The BTA
Pre-Diploma.
BT Academy’s brand new course “Pre-Diploma Foundations: Islamic Sciences and History” has been carefully designed to provide the perfect entry-route for individuals who are interested in the BTA Advanced Diploma and BTA short courses, but feel that they need to acquire a basic, foundational level of knowledge of Islam and Western thought before enrolling in a more high-level course. The Pre-Diploma equips students with an understanding of Islam in terms of its theoretical and philosophical components as well as its historical development. In the first semester, students are guided through a detailed introduction to Islam, Iman, and Ihsan, and explore the specific disciplines and sciences that pertain to each aspect of Islam. Students also gain a close familiarity with the most important authors and currents in Sunni Islam, while acquiring a comparative understanding of Islamic and Western concepts. In the second semester, a chronological exposition of Islamic history equips students with a truly universal outlook on the lives and times of Muslims through the world. From the Arab world to Europe, China, the Indian Subcontinent and Africa, the most important events, protagonists and ideas are all discussed. The nature of the discipline of history itself is also analysed, as well as central issues such as periodisation, and the relationship between the past and the future of the Umma. In the last modules of the course, contemporary issues covered in the latest news are understood and contextualised in light of the past, and Islamic philosophy of history. Upon completion of this course, students will be ready to embark upon more in-depth study, (for example, the BTA Advanced Diploma, as well as other BTA short courses).