Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102495

Coordinator Mory So Opens in new window

Description Global Islamism has projected a particularly severe, even militant face of Islam across much of the world. Much less well known is the fact that for much of its history Islam has had a quite different face: it has been mystical and contemplative more than proselytising. The Sufist tradition was formed within the first three centuries of Islamic history; its influence spread far and wide across the Muslim World where "Sufis" played a pivotal role in engaging non-Muslim peoples both within and on the fringes of their world. The subject explores religious pluralism and an alternative narrative in Islam.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Sociology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

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Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Restrictions

Successful completion of 60 credit points of study in currently enrolled program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Sufi historical past leading up to the present;
2. Analyse key figures and events that define the Sufi mystical tradition;
3. Comprehend the history of scholarship and approaches to the study of Sufism;
4. Apply multidisciplinary methodological approaches to the study of Sufism and mystic traditions;
5. Identify significant influences in the process of development and impact of Sufi ideas to the present age; and
6. Exhibit learned research techniques and awareness of relevant source materials.

Subject Content

Module 1 Overview and Approach
Module 2 Before Sufism
Module 3 The Sufi The Dervish
Module 4 Silence and Sobriety
Module 5 Intoxicated Speech
Module 6 Consolidation and Systematisation
Module 7 Principal Teachings
Module 8 Mysticism and the Religion of Love
Module 9 Mystical Poetry
Module 10 Theophany
Module 11 The Female Mystic
Module 12 The Divine Feminine
Module 13 Resistance and Change