Kursinformation

Taking the popular Risalat al-Tawhid by the Egyptian scholar and journalist Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905) as an example, this seminar deals with the question of how Islamic theologians around 1900 reacted to the challenges of modernity. The aim of the seminar is to use ?Abduh’s Risala to explore themes within his work and to situate his writings in relevant historical contexts.
We will read, translate, and analyse extensive parts of the text in class. In addition, presentations and essays by course participants will introduce us to the current state of research in specific topics, such as Abduh’s intellectual background and social networks, Islamic learning and education in his time, and the various evaluations of his oeuvre in academic scholarship and public discourse.

Course organisation:

All course materials will be provided online via Moodle. Participation requires completion of the 'Arabic IV' course or equivalent Arabic skills. Please note that the entire communication in this course will be in English. The requirements for active participation include an oral presentation with handout, which serves as the basis for a 5-page essay. For full credit points the requirements are active participation plus a paper (c. 6000 words.). In general, we will meet in person on campus. Please register on eCampus and via email to the convenor of the course.