Introduction to Islam: historical emergence, current issues
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: HRS50
Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course is about exploring Muslim history: What is Islam? Who is a Muslim? Explore these questions through a study of the Quran, the Prophet and the socio-political and religious developments in the early history of Muslims. You may discover that there is more than meets the eye.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
From claims of being the solution to today's problems to allegations of fanning terrorism, Islam remains an important part of public discourse around the world. For those interested in going beyond the shallow debates and portrayals by knockers and boosters of Islam, this course will provide a well-rounded introduction to aspects of early Muslim history such as the Quran, the Prophet and the socio-political and religious developments in the first hundred years of Muslim history. The continued relevance of this phase for Muslims today will be discussed to shed some light on contemporary issues and debates.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- identify key aspects and diversity of Muslim history, culture and religious beliefs
- comment on their continued relevance today.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an `introductory` course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and to participate fully. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading. As with most of our religious studies, history and current affairs courses, curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Lecture, discussion, videos, slides.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. Please bring a pen and paper if you wish to make notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see our website - www.citylit.ac.uk - for more information about the full range of religious studies courses.
Dr Farid Panjwani is an Associate Professor at the University College London where he is also the founding Director of the Centre for Research and Evaluation in Muslim Education (CREME). He has a DPhil from the University of Oxford in philosophy of education and a master's degree in Education and International Development from the University of London. He has also studied Islamic Studies and holds a degree in Business Administration. With his broad interest in various fields of the humanities, Dr Panjwani has researched, taught and published on several topics including inter- and intra-religious diversity, interface between religious and citizenship education, imagination, and the rise of extremisms in contemporary times. He was a member of the National Commission on Religious Education, which published its report last year. He has been teaching courses at City Lit for over 10 years.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
