Universität Wien
Warning! The directory is not yet complete and will be amended until the beginning of the term.

141011 SE Political Theories and Governance in Islamic Thought (2025W)

8.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikawissenschaften, Südasien-, Tibet- und Buddhismusk
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 06.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 13.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 20.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 27.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 03.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 10.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 17.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 24.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 01.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 15.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 12.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 19.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Monday 26.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course aims to explore major theories on governance in pre-modern Islamic thought. We will discuss the intellectual developments of political thought between 7th and 15th cc., reflecting on theological, legal, and philosophical notions of governance as they appear in the writings of such thinkers as Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ, al-Māwardī, al-Fārābī, al-Ghazālī, Ibn Taymiyya, Ibn Khaldūn, and others. We will look at the various perceptions of caliphate and royal authority (mulk) through the lens of competition or/and interaction of two discourses – the one which endorsed religious governance - imamate narrative – established and promoted by religious scholars (ʿulamāʾ), and the other which promoted “secular” politics - siyāsa narrative- articulated and maintained by bureaucrat literati. In addition, we will look at the philosophical conceptualizations of governance.
While the course covers intellectual currents of the pre-modern times, it remains highly relevant for those seeking a deeper understanding of modern debates on Islamic political thought, particularly the contested relationship between politics, the state, and religion.

Assessment and permitted materials

Active participation in class
Seminar leading questions
Final presentation

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

• Active participation and reading: 30%:
Each student is expected to attend the seminar regularly, prepared with readings. The course is heavily based on discussion; therefore, students are expected to read and discuss intensively.
• Discussion leading: 30%:
Each student will be assigned to take over a discussion leading for a session. This means the student must send 4 discussion questions to the group via e-mail or Moodle at least a day before the seminar. We will discuss the session based on these questions.
. Conference Paper Presentation: 40%
During the last two sessions, we will have a mini conference in which each student will do a research presentation on a topic that he /she chooses in advance. This will be something like a mock conference where the students will act as speakers and provide a presentation with clearly articulated research questions and arguments.

Examination topics

Assessment will be by way of participation, class presentation and in-class exam.

Reading list

See the moodle page.

Association in the course directory

WM-3

Last modified: Mo 27.07.2026 09:26