Aims

The course aims at introducing to the main principles of Islamic jurisprudence, through a historical study centred on the period in which Islamic law was elaborated. It also aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the main doctrinal tenets.

Main themes

Historical study centred mainly on the first centuries of Islam, the period during which Islamic jurisprudence was set up. Detailed study of the main tenets of Islamic law, together with their effectiveness over the history of Muslim civilization.

Content and teaching methods

The course consists of two parts. The first part introduces to the study of Islamic institutions from a historical point of view which is centred on the first three centuries of Islam, together with an overview on more recent developments. The second part aims at providing a comprehensive view of the main precepts of the Coranic law (essentially according to the Sunni Muslims) as well as their effectiveness in the Muslim civilization. The course is illustrated with the reading of texts from classical times quoted in French translation. The course does not presuppose any knowledge of Arabic.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisite : none.
Evaluation : oral examination on the contents of the course and discussion of a 10-page written work on a previously defined topic.

Other credits in programs