The Development of the Islamic Culture Course at Qatar University: Theory and Practice

Abstract

Objectives: The Islamic Culture course at Qatar University has undergone comprehensive and radical development since the fall of 2015. To document this developmental experience, study it, and disseminate it for further progress and the benefit of others, this study expounds the theoretical aspects of this wide-ranging development and its methodology, revealing the scope in which it differs from prevailing methods, the extent of its impact on creating the course, and the degree of rigour in its construction thanks to using a pilot. Methodology: This study adopted a descriptive-historical method and a documentary-analytical approach. It described the theoretical aspect of the course development pilot, placed it in its historical context, documented it, analysed the governing methodology, illustrated the interrelation of its components, highlighted its uniqueness, and assessed its impact on the course's development. Results: It is essential to consider the historical context in developing the course, as it reveals the motives for its introduction, its actual need, and its uniqueness, providing valuable insights for the development process. Qatar University's comprehensive course development methodology stands out by the interconnectedness between its unique constitutive elements and its effectiveness in addressing serious challenges once identified. Organising a pilot before the course's widespread implementation was a critical factor in the success of the developmental project. Authenticity: The authenticity of this study lies in its comprehensive and unprecedented analytical documentation of an innovative methodology for course development, including a pre-implementation pilot.