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Over the last few decades political Islam has captured both the news headlines and increasingly the centre ground of Muslim nation states. It’s distinct and often controversial agenda has been described reactionary, violent and anti-modern. This course introduces students to the historical evolution of political Islam and tries to pare away some of the mythology that surrounds political Islam to reveal a diverse rather than homogenous phenomenon that is deeply tied to the social, political and cultural upheavals of modernity itself.
What will we cover?
The idea of the political in Islam
The concept of the state and sovereignty in contemporary Islamic thought
Islam and Violence
Political revolution in Islam
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify and analyse key concepts in political Islam: Caliphate, Jihad and Shariah
Critically assess the writings and strategies of major Islamic political thinkers.
Trace the evolution from revivalist reformism to revolutionary and militant Islamisms.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course does not presuppose any particular skills or prior knowledge of Islamist Politics. Although some preunderstanding of Political Islam is advantageous, it is not necessary for participation in class. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond respectfully to views with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course will comprise lecture/seminar format.
20–25-minute lecture covering the broad theme/concept of the class
60 minutes will centre on student participation consisting of text analysis, group activities and student discussion.
Students are encouraged to complete a reflection blog/weekly journal reflecting on the weeks class, themes and concept with the view of increasing word output and comprehension.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. You will need to bring notetaking equipment if you plan to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in Tahir's next course, Islam and modernity (HRS69), starting in April 2026.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/political-islam2815932Political Islamhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/https://www.citylit.ac.uk/static/version1763044829/frontend/WilliamsCommerce/citylit/en_GB/Magento_Catalog/images/product/placeholder/image.jpg169169GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Religion & belief/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas22851177120214041228511771404<p>This course explores the intellectual genealogy and political evolution of Islamic political thought in the modern era.</p>002815872Political Islam169169https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/no_selectionInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHRS68169169Political Islam169110169political-islam/hrs68-2526<p>This course explores the intellectual genealogy and political evolution of Islamic political thought in the modern era.</p>0000-Available|2026-01-21 00:00:00<p>Over the last few decades political Islam has captured both the news headlines and increasingly the centre ground of Muslim nation states. It’s distinct and often controversial agenda has been described reactionary, violent and anti-modern. This course introduces students to the historical evolution of political Islam and tries to pare away some of the mythology that surrounds political Islam to reveal a diverse rather than homogenous phenomenon that is deeply tied to the social, political and cultural upheavals of modernity itself. </p><p>This course explores the intellectual genealogy and political evolution of Islamic political thought in the modern era.</p><ul><li>The idea of the political in Islam</li><li>The concept of the state and sovereignty in contemporary Islamic thought</li><li>Islam and Violence</li><li>Political revolution in Islam</li></ul><ul><li>Identify and analyse key concepts in political Islam: Caliphate, Jihad and Shariah</li><li>Critically assess the writings and strategies of major Islamic political thinkers.</li><li>Trace the evolution from revivalist reformism to revolutionary and militant Islamisms.</li></ul><p>This course does not presuppose any particular skills or prior knowledge of Islamist Politics. Although some preunderstanding of Political Islam is advantageous, it is not necessary for participation in class. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond respectfully to views with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.</p><p>This course will comprise lecture/seminar format.</p><p>20–25-minute lecture covering the broad theme/concept of the class</p><p>60 minutes will centre on student participation consisting of text analysis, group activities and student discussion.</p><p>Students are encouraged to complete a reflection blog/weekly journal reflecting on the weeks class, themes and concept with the view of increasing word output and comprehension.</p><p>No other costs. You will need to bring notetaking equipment if you plan to take notes.</p><p>You might be interested in Tahir's next course, Islam and modernity (HRS69), starting in April 2026.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefvirtual169169110HRS68NONEWed21/01/26 - 11/03/2619:30 - 21:0019:3021:008 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-01-21T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2026Culture, history & humanities169169Political Islampolitical-islam/hrs68-2526<p>This course explores the intellectual genealogy and political evolution of Islamic political thought in the modern era.</p>0000-Available|2026-01-21 00:00:00<p>Over the last few decades political Islam has captured both the news headlines and increasingly the centre ground of Muslim nation states. It’s distinct and often controversial agenda has been described reactionary, violent and anti-modern. This course introduces students to the historical evolution of political Islam and tries to pare away some of the mythology that surrounds political Islam to reveal a diverse rather than homogenous phenomenon that is deeply tied to the social, political and cultural upheavals of modernity itself. </p><p>This course explores the intellectual genealogy and political evolution of Islamic political thought in the modern era.</p><ul><li>The idea of the political in Islam</li><li>The concept of the state and sovereignty in contemporary Islamic thought</li><li>Islam and Violence</li><li>Political revolution in Islam</li></ul><ul><li>Identify and analyse key concepts in political Islam: Caliphate, Jihad and Shariah</li><li>Critically assess the writings and strategies of major Islamic political thinkers.</li><li>Trace the evolution from revivalist reformism to revolutionary and militant Islamisms.</li></ul><p>This course does not presuppose any particular skills or prior knowledge of Islamist Politics. Although some preunderstanding of Political Islam is advantageous, it is not necessary for participation in class. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond respectfully to views with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.</p><p>This course will comprise lecture/seminar format.</p><p>20–25-minute lecture covering the broad theme/concept of the class</p><p>60 minutes will centre on student participation consisting of text analysis, group activities and student discussion.</p><p>Students are encouraged to complete a reflection blog/weekly journal reflecting on the weeks class, themes and concept with the view of increasing word output and comprehension.</p><p>No other costs. You will need to bring notetaking equipment if you plan to take notes.</p><p>You might be interested in Tahir's next course, Islam and modernity (HRS69), starting in April 2026.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefconfigurable
