Alat (Tools)

Introduction to Legal Theory

Students learn the basics of how to read the Qur’an and the Sunnah, adduce scholarly consensus, and employ analogy. Upon completion, students will grasp how scholars extract rulings from the evidence, gain an appreciation for how their methodologies work, and comprehend the various levels of shariah evidence for a better understanding of Islam in general, and Islamic law in particular.

Intermediate Legal Theory I

Students learn how to interpret the Qur’an and the Sunnah, adduce scholarly consensus, and employ analogy in greater depth, with the supporting evidences of a particular school of law (madhhab) and responses to objections. Upon completion, students will have gained proficiency in the methodology of a school and an appreciation for differing methodologies within Sunni Islam. Part One covers introductory matters, the Qur’an, and the Sunnah. Arabic reading and Introduction to Legal Theory is required.

Intermediate Legal Theory II

Students learn how to interpret the Qur’an and the Sunnah, adduce scholarly consensus, and employ analogy in greater depth, with the supporting evidences of a particular school of law (madhhab) and responses to objections. Upon completion, students will have gained proficiency in the methodology of a school and an appreciation for differing methodologies within Sunni Islam. Part Two covers scholarly consensus, analogy, and issues related to independent legal thought (ijtihad). Intermediate Legal Theory I is required.

Advanced Legal Theory I

Students learn how to interpret the Qur’an and the Sunnah, adduce scholarly consensus, and employ analogy in greater depth, with an emphasis on comparative methodologies and their application to legal evidences and issues. Upon completion, students will have gained proficiency in the methodology of a school and an appreciation for differing methodologies within Sunni Islam. Part One covers introductory issues. Logic I and Intermediate Legal Theory I are required.

Advanced Legal Theory II

Students learn how to interpret the Qur’an and the Sunnah, adduce scholarly consensus, and employ analogy in greater depth, with an emphasis on comparative methodologies and their application to legal evidences and issues. Upon completion, students will have gained proficiency in the methodology of a school and an appreciation for differing methodologies within Sunni Islam. Part Two covers the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Advanced Legal Theory I is required.

Advanced Legal Theory III

Students learn how to interpret the Qur’an and the Sunnah, adduce scholarly consensus, and employ analogy in greater depth, with an emphasis on comparative methodologies and their application to legal evidences and issues. Upon completion, students will have gained proficiency in the methodology of a school and an appreciation for differing methodologies within Sunni Islam. Part Three covers scholarly consensus, analogy, methods of ijtihad, and other topics. Advanced Legal Theory II is required.

Logic I

Students learn the significations of words and how to define words properly, how to form sound propositions, and how to construct valid arguments.

Logic II

Students learn the significations of words and how to define words properly, how to form sound propositions, and how to construct valid arguments in greater depth with application. Arabic reading and Logic I are required.

Introduction to Arabic Grammar

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of Arabic grammar, with exercises for reading comprehension, listening, and conversation skills. Arabic reading is required.

Intermediate Arabic Grammar

Students explore the rules of Arabic grammar in more detail, with special attention given to complex reading comprehension. Intro to Arabic is required.

Introduction to Morphology

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of Arabic morphology. Arabic reading is required.

Intermediate Morphology

Students continue to learn Arabic morphology, with particular emphasis placed on building vocabulary. Intro to Morphology is required.

Rhetoric

Students explore topics of Arabic rhetoric, including rhetorical devices and principles of eloquent expression. Upon completion, students will have a greater appreciation of the linguistic beauty and miraculous nature of the Qur’an. Intermediate Grammar and Intermediate Morphology are required.