Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LI Sufism: belief and practice
School	Phil, Theology and Religion
Department	Theology and Religion
Module Code	09 35176
Module Lead	R Todd
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-8 hours Guided independent study-172 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module aims to examine the beliefs and practices of Sufi movements and tariqas. It will examine the historical context and development of Sufism as an esoteric and devotional movement within Islam, focussing particularly on institutional Sufism. It will examine the metaphysical teachings of the tradition, including metaphysical psychology, as they pertain to and inform the varieties of Sufi practical methodologies. The relationship of Sufi teacher to initiates will be studied in this process together with how this relates to the social structure and authority of tariqas and their place in wider society. The differing esoteric perspectives and spiritual practices of a range of tariqas will be examined, within their specific geographical and historical perspectives, including both mainstream and heterodox orders, providing students with an understanding of the variety of traditions and teachings. Students will have the opportunity to engage with a range of primary texts in translation and place them in their intellectual and historical context. The impact of Sufism on popular culture within the Muslim world will also be studied.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Analyse the diverse beliefs and practices of Sufi movements and tariqas; Show an awareness of the historical and cultural antecedents of Sufism; Identify methodological issues regarding the study of Sufism and Sufi tariqas; Critically engage with primary texts in translation and place them in intellectual and historical context.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Annotated bibliography for essay (25%) AND 2500-word essay (75%). Reassessment: Resubmission of any failed component(s) that result in failure of the module.
Other
Reading List