Course Description

This course combines Islamic wisdom with contemporary knowledge, the course focuses on the Islamic perspective to understanding humans, their psyche, and their nature. The Islamic approach is unique in this field due to its reliance upon revelation and sacred sources for knowledge and understanding.

I. Objectives 

• Be familiar with the field of psychology and the various sub-disciplines as well as related fields.

• Understand the difference between the secular and Islamic approaches to the study of human nature and personality.

• Understand the complex relationship between psychology and religion.

• Compare and contrast the sources of knowledge used for the Islamic and secular perspectives.

• Comprehend psychology, the nature of humans and purpose in life from an Islamic perspective, utilizing wisdom from sacred sources.

II.  Class Content

Introduction to Psychology and Human Nature
 
Contemporary Perspectives in Psychology

Thinking Critically with Psychological Science

Basics of Human Nature

The Heart (Al-Qalb)

Personality

Motivation

Emotion

Intelligence, Reason and Wisdom

States of Consciousness

Memory

Conditioning and Learning

Social Influences upon Humans

Unseen Influences upon Humans

Abnormal Psychology

Health Psychology

Religiosity, Spirituality and Mental Health

Trials and Tribulations of Life

Counseling and Psychotherapy

Developmental Psychology
 

III. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

• Hamdan, A. (In press). Psychology from the Islamic Perspective. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: International Islamic Publishing House.
   

B. Supplementary Texts:

• PDF Notes