BA (Hon) in Religion Studies, (Specializing in Islam) at the University of Johannesburg

WHAT IS A BA (HONS.)? In South Africa the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is a degree that follows after the BA and precedes the MA (Masters of Arts.) Passing the BA though does not give one automatic access to the BA Honours program. Typically, a student would have had to achieve an average of at least 65 % in a BA program to be eligible for an honours program.. WHAT IS THE BA (HONS.) IN THE STUDY OF ISLAM AND ARABIC ABOUT? Our Honours Program in the Study of Islam combines critical and creative scholarship with the best that traditional learning programs have had to offer. UJ offers a five module program which can be completed in one year if done full time or over two years part-time. All classes are offered in the evenings or over weekends. WHAT IS THE BASIC UJ APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF ISLAM? The Study of Islam was earlier located in the Department of Semitic Languages and Cultures and is now a part of the Department of Religion Studies. Earlier, the Department of Biblical Studies had an arrangement with the Apostolic Faith Mission to accept students from their seminaries. That agreement has now ended and Biblical Studies is also now a part of the new Department of Religion Studies. This means that, Biblical Studies, Christianity and Islam are now studied as a part of the study of the discipline of Religion. This is different from religious studies or Islamic Studies. We strive for objectivity in the study of the faith (Islam) and the community/communities which claims adherence to that faith rather than pass judgment on the correctness or incorrectness of those communities beliefs or practices. (This also means that we do not appoint teaching staff on the basis of their faith, religious or sectarian commitments or lack thereof.) The following are some of our primary questions: Can students and faculty argue rationally based on available knowledge? Can they make a coherent case for their own opinions in relation to the course work? Can they critically look at things from many different angles? How deep can they see? Can they look at things broadly enough to see the impact of other communities or ideas in Islam? The critical study of Islam simply means that we look at Islam and Muslim religious life carefully, as objectively as possible and that we push our questions as far as possible. This faith is expressed by real people, or communities and we try to express our academic insights balancing the need to be sensitive towards the community whose faith we study and/or that many of us come from but always true also to the new insights and knowledge that we acquire. The Study of Islam inside the Study of Religion also implies that the focus is on Islam as part of a larger historical or contemporary development. Each course will, for example have a small introductory component that deals with the subject in at least one other tradition. A course on the Shariah will, for example, also have a small component of Jewish Law. WHAT ARE THESE MODULES? Two modules are compulsory: Method, Theory and Critical Terms in the Study of Religion Research Essay

Please note that modules are described differently in the 2013 year book and that the official numbers in brackets are as they are named in the Year book. This will be correctly named and numbered in 2014 Year Book Also note that while we do our best to offer a selection of modules, our ability to do so may be limited when there are too few students to make up a class. In these cases students will have no choice but to take the one course on offer. Islamic Spiritual Tradition Islam and Gender Justice Selected Arabic Texts based on a specific Quranic theme

Subjects for 2014 Introduction to the Quran and its Major Themes. Critical Issues in Contemporary Islam. Method, Theory and Critical Terms in the Study of Religion (compulsory) Islamic Law and its Application in a Liberal Democracy

1ST SEMESTER 2013 Studies in Hadith (Muhammads Narrations) This module focuses on the importance of hadith within the Islamic intellectual tradition. The transmission and collection of Prophetic traditions and the methods and history of hadith criticism will be analyzed. In the addition, the function of Prophetic traditions in Islamic law, theology, Sufism and current debates over Prophetic traditions will form an integral part of the module. Tafsir in Arabic Research Essay (ARS 3007) This Comparative Research work will focus on specific two or three mufassirun and examine and contrast their views in relation to their own historical and theological milieu and then in relation to a specific quranic theme. The theme selected for this ye ar is AlYahud fil-Quran. 2ND SEMESTER 2013 Critical Issues in Contemporary Islam. This course is intended to provide students with knowledge of and insights into Muslim responses to some contemporary critical issues. The course will deal with a number of specific themes in conversation with a) the textual tradition of Islam (the Quran and Hadith) and b) some of the leading Muslim intellectuals and activists in different parts of the world contributing to this discussion. We will deal with the following themes: Environmental Justice; Islam and AIDS; Jihad and the War on Terror; Democracy and Human Rights, Race and Racism; Class, Poverty and Economic Justice.

