Islamic Studies

New MA in Islamic Studies

The School of Religion is accepting applications now for a new MA is Islamic Studies starting Fall 2006. Rolling admissions make it possible for applications for the Fall to be accepted through July. Financial aid is available for qualified students.

The MA in Islamic Studies is designed to give students a foundation in Islamic Studies through the study of Arabic and courses on the Qu’ran, Islamic Philosophy, Theology and Mysticism, Islamic Law, History of Islam and modern developments in the Muslim world. Students will also be trained to address the relation of Islam to other religions through comparative courses in Christianity and Judaism.

The degree will provide excellent preparation for a PhD in Islamic Studies, for PhDs in other areas of the study of religion (philosophy, theology, history of religions) and for PhD Studies outside of religion (politics, economics, history, communications) and for work and service in Muslim communities.

Islamic Studies Curriculum

The MA in Islamic Studies require two years of course work (48 units).

Arabic Language
12 units (3 courses)

Students must take two years of Arabic or demonstrate proficiency at the intermediate level to test out of the primary source language requirement.

Courses on Islam

24 units (6 courses)

Mandatory core courses: Qur’an and its interpreters, Islamic law and legal theory, and Survey of Islamic theology, philosophy, and mysticism.

Comparative Courses

8 units (2 courses)

Electives

4 units (1 course)

Thesis

Faculty (click here for faculty info)

Courses

Arabic

Persian

The Religion of Islam

History of Islamic Civilization: Classical Period

Qur’an and its Interpreters

Survey of Islamic Theology, Philosophy and Mysticism

Islamic Law and Legal Theory

Islamic Ethics

Islamic Mysticism: Sufism

Islam in the American Mosaic

Islam and the West: Dialogue and Confrontation

Islam in the Modern World

Engendering and Experience: Women in the Islamic Tradition

The Divine Body

Islamic Societies: From Muhammad to the Mongols

Gunpowder Empires: Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals

Islamic Societies: From the Ottomans to the Present

The Middle East in Modern Times

Study Abroad

Students in the program may take a semester abroad. The School of Religion has established connections with Al Azhar University and Cairo University in Egypt. Arrangements may be made to study at other universities as well.

Student Profiles (click here for Student Profiles)

The MA in Islamic Studies was established through the several grants from the National Endowment of the Humanities and the support of the Muslim community through the fund-raising efforts of the Islamic Studies Council.

In 2000 a Focus Grant “Engaging Islam” involved the Religion faculty in a semester long study of Islam in preparation for creating an MA. An NEH Curriculum Grant “Comparing Religions: Theory and Practice” funded the development of comparative courses. Finally an NEH Challenge Grant provided matching funds to support an endowed chair in Islamic Studies.

fmi, please visit the webpages for the School of Religion's Islamic Studies Council

fmi, contact the Office of Religion and Culture, 909.607.9592 or religionculture@cgu.edu