Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Copenhagen offers a course titled "IRIS: Islamforskningens historie, teori og metode" (The History, Theory, and Method of Islamic Studies). This course is part of the Interreligiøse Islamstudier (Interreligious Islamic Studies) program.

Course Description

The course introduces students to the history, theories, and methods of Islamic studies from pre-modern, early modern, and late modern times. It includes both Muslim and non-Muslim sources, focusing on European and Western perspectives on Islam and Muslims. The course covers the research history of Islamic studies, including systematic reflection on the study of and encounter with Islam and Muslims.

Course Structure

• The course is planned for physical attendance but can also be accessed via livestreaming by registered participants.
• The teaching method primarily consists of lectures, collective readings, and discussions of primary texts.
• Audiovisual materials, guest lectures, excursions, and other activities will also be included.
• Students are expected to participate actively in the teaching, including exercises, oral presentations, and group work.

Course Materials

• The course literature includes primary literature and a selection of secondary literature, such as monographs, scientific articles, encyclopedia entries, chapters from scientific anthologies, and similar materials.
• The literature will be available as text files on the Absalon platform, KB, as masters on the library shelf, or as links.
• Students are required to acquire three basic books:
  • Rodinson, Maxine. Europe and the Mystique of Islam (London: I.B. Tauris, 2009)
  • Irwin, Robert. For lust of knowing: the orientalists and their enemies (London: Penguin, 2007)
  • Bennett, Clinton. Studying Islam: The Critical Issues (London: Continuum, 2010)

Admission Requirements

• Completed BA degree
• For further requirements, see the study order

Examination

• The course is worth 15 ECTS points.
• The examination form is a combined written and oral exam: a written home assignment followed by an oral exam of up to 45 minutes, including assessment.
• The written answer must have a scope of 16,800-24,000 characters, equivalent to 7-10 pages.
• The oral exam is based on the written answer but will test the examinee within the entire curriculum.

Teaching Language

• Danish

Course Information

• Course number: TISKIFH01U
• ECTS points: 15
• Level: Master's
• Duration: 1 semester
• Placement: Autumn
• Teaching start: Week 36

Responsible Institute and Faculty

• Institute: Interreligiøse Islamstudier
• Faculty: Det Teologiske Fakultet

Course Responsible and Teacher

• Niels Valdemar Vinding
• Tessie Bundgaard Jørgensen

Workload

• Category: Holdundervisning
• Hours: 56
• Preparation (estimated): 244
• Examination: 120
• Total: 420

Additional Information

• The course is part of the Interreligiøse Islamstudier program at the University of Copenhagen.
• For more detailed information, refer to the study order or contact the relevant study board.