This module introduces the key concepts and developments in the modern study of psychology from an Islamic perspective. Drawing on current and medieval literature, the module seeks to spark discussion on how the Islamic theological, philosophical, ethical, and mystical traditions interact with psychology. At the heart of this discussion is the role of Muslim scriptural sources as the foundation of a scripturally inspired mindset for Muslims. Since Islamic psychology is an emerging field there is much room for reflection on the direction, refinement and possibilities of how Islamic psychology can develop from the insights experts in the field have already articulated. Psychology or \"ilm al-nafs\" was discussed in Medieval Arabic Literature under several traditional disciplines and was not fully articulated as a separate science. Furthermore, Muslim dysphoria, the rise of Islamophobia, and war-torn lands in Muslim majority countries add further context to the need for an Islamic approach to psychology and psychotherapy relevant to Muslims struggling with mental health. These factors as well as others invoke a cross disciplinary approach to the study of Islamic Psychology and Psychotherapy in the modern world.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current problems and conceptual foundations of religion and psychology from an Islamic perspective
Engage in a multi-disciplinary comparative analysis of philosophical, mystical and psychological traditions.
Critically evaluate the application of resources from Islamic intellectual traditions to issues in psychology.
Deal with complex issues in psychology and psychotherapy from an Islamic perspective both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate conclusions clearly.
1 x 4,500 word essay (100%) OR 2 x 2,250 word essay (50% each)
Reassessment:
Resubmit failed component(s) if this results in failure of the module as a whole.
Resubmitted essays, length and weighting as above, i.e. if the student opted for a single 4500-word essay and failed it, they should resubmit a 4500-word essay. If they opted for 2 x 2500-word essays, they should resubmit whichever one(s) they failed that led to overall failure of the module. Usual rules on capped marks etc. would apply.