Islamic Spiritual Tradition: This module comprises of two parts; the one deals with concepts internal to Sufi discourse such as irfan, (gnosis) fana (selfannihilation) and zuhd, and the other with Sufism and Sufi orders as social phenomenon and institutions

Compulsory Research Essay (ISK 3307)

This is undoubtedly the hardest part of Honours Program. There are sadly a number of students over the years who have finished all their other modules but could not clear this one. The research essay is an independent study where students will choose their subjects in consultation with, and consistent with the capacity (expertise, time, etc.) of academic staff. The end product should be an academic article of 12-14,000 words which in my estimation would be will be ready to be submitted in a peer-reviewed journal. I will be coordinating the work around this and will be assisted by Nadeem Mohamed. 2nd year and full time students must make an appointment with the Head of Department sometime in March to finalize your topic and the deadline for your initial 200 word proposal is the end of April 2012. 2014 1ST SEMESTER, Introduction to the Quran as a Text, and its Major Themes (known in the 2010 year book as ISK 22071: Quran and Tafsir.) Course description: The course will examine various approaches to the Quran and its exegesis as an historical document and as the foundational text of Muslim believers. The contested history/history of the text , notions of revelation, and some of the key genres of traditional Quranic Studies such as abrogation, occasions of revelation, variant readings etc., will also be looked at. In addition, the course will deal with the major themes of the Quran, how these are appropriated by various claimants to religious authority in the contemporary Muslim world and the role that the text plays in the social and religious lives of Muslims. Method, Theory and Critical Terms in the Study of Religion (compulsory) Course description: The Critical Terms course focuses on the basic theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and keywords in the academic study of religion. The course develops an analytical vocabulary that will be useful for students in any specialised field supported by the postgraduate programme in Religious Studies. Sessions are devoted to exploring exploring (1) Religion, Religions, Religious; (2) Belief and Rationality; (3) God and Person; (4) Experience and Gender; (5) Body, Image, and Relic; (6) Performance and Sacrifice; (7) Territory and Time; (8) Modernity and Conflict; (9) Culture and Writing; (10) Transformation and Transgression; and (11) Liberation and Value.

2ND SEMESTER, 2014 The Shariah (Islamic Law) and its Application within South African Liberal Constitutional Democracy Course Description: (Described in the 2011 year book as ISK 3107: Shariah and Formalized Islamic Through) This course deals with different approaches to Islamic Law, the history and development of Islamic Legal Theory and the diversity of classical legal systems on the other. Selected areas of substantive Islamic Law are examined to negotiate the complexities between theory and praxis. The course also includes an investigation of paradigm shifts within the broader juristic discourses of Islamic Jurisprudence particularly that of classical Usul al-Fiqh-based applications to more universalist Maqasid-based approaches in recent times. This approach has led to a new genre of Islamic Law referred to as al-Fiqh al-Aqalliyat (The Fiqh of Minorities). Islam and Gender Justice This module focuses on Gender in/and the Quran, in/and the Hadith, and Contemporary Muslim feminist discourse. The module also analyses how contemporary ideas and notions on gender and human rights are impacting on Muslim readings of authoritative texts and its contents and the context of the texts.

