Arab-Muslim Civilisation 1.1 3600-7-AR1-CAM1.1

The course aims to provide students with knowledge of the language, culture, literature, and history of Arab countries, as well as the religion and philosophy of Islam. The material is presented through an interdisciplinary lens that emphasizes the interdependencies among the natural environment, history, socio-cultural transformations and the key achievements of Arab-Islamic civilization.
The course is delivered in six modules, each lasting one or two semesters; students achieve the required learning outcomes upon completing all six modules. Classes incorporate discussion-based learning to support practical understanding through collective text analysis and workshop elements. The course combines lectures with presentations, discussions, and individual student projects.
As part of extensive independent study conducted outside of class and during exam preparation, students are expected to systematically analyze provided teaching materials, research assigned topics, expand their knowledge through additional sources, and consolidate lecture content for the specific module. These activities include critical reading of texts and the independent organization, interpretation, and integration of acquired knowledge, which are vital to achieving the course's intended learning outcomes.

Term 2026Z:

The course focuses on showcasing the pluralism of the Arab world, moving away from a monolithic perception of the region. Participants will explore the unique characteristics of specific regions, analyzing the impact of physical geography and historical turning points on the present-day state of Arab nations. Particular attention will be given to the interrelationships between religious tradition, local contexts, modern mass culture, and social structures.
The knowledge is imparted through an interdisciplinary approach, allowing for an in-depth analysis of the region’s recent and contemporary history – from decolonization processes and the formation of modern national identities to current political and social challenges.

Course coordinators

Magdalena Pinker

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

English language proficiency sufficient to understand multimedia materials in the language.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: The graduate knows and understands:
K_W03 the most significant phenomena, trends, and literary texts of the Arab-Islamic civilization.
K_W04 key issues within the field of Islamic religion and philosophy.
K_W05 key issues within the field of Islamic art.
K_W06 the influence of the natural environment, economy, international relations, as well as ethnic, demographic, and political situations on the social and cultural aspects of Arab states from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
K_W07 to an advanced degree, the structure of the Arabic language, its grammar, history, and script, as well as its significance in the cultural and historical context of the Arab world.

Skills: The graduate is able to:
K_U03 accurately situate the Arab region within the context of its natural environment, as well as its geopolitical and economic conditions.
K_U04 read and interpret literary texts and other cultural works (film, press, social writings) from the Arab region, correctly placing them in a cultural context; as well as analyze, compare, and identify interdependencies between them and the issues of tradition and modernity.
K_U05 analyze the most significant phenomena of Islamic art.

Social Competences: The graduate is prepared to:
K_K03 reflect on the place and significance of Arab culture within global culture.

Assessment criteria

Oral credit / written credit / oral exam / written exam / test / project, depending on the topics covered in a given module (information on assessment methods and criteria is included in the information about classes in a given cycle).
During an exam, test, or quiz, the following actions are strictly prohibited: using notes, phones, smartwatches, headphones, or any other devices that allow access to information; consulting with others; looking at other students' papers; or tampering with exam materials.
If the use of unauthorised aids is detected, the exam or assessment is immediately terminated, and a failing grade is assigned.