The aim of this module is to permit students to explore the role of Islam in contemporary economic processes from an International Political Economy (IPE) perspective. Variously understood as economic activity in accordance with Islamic religious stipulations and/or targeted at Muslim consumers, at an estimated size of over US$4 trillion, the Islamic economy is no longer trivial. It presents an intriguing test case for the compatibility of global capitalism and moral – in this case specifically Islamic – principles.

This module examines the religious principles, economic practices and governance frameworks by which it is shaped. To this end, the module will look at a number of Islamic economic sectors, including halal food, Islamic finance and religious and family-friendly tourism. Upon completion of this module, you will be able to understand and critically analyse key features of Islamic economies, the economic, religious, social and political principles according to which they operate and how they are governed.