POL 347 - Classical Islamic Political Thought

This course introduces the history, topics, and problems of Islamic political thought and praxis to the year 1500 CE. Subjects examined will include the scriptural and traditional basis of Islamic political thought, the development of the concepts and institutions of the caliphate and the imamate, the importance of pre- and extra-Islamic political concepts and practices for Islamic politics, the theory and practice of Islamic monarchy, and Arabic and Islamic rationalist and philosophical political theories, among others. Emphasis will be given to understanding political structures through historical inquiry.

Students will be taught classical Islamic political thought from the inception of the caliphate in Medina during the 7th century, followed by al-Farabi, Ibn Tufayl, Ibn Rushd, Ibn Taymiyya, Ibn Khaldun, Shi'ite political theology, Ottoman political thought and ending with Shah Waliyullah al-Dihlawi in 18th century. The conceptions of these scholars and philosophers will situated in a context that highllights similarities and differences among them in the wider tradition of classical Islamic political thought.

Hugh Kennedy, Caliphate: The History of an Idea (London: Pelican, 2016).

Four course assesments

Mid-term exam: 20%

In-class quiz I: 15%

In-class quiz II: 15%

Final exam: 50%

Exam essay format

Introduction, body and conclusion

Students should demonstrate the following elements in their answers: knowledge of the course materials, a clear and coherent essay structure and their point of view and interpretation.

Student attendance

Less than 50% of class attendance will disqualify students from sitting the final exam regardless of whether the mid-term exam or in-class test were taken.

Rules of conduct in the classroom for quizzes and exams

Students are not allowed to have mobile phones, digital watches and bags with me them during examinations. If these items or objects are with students, this will result in an automatic grade of 0%.

Any evidence of cheating such as pieces of paper with notes found on students or writing on students' hands and wrists will result in an automatic grade of 0%. Students who have been caught cheating during exams will be subject to a faculty disciplinary investigation that may lead to them being suspended from university and the punishment being in their student record.