The History and Intellectual Foundations of Western Civilisation
Self – Paced Mode
Explore the origins and history of Western Philosophy at Your Own Pace!
About The Course
This course examines the Fundamental Foundations of Western Civilisation. It will explore the history and origins of its thought and the development of the principles of Western philosophy that underpin its institutions, society and states.
This course selects key influential thinkers and political philosophers that have shaped the Western intellectual tradition and schools of thought which gave rise to the sociological, political and economic landscape of Western civilisation we see today.
The course will critically examine Western history to answer the questions: “what ideas caused the West to become the civilisation it is today? And are those ideas “universal truths” or the product of speculation mixed with their perceived usefulness amid particular historical conditions?”
This course is a must for anyone who wishes to understand the West to engage its ideas and politics and understand its societies and the countries it has influenced.
Course Team
Ustadh Abdullah Al-Andalusi
(International Muslim Thinker, Speaker and Debater, London, UK)
12 Recorded Sessions
12 Graded Module Assessments
25+ VIDEO HOURS
Videos Access for 1 Year
Mobile App
Digital Certificate
Enrol Now
Course Launch Date : 15th February 2025
Course Fee
Pay in Full: £99.99 £49.99
Al Balagh Scholarship
AlBalagh Scholarship is available for learners who cannot afford the fee.
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Modules
Session
1
Birth of Thought in The Ancient Mediterranean World
Session
2
The First European Philosophers: The Pre-Socratics
Session
3
Socrates
Session
4
Plato
Session
5
Aristotle
Session
6
History and Philosophy of the Hellenistic Period
Session
7
Christianity and the Latin Church Fathers
Session
8
Medieval Christian Thought and The Rediscovery of Greek Philosophy
Session
9
The Renaissance
Session
10
The Western ‘Enlightenment'
Session
11
Anglo-Saxon Philosophy
Session
12
Continental Philosophy
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Course Overview
The course will begin in today’s middle-east, showcasing the collapse of advanced civilisations that paved the way for the rise of a previously thought European backwater – Ancient Greece. With the influx of new ideas coming from the Ancient Middle East, the course will chart the effect this had on Greek thinking and the rise of speculation and philosophy. The course will focus heavily on Ancient Greek thought, demonstrating how these founding speculations and philosophies would underpin (and recur) Western thinking for the next 2500 years till the modern day.
After the spread of Greek thinking beyond Greece via Alexander of Macedon, the course will explore how the Romans took Greek ideas, built an empire, and how Greco-Roman culture changed – and was changed by – an emerging Jewish movement that took root amongst Greeks and Romans to become Christian eventually.
The course will follow early Christian thought from the fall of the Western Roman Empire until the rise of the Catholic Church, the encounter with Muslim thought, and the rediscovery of Ancient Greek philosophical texts leading to the renaissance.
The course then charts the rise of materialist political and ethical philosophy and the creation of an unintended by-product of the Renaissance – ‘The Enlightenment’ and will look at the rise of materialist political philosophies such as liberalism, socialism (and Marxist Socialism) and conservatism.
The course will end by looking at the rise of postmodernist philosophies and the current ‘culture wars’ occurring in the West (but mirrored throughout formerly colonial Westernised states).
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for:
- Students of Islamic Studies: Gain a deeper understanding of Western thought to critically engage with its ideas.
- Educators and Faith Leaders: Equip yourself with knowledge to address contemporary intellectual challenges and debates.
- Professionals and Academics: Enhance your understanding of Western civilization's impact on modern society, politics, and economics.
- Anyone Curious About History and Philosophy: Explore the intellectual journey of Western civilization at your own pace.
- Individuals Engaging in Dawah: Learn to contextualize Western ideologies and philosophies to strengthen discussions with diverse audiences.
Why Enroll?
- Comprehensive Understanding: Delve into the historical, philosophical, and sociological evolution of Western civilization.
- Self-Paced Learning: Access 25+ hours of recorded sessions to study at your convenience.
- Critical Analysis: Learn to evaluate Western ideas and philosophies from an Islamic perspective.
- Structured Knowledge: Follow a step-by-step journey through key eras and influential thinkers in Western history.
- Renowned Speaker: Learn from Ustadh Abdullah Al-Andalusi, an expert in Islamic thought and Western philosophy.
- Affordable Fee: Enroll at the discounted rate of £49.99 (original price: £99.99).
Course Features
- Mode: Self-paced online learning for flexibility.
- Duration: Access the course for a full year.
- Content: 12 recorded sessions and 12 graded assessments.
- Video Hours: Over 25 hours of insightful lectures.
- Modules: A comprehensive syllabus covering Ancient Greece to Postmodernism.
- Speaker: Ustadh Abdullah Al-Andalusi, an acclaimed scholar specializing in Islamic and Western intellectual traditions.
- Certificate: Graded assessments to evaluate and certify your learning progress.
Start your intellectual journey today to gain a profound understanding of Western civilization and its philosophical underpinnings!
Course Aims & Objectives
The course will seek to teach students:
- The origins of Ancient Greek philosophy and thought.
- The differing schools of thought within Greek philosophy.
- The three most influential Greek thinkers and how they set the tone for all further Western thought.
- How the Roman empire assimilated Greek thought and expanded on it.
- How Roman civilization affected early Christian thought and doctrines, fundamentally changing it into the Christianity we have today.
- Medieval Church philosophy, theology and political and ethical thought, and the impact of the encounter with Muslim thinkers and re-discovered Ancient Greek texts.
- The origins of the Renaissance and the key developments in Western thought that would lead it to push technological progress.
- The origins of the Enlightenment and the early ideas arising from it that would fundamentally determine the social, political and economic landscape of the world today.
- The key modern Western philosophical movements and political philosophies today that affect both Western domestic and foreign affairs and post-colonial societies throughout the world.
Learning Outcomes
Students will acquire the following:
- Key knowledge about the origins, history and rise of Western civilisation.
- The ability to place modern Western ideas, concepts or philosophies within the historical Western philosophical tradition.
- Knowledge of Christian doctrines and their origins within popular Greco-Roman thought and philosophy.
- Knowledge of the origins and justifications of the Western materialistic philosophies and their original weaknesses and their subjective (i.e. non-universal) nature.
- Know how to engage the modern justifications of Western philosophies and concepts critically
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?
Al Balagh courses do not provide an externally accredited or recognised qualification. Our own expert team works at the course content. With over 40000+ learners, we are continuously growing and our vision is to make Al Balagh qualifications renowned worldwide through our expert team, without seeking formal accreditation or recognition from external institutional bodies.
How is this online course structured?
Our online course is designed to be flexible and self-paced, featuring high-quality pre-recorded videos along with comprehensive online course materials such as presentations and readings. All course content, including video recordings and presentations, is accessible through our learning portal. You can attempt the assessments whenever you feel prepared, after reviewing and understanding the topics. Throughout the course, our dedicated academic support team is available to provide assistance as needed.
How many lecture hours are available in this course?
Our online course offers over 20+ hours of high-quality lecture content on average, featuring video presentations from eminent scholars and academics.
When will I have access to the online course material?
Upon successful enrollment, you will get access to ILM Portal (our advanced online learning portal) within 24 hours. (login details and important contact information will be provided on your registered email address)
Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?
We understand that having constant access to educational content is important for our students. However, to maintain the integrity and security of our course materials, videos are not available for download directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). We ensure that our LMS is accessible at all times and from various devices, allowing you to study at your convenience, wherever you have internet access. If you have any concerns about accessing the materials or need assistance with the LMS, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for help.
How do I interact with my classmates?
You can interact with your classmates on our WhatsApp Groups exclusive for the course students. To join the official WhatsApp group, log in to your course on https://ilm.albalaghacademy.org/ and access the "Join Official WhatsApp Group'' tab.
Go to Start → Sessions → Welcome Aboard: Course Introduction → Join Official WhatsApp Group and click on the group link to join directly.
Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow students for course-related discussions and to receive important updates from the team.
How long will I have access to this online course in self-paced mode?
The duration of access to this course is 1 year from the date of enrollment.
I am facing trouble signing into the “ILM” Online Student portal. What should I do?
In case you find any trouble accessing your account, then please contact us immediately via email: [email protected] or by WhatsApp: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest. The time taken to resolve issues depends on the team's availability and working hours. We guarantee prompt resolution of your queries. Please be aware that it typically takes around 24 hours to resolve any technical issues.
How do I attempt the course assessments?
Course assessments are automatically graded by the LMS and include various types such as multiple choice and True/False questions etc. Specific instructions are provided before each assessment for clarity. Your scores and assessment submission history will be instantly visible in the “Assessments” panel on the LMS.
What is the course grading policy?
To pass the course and receive a certificate, you must score at least 40% in all graded module assessments. Here's how your performance is evaluated:
Graded Module Assessments:
- Conducted online at the end of each lecture module.
- Aim to test your understanding of the concepts covered.
- Weekly checkpoints to track your progress.
- A minimum score of 40% in all these assessments is required to pass the course.
Self-Check Assessments (Ungraded):
- Include various formats like Comprehensive Evaluation, Analytical Skills Assessment, and Critical Thinking Quiz.
- Designed to test your knowledge across different parameters.
- These assessments are ungraded and do not affect your course grade.
When can I expect to receive my Certificate of Achievement?