HOW MUCH WORK IS ACTUALLY REQUIRED FROM EACH STUDENT? While most of you will be taking it at a part time level, the work load is going to be serious. There are 12- 13 classes of 2 hours each and sometimes classes may be offered on weekend in the form of a Block Seminar. Readings have to be done for each class, sometimes presentations have to be prepared and writing exercises, often called journals, follow after each class. We will provide feedback on your work well before the next journal is due. The following comments we made by students in response to the question of how much time is required from each student ZK I am currently doing the course part time meaning that I only do one subject per semester. The course requires dedication. In order to cover the prescribed reading I reckon you need to do around 5 - 6 hours per week. To do additional reading you probably need to double that. There are regular papers required to be submitted by students. This will obviously depend on one s own ability to complete the subject matter at hand. I think this requires around 12 hours to complete. In order to do well at this course you need to read extensively and gauge the insights offered by the lecturer and fellow students. NF From my experience the course requires that you attend every lecture. It is not the type of course where you would gain value by simply doing the readings and handing in assignments. The lectures also offer an opportunity of interaction and different perspectives that assist in clarifying your thoughts and ideas around a specific topic. Doing the readings before class is also a must. There is no chance of one enjoying or adequately participating in a lecture without going through the readings thoroughly. Making comment and asking questions in class is also encouraged to gain confidence and help in clarifying your thoughts as mentioned earlier. Written pieces of work are due at least every 2 weeks. These require careful thought and planning and a high standard has been set in terms of argument, written style and referencing. Given that each person works differently I cannot put time frames to these tasks. IS ATTENDANCE AT ALL LECTURES COMPULSORY? The University of Johannesburg is not a correspondence university. As such, attendance at all lectures is required. A student is also expected to have read all the relevant required material for the lecture. If a student has a legitimate reason for absenteeism this needs to be discussed with the instructor prior to the lecture if possible. In this regard, a student will be at a disadvantage should he/she not attend a lecture since an important component of courses is class discussions and the insights of the instructors. HOW DOES IT WORK WHEN THE STUDENTS ARE IN CAPE TOWN? Just about the same as it does with students in Johannesburg. Classes are held once a week on a Friday from 6-8 pm and there are regular face to consultations with the lecturer and students HOW DO WE COMMUNICATE WITH INSTRUCTORS AND THE DEPARTMENT? The most efficient manner of communication is via email. This is also the standard form of communication in the department. Telephonic calls may be made in an emergency or where an issue requires immediate attention. If a meeting is required with any of the instructors or departmental staff, make sure the details of such a meeting are confirmed with the relevant person prior to coming in to the university. With regard to registration queries, tuition fee payments and campus access, please liaise directly with Ms Charlene Louw, the department secretary, or the relevant personnel at the university who attend to such matters.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ACADEMIC WRITING AND RESEARCH RESOURCES? The University of Johannesburg has a writing centre which could assist students in this regard. For a guide to academic writing in Religious Studies please refer to Scott G. Brown. A Guide to Writing Academic Essays in Religious Studies, Continuum: London, 2008. It is essential that students maintain a satisfactory level of academic writing with regard to assignments, term papers and research papers. The library has a good resource of books relating to Islam which is at the disposal of students for research purposes. Your instructor should however also be available for one-on-one conversations which are scheduled via e-mail. These sessions are primarily for your academic work. WHO MAY APPLY? For the BA Honours Program, appropriate candidates are normally graduates in Islamic Studies, religious studies or a related field wherein the study of Islam was a significant component. Others in possession of a senior school certificate (grade 12) who have not had a formal university education but have completed significant work in Islamic Studies, or have graduated but not in Islamic Studies or related disciplines may also be eligible if they can demonstrate (by means of a written and oral test) that they comply with the universitys prescribed Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) requirements. ARE DARUL `ULUM GRADUATES ELIGIBLE FOR THE HONS PROGRAM? UJ does not routinely recognize the qualification of Darul `Ulums (traditional Islamic studies seminaries) or similar institutions for entry into its Honours Program. Qualifications obtained at or time spent in such a program may however, contribute to a favourable consideration of a particular persons eligibility for the Honours Program , in addition to demonstrating capability in the RPL exam. WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE NEEDED FOR THE HONS PROGRAM? There are basically two ways of entering the Honours Program: a) b) A grade of 65% or more, majoring in Islamic Studies in a BA program at a recognized University Securing 65% or more in a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) exam in addition to having a Matriculation Exemption Certificate or its equivalent.

