Discover Shi'ism I [2656]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: Master 1 level (or equivalent); proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course traces the origins of Shiism through the events that followed the death of the Prophet Muhammad, focusing on the question of his succession, the place of ʿAlī, and the schism with Sunnism. It provides a detailed analysis of Ḥusayn’s revolt against Umayyad rule, his martyrdom at Karbalāʾ in 680, and the religious, political, and commemorative significance of this event. The course then shows how the commemoration of Karbalāʾ gradually became institutionalised through pilgrimages, mourning ceremonies, and movements seeking vengeance, particularly the Tawwābūn movement, thereby contributing to the formation of Shiite identity. Finally, it highlights the foundational role of the memory of Ḥusayn in the development of Shiite spirituality, ritual practices, and doctrine. 

Course Objectives

This course enables you to:

• Understand the historical origins of Shiʿism and the causes of the first major schism in Islam.
• Explain the events of Karbalāʾ and their significance within the Shiʿi tradition.
• Analyse the development of commemorative practices associated with the martyrdom of Ḥusayn.
• Evaluate the role of movements of vengeance and repentance in the formation of the religious and political identity of Shiʿism.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Analyse contemporary currents, the plurality of Islam and its relations with other religious traditions.

Course Outline

Section 1 : Summary of the historical events of the tragedy of Karbala’ according to Arab chroniclers
Section 2 : The commemoration of the death of Ḥusayn in Iraq: Its historical development
Section 3 : The Tawwābūn movement and its role in the development of the concept of atonement

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade,
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises);
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites 

This course is open to anyone holding a Master 1 (or an equivalent qualification) in Islamic Studies, Theology, Social Sciences, the Humanities or a related field, or with significant personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities. 

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Mortimer J. Adler, The Four Dimensions of Philosophy: Metaphysical, Moral, Objective, Categorical, Basingstoke, Macmillan Publishers, 1993.
• Reginald E. Allen, Greek Philosophy: Thales to Aristotle. Readings in the History of Philosophy, New York, The Free Press, 1996.
• Marius Backmann, Humean Libertarianism, Hightown, Walter de Gruyter, 2013.
• Soraya Susan Behbehani, The Messenger Within: Discovering Love and Wholeness Through Meditation, New York, Mellen Research University Press, 1991.
• Silvano Borruso, A History of Philosophy for Almost Everyone, Nairobi, Daughters of St Paul, 2007.