Discover Shi'ism II [2657]

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 second part of the course examines how the martyrdom of Ḥusayn became a cornerstone of Shiite theology, spirituality, and ritual practice. It shows how popular and hagiographical narratives gradually transformed the historical figure of Ḥusayn into a sacred figure whose suffering acquired redemptive and universal significance. The course then analyses the principal forms of ʿĀshūrāʾ commemoration, particularly mourning assemblies (majālis al-ḥusayniyya) and lamentation rituals (laṭmiyyāt), highlighting their religious and commemorative significance and their role in shaping identity within Shiite communities.

Course Objectives

This course enables you to:

• Understand the theological and redemptive significance of the martyrdom of Ḥusayn in Shiʿi thought.
• Analyse the hagiographical and mythical construction of the figure of Ḥusayn in Shiʿi literature.
• Identify the principal forms of commemoration associated with ʿĀshūrāʾ and describe how they are conducted.
• Evaluate the role of mourning rituals in the transmission of Shiʿi memory and identity.

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: The mythical aspect of the figure and his evolution

Section 2: The different ways of celebrating ‘Āshūrā’

Section 3: The processions

Section 4: The tashābīh: Scenes depicting the battle of Karbalā’

Section 5: Collective lamentations and the significance of tears in the ‘Āshūrā’ ritual

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.