WHAT IS THE RPL EXAM? The Recognition of Prior Learning Exam is an exam to determine if an applicant has sufficient prior knowledge in the Study of Islam, Islamic Studies and/or Arabic and will be able to reasonably cope with the academic standards of an Honours Program. It is utilised to test knowledge of Islam and Religion studies as well as the ability to argue critically. For the RPL Exam your must please bring along hard copies of the necessary books. There are three components to the RPL exams: a) Religion Studies, b) Islam and c) Arabic. The first two sections are compulsory and the third required for those who will also enroll for Arabic. For Religion Studies and Islam, texts on which the exams are based are made known well in advance of the exams. Applicants have to achieve 65% on average and a minimum of 60% in each separate section of the exam. HOW ARE THESE PAPERS GRADED? They are first graded internally by a UJ staff person in the Study of Islam & Arabic and then sent to an external examiner. The average of the grade awarded by the two examiners is taken as the grade earned by the applicant. This grade, if it is a passing one, is then presented to the Universitys RPL Committee along with notes about the candidates for approval. HOW DO I APPLY FOR CONSIDERATION? a) Fill in the application form below and send it by e-mail to Professor Farid Esack (fesack@uj.ac.za). He will inform you of the date of the RPL Exam if you do not qualify automatically for entry into the Honours Program by virtue of a previous degree in Islamic Studies or in Religion Studies. Please attach curriculum vitae (CV) to your application form. You will then be informed of the date and venue of the RPL exam. You will be informed of the results of the RPL within ten days.

b) c)

WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS COST? The question of fees only applies once you have been successful in the RPL and you want to register for the course. In 2011 the following fees were applicable: Only new students- application fee R350 Registration fee R490 ICT Levy R590 Course Fees R 3 500 per module

Please note that these were 2011s fees and a increase will be applicable for 2012. * Note: International fees should be verified by the international office. APK: Mr. Tshepang Marumo Madibeng Building Student Enrollment Centre Tel: +27 11 559-4517 E-mail: tshepangm@uj.ac.za

DOES UJ OFFER ANY SCHOLARSHIPS? Yes, we do. UJ offers to assist with the students registration fee and in some cases, cover all of the students tuition fees. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT STEPS IN THE REGISTRATION PROCESS AFTER ONE HAS RECEIVED CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE The university encourages prospective students to register online. You can also do it in person. The Registration date is ONLINE REGISTRATION PROCESS. Go to the UJ home Page: http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/Pages/home.aspx Click on Apply On-line: https://registration.uj.ac.za/pls/prodint/w99pkg.mi_login

Click on New Application and follow all instructions. Complete personal information as asked and click Save

In Person Contact Charlene Louw at 011 559-3259 if you need assistance with finding your way around campus. (All Admin matters take place at the Auckland Park Campus which is also where our department is located.) 1. 2. 3. Pay your application fee at the Cashier (D block by Atriums) Get an Application form at Student Bureau (the glass building at the main entrance near the library) and complete this. Attach all previous qualification documentation and include the following: 4. 5. 6. Grade 12 Certificate ID (These documents normally need to be attested by a Commissioner of Oaths Proof of payment (keep a copy) Application fee with reference ID number

Hand in application form at Biography wait until detail has been processed and get a student number Pay at the cashier minimum course fee, R3500 (these are the fees applicable for 2011. Please phone for new fees), Get a receipt with student number and please retain it You may also pay directly into the UJ account (give at least 5 working days for it to reflect on UJ system- add ID nr or student nr as reference) UJ Banking details: ABSA university of Johannesburg Branch code: 335105 Acc nr: 2840189565 Reference: Your Student Number Or pay at cashiers on UJ campus (E block, ground floor, next to auditorium) Please allow 5 working days for clearance of your deposit, before you can continue with process.

7. 8. 9. 10.

Go to Mr Gift Antonio (Deans office, C ring 242 or 011 559-2691) who will capture all your data Get the Registration form and subject Coding forms from Gift Antonio (Ensure that the subjects you intend to register for is listed on the blue registration form) and sign it Come to the A Ring 605 to have the have the modules codes filled in and to get a signature from Professor Esack, the Head of the Program Return to Gift Antonio with all the signed documentation for proof of Registration

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Return to Biography (The new glass building at the Main entrance) with proof of registration to get a photo taken and student card printed.