RESA3221 – What the Qur'an Says: Translation, Interpretation and Society
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course is devoted to the study of the relationships between the translation of the Qur’an, its interpretation, and its reception in contemporary societies. Whenever Muslim groups or individuals are involved in an act of violence or a social controversial issue, the question “what does the Qur’an say about it?” is posed. While part of the focus in this course will be on attempting to answer this question with regard to particular cases, we will also focus on challenging some of the underlying assumptions inherent to the question. One of these assumptions is that by reading “the Qur’an”, often in translation, it is possible for the reader to access a clear-cut answer to any socio-ethical question. Through the study of how the Qur’an and its translations are read in various contexts, and the significance of its readings for individuals, communities and societies, this course will provide the student with insights on the relationship between the Qur’anic text and contemporary societies.
The focus of the course is on the Qur’an in religion and politics, the Qur’an in lived religion and modern Qur’anic hermeneutics. Within these three avenues, various approaches to the Qur’an will be explored, as well as concrete cases from contemporary societies. In the Spring 2023 semester, the main topics will be:
- Blasphemy and the sacred
- Homosexuality and gender relations
- Environmental and economic ethics
- Oppression and liberation
- Religious pluralism and salvation
- Recitation, ritual and aesthetics
Learning outcome
Through this course, students will acquire:
Knowledge
- An understanding of what kind of text the Qur’an is
- Knowledge of central terms and concepts pertaining to the reading and interpretation of the Qur’an
- An overview of various traditions, trends and strategies within Qur’an interpretation, with focus on central modern movements and thinkers
- An understanding of the relationship between the translation and the interpretation of the Qur’an
Skills
- The ability to identify and discuss concrete examples of the interpretive implications of Qur’an translation
- The ability to discuss topics significant to political and socio-religious discourses in contemporary society with reference to relevant passages in the Qur’an
This course is offered on both Bachelor's and Master's level. The Master's level syllabus will be more comprehensive than that of the Bachelor's level, and a higher level of knowledge and reflection will be expected from the Master students at the written exam, compared to the Bachelor's level students.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with RESA4221 – What the Qur'an Says: Translation, Interpretation and Society
Teaching
The teaching consists of weekly seminars.
Mandatory activities
During the course, each student will work with two cases, the first individually and the second in a group.
? The first case study will result in a written assignment of 1000 words to be submitted in Canvas.
? The second case study will result in an oral group presentation in class.
Both the written assignment and the oral presentation must be approved in order for the student to be admitted to the exam.
Examination
Three day home exam, 3000-4000 words.
Previous exams and grading guidelines
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit your assignment.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.