines of the Islamic religion- have a solid understanding of the contribution and impact Islamic Scholars have had to world knowledge.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically assess some of the key classical aspects of Arab-Islamic culture, as it has developed since the 7th century until the present day.
2. Analyse key features of Arab and Islamic Civilisation from the 7th to the 15th century
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
3. Develop a number of basic personal transferable skills (PTS), including oral presentation, essay writing and time management skills.
4. Examined the contribution of Arab and Islamic scholars to global societies.
On this course, students will be introduced to a number of subjects related to the evolution and development of Arab culture and the Islamic faith from its inception.
More specifically, the themes covered in this module include: -- An Introduction to Islam
Pre-Islamic Arabia
Muhammad, the life of the Prophet
Introduction to Islamic doctrines
Introduction to the Qur’an
Sunnah and Islamic law
Lawful and Unlawful in Islam,
Women in Islam
Culture, politics and economics within the Ummayad and Abbasid Empires
Baghdad as a cultural centre of excellence
Al-Andalus as a centre of knowledge in Europe
Islamic civilisations contribution to world knowledge and the importance of trade and travel in the Islamic world.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 168 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Feedback Arrangements Feedback on essays will be provided in week 4 of semester two and a copy of the assessment form will be given to each student. In respect of the exam, each student shall have an opportunity to receive a copy of the exam feedback proforma, detailing the particulars in respect of individual student performance. Feedback on overall progress can be obtained throughout the academic year during my weekly Advice and Feedback Hours.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2000 words | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 48.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 16/07/2025
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