Christians under Islamic Rule

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The objective of the course is to provide an in-depth introduction to the history of Christian communities under Islamic rule from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the end of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century.

In its first part, the course examines the early history of Christians under Islamic rule from the eve of Islam to the end of the second Muslim century. It sheds light on teachings about Christians in the Quran and Islamic law and surveys the earliest Christian theological responses to the rise of Islam.

The second part of the course explores the history of Christianity under Islamic rule in the post-formative period of Islam. It studies the diversity of Christian communities in the Islamic world, their religious practices and theological writings, their contributions to the development of Arabic philosophy, and their relations with Muslim rulers.

The third part traces the history of Christian life under Islamic rule from the early modern period to the end of the Ottoman Empire. It pays special attention to the situation of major churches in the Middle East during this period and their interaction with European and American missionaries.

Learning Outcomes

The student has by the end of the course gained the following learning outcome defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

  • has an advanced general knowledge about the religions of Islam and Christianity
  • has an in-depth knowledge about Christianity under Islamic rule and Christian-Muslims relations
  • has a general knowledge about current debates in the academic study of Christianity under Islamic rule and Christian-Muslim relations.

Skills:

The student

  • has the ability to analyse and explain complex religious concepts and phenomena
  • has the ability to read primary and secondary literature about religious topics critically, summarize it, and evaluate its argumentative structure
  • has the ability to explain and apply important methodological and theoretical approaches in the study of religions
  • has the ability to make reasoned and structured statements about religious topics in writing in accordance with the relevant rules for academic writing
  • has the ability to make clear and informed statements about religious topics in classroom discussions.

General competence:

The student

  • has the ability to work with larger amounts of written material within a limited time period, to synthesize it, and to present it clearly orally and in writing
  • has the ability to draw reasoned conclusions about newly introduced topics
  • has the ability to explain and apply complex theoretical and methodological approaches.

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Autumn, but not regularly.

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
None
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Basic knowledge of Christianity and Islam equivalent to RELV102 is an advantage. Students must have good knowledge of English, as the course is taught completely in English.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Due to course overlap, students cannot take RELV240 in combination with RELV340. If combined, the outcome of credits will be reduced with 15 ECTS credits.
Access to the Course
The course is open to students enrolled in the University of Bergen.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures (approximately 10) and seminars (approximately 5).
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

A minimum of 80% attendance in the seminars (minimum 4 of 5 seminars).

Compulsory attendance is evaluated with "approved/not approved."

Compulsory requirements of this course are valid for two semesters; the semester when approved, and the following semester.

Forms of Assessment
  • One final essay of up to 3000 words at the end of the semester.
  • Two essays during the semester of up to 750 words each.
  • The dates of submission of the essays will be announced in advance.

    The final essay counts for 50%, the two essays during the semester for 25% each of the final course grade. All three must be passed in order to pass the course.

    Grading Scale
    A graded marking scale (A to F) is used. A is the top grade and F means Failed.
    Assessment Semester

    Autumn, but not regularly.

    There will also be assessment early spring term (only for students with valid mandatory course requirements), given that the course is instructed the term before.

    Reading List

    The reading list consists of approximately 1200 pages. All readings are in English.

    The reading list is published by June 1st. for the autumn term.

    Course Evaluation
    The course unit will be evaluated regularly.
    Examination Support Material
    None
    Course Coordinator
    The Programme Committee for The Study of Religions, Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion (AHKR)
    Course Administrator
    Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies, and Religion (AHKR)