Convenor name: Professor Matthew J. Nelson
Convenor email: mn6@soas.ac.uk
Office room: C204
Office hours: Thursdays 1-3PM
Appointment booking link: https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/524f88833adf4e16b8dc6ddd7ea302c8@soas.ac.uk/meetingtype/9kyb5Mk7SUG28hmCNA4-jg2?bookingcode=64be20ee-3730-4878-933d-f04515f11d48&anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=mLinkFromTile
Module dates: S1 (2026-27)
Intended learning outcomes: At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate:
1. Critical engagement with academic literature regarding legal authority, participation, opposition, and rights in the Islamic legal tradition;
2. Familiarity with debates regarding the politics of religious and doctrinal difference emerging at different points in Muslim history and different parts of the Muslim world;
3. Knowledge of specific Muslim and non-Muslim scholarly efforts to conceptualise the relationship between religious debate and political pluralism.
4. A critical understanding of disciplinary efforts in political science to grapple with the politics of religion and religious difference/disagreement.
5. Skills necessary for the effective oral and written communication of theoretical and empirical ideas related to "Islam" and "democracy".
Assessment 1: Name: Assignment 1 (AS1)
Assessment 1: Weighting: 40%
Assessment 1: Due date: 02/11/2026
Assessment 1: Release date: 30/11/2026
Assessment 1: Permitted AI usage: Autonomy
Assessment 1: Format: 750-Word Essay
Assessment 2: Name: Assignment 2 (AS2)
Assessment 2: Weighting: 60%
Assessment 2: Due date: 07/12/2026
Assessment 2: Release date: 11/01/2027
Assessment 2: Permitted AI usage: Autonomy
Assessment 2: Format: 1250-Word Essay
Page template: On campus 2026/27
