BA in Islamic World Studies

Islamic World Studies is an interdisciplinary program. Islamic World Studies courses focus on the academic study of the Islamic World. In this program Islamic civilization is viewed as a meta-culture, which grew and was sustained by an Arab core plus the accretion of knowledge from the diverse cultures that embraced it. Islamic World Studies will ground students in a study of Islam as a worldview/civilization by first engaging in an exploration of the primary texts, history, and cultural traditions and then examinations of specific communities. A major in Islamic World Studies prepares students for graduate study and for careers in foreign policy, public policy, diplomatic corps, social services, consultation, and education. Program Concentrations/Tracks: Individually Constructed, Islam and World Politics, Middle Eastern Islam. Learning Outcomes - Students will be able to: Describe and discuss cultural manifestation of Islam in at least three global regions including the authoritative centers in Arabic speaking countries with emphasis on cultural adaptations, modifications and innovations. Articulate the historical and contemporary tensions around pluralism, authority (public and private) in domestic and societal life, relationships with other religious communities. Produce effective written essays that compare and contrast Islam in regions where it is the dominate religion and where it is a minority religion. Write on the major events in Islamic history. Use the major texts and research tools in Islamic studies. Articulate the central beliefs and practices of the religion of Islam across the branches and in the schools of legal thought. Career Options: Public policy, International business, Education, Immigration work, Social services, Law, Human rights.