This course introduces the nuances and trends that exist in Shi'a theology as a vibrant faith and a lesser-known branch of Islam and the challenges it creates or encounters in world politics. More specifically, it will examine the origin and historical development of Shi'ite Islam and its position amidst wider Islamic world. The Shi'ite theological interpretation of the socio-political themes of governance and religious authority as well as its conceptual approach toward modern notions such as democracy, secularism and globalisation will be explored. At regional and international levels, the course will also provide insights on major Shi'ite populated countries in the Middle East, namely Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, and their religious and political interactions amongst themselves and in relation to the wider Muslim and international community.       

By the end of this course, you should be able to

1. Acquaint yourself with the nuances and trends that exist in Shi'a theology and history and use specific citations and study materials to explain key concepts, themes and theories in Shi'a Philosophy

2. Analyse and interpret the socio-political themes of governance and religious authority based on Shi'ite theological interpretation and describe and compare them in association with the concepts in the mainstream Islam

3. Compare and contrast Shi'ite approach with that of Sunni at the intellectual and pragmatic levels

4. Think, write and argue with the knowledge acquired as it relates to themes and subject matters in the course

5. Select and combine materials on a topic currently relevant to Shi'ite dynamics either at intellectual level or within a Shi'ite populated country in the Middle East

4000 word major essay   (50%)

Class presentation on a relevant topic of your choice   (10%)                                                                

3 hour exam in end of semester exam period (40%)

Momen, Moojan. An Introduction to Shi'i Islam, New Haven and London: Yale University, 1985.

Cole, Juan. Sacred Space and Holy War: The Politics, Culture and History of Shi'ite Islam, London & New York: I.B. Taurus, 2002.

Amir Arjomand, Said.Ed., Authority and Political Culture in Shiism, New York: SUNY Press, 1988

Nasr. Vali. The Shia Revival: How Conflict within Islam Will Shape the Future, New York & London: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.

Nakash, Yitzhak. Reaching for Power: The Shi'a in the Modern Arab World, Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2007.