After successfully completing the course, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement from the portal. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold:
- Achieve a minimum overall grade of 40% in the graded module assessments.
How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?
Al Balagh Academy values seekers of knowledge more than anything. Please visit Here to apply for a scholarship. Our team will assess your application and respond in 2 - 3 working days.
Interested in knowing about the other courses at Al Balagh?
If you have questions regarding other courses offered at Al Balagh Academy, please contact the following helpline numbers:
📞 Admissions Team (Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp (Admission): http://wa.me/447946835804
Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses?
Maximize your learning flexibility with our newly updated mobile app! Enjoy seamless access to your courses anytime, anywhere. Click on the links below to download the app tailored to your device:
- For Android users: Download from the Google Play Store
- For iOS users: Download from the App Store
Dive into a world of convenient and accessible learning today!
Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?
Al Balagh courses do not provide an externally accredited or recognised qualification. Our own expert team works at the course content. With over 40000+ learners, we are continuously growing and our vision is to make Al Balagh qualifications renowned worldwide through our expert team, without seeking formal accreditation or recognition from external institutional bodies.
How is this online course structured?
Our online course is designed to be flexible and self-paced, featuring high-quality pre-recorded videos along with comprehensive online course materials such as presentations and readings. All course content, including video recordings and presentations, is accessible through our learning portal. You can attempt the assessments whenever you feel prepared, after reviewing and understanding the topics. Throughout the course, our dedicated academic support team is available to provide assistance as needed.
How many lecture hours are available in this course?
Our online course offers over 20+ hours of high-quality lecture content on average, featuring video presentations from eminent scholars and academics.
When will I have access to the online course material?
Upon successful enrollment, you will get access to ILM Portal (our advanced online learning portal) within 24 hours. (login details and important contact information will be provided on your registered email address)
Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?
We understand that having constant access to educational content is important for our students. However, to maintain the integrity and security of our course materials, videos are not available for download directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). We ensure that our LMS is accessible at all times and from various devices, allowing you to study at your convenience, wherever you have internet access. If you have any concerns about accessing the materials or need assistance with the LMS, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for help.
How do I interact with my classmates?
You can interact with your classmates on our WhatsApp Groups exclusive for the course students. To join the official WhatsApp group, log in to your course on https://ilm.albalaghacademy.org/ and access the "Join Official WhatsApp Group'' tab.
Go to Start → Sessions → Welcome Aboard: Course Introduction → Join Official WhatsApp Group and click on the group link to join directly.
Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow students for course-related discussions and to receive important updates from the team.
How long will I have access to this online course in self-paced mode?
The duration of access to this course is 1 year from the date of enrollment.
I am facing trouble signing into the “ILM” Online Student portal. What should I do?
In case you find any trouble accessing your account, then please contact us immediately via email: [email protected] or by WhatsApp: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest. The time taken to resolve issues depends on the team's availability and working hours. We guarantee prompt resolution of your queries. Please be aware that it typically takes around 24 hours to resolve any technical issues.
How do I attempt the course assessments?
Course assessments are automatically graded by the LMS and include various types such as multiple choice and true/false questions etc. Specific instructions are provided before each assessment for clarity. Your scores and assessment submission history will be instantly visible in the “Assessments” panel on the LMS.
What is the course grading policy?
To pass the course and receive a certificate, you must score at least 40% in all graded module assessments. Here's how your performance is evaluated:
Graded Module Assessments:
- Conducted online at the end of each lecture module.
- Aim to test your understanding of the concepts covered.
- Weekly checkpoints to track your progress.
- A minimum score of 40% in all these assessments is required to pass the course.
Self-Check Assessments (Ungraded):
- Include various formats like Comprehensive Evaluation, Analytical Skills Assessment, and Critical Thinking Quiz.
- Designed to test your knowledge across different parameters.
- These assessments are ungraded and do not affect your course grade.
When can I expect to receive my Certificate of Achievement?
After successfully completing the course, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement from the portal. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold:
- Achieve a minimum overall grade of 40% in the graded module assessments.
How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?
Al Balagh Academy values seekers of knowledge more than anything. Please visit Here to apply for a scholarship. Our team will assess your application and respond in 2 - 3 working days.
Interested in knowing about the other courses at Al Balagh?
If you have questions regarding other courses offered at Al Balagh Academy, please contact the following helpline numbers:
📞 Admissions Team (Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp (Admission): http://wa.me/447946835804
Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses?
Maximize your learning flexibility with our newly updated mobile app! Enjoy seamless access to your courses anytime, anywhere. Click on the links below to download the app tailored to your device:
- For Android users: Download from the Google Play Store
- For iOS users: Download from the App Store
Dive into a world of convenient and accessible learning today!