The Islamic Studies Minor within Religious Studies

The Religious Studies Program offers a uniquely interdisciplinary minor in Islamic Studies. Bringing together the expertise of faculty in a wide range of departments and programs, this minor provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to explore the history, languages, theology, culture, and politics of Islamic civilization. The aim of the minor is to promote learning and understanding for diverse student career paths, as well as to foster dialogue about all of the dynamic traditions both within and around the Muslim world.

Students need only 15 hours of credit in order to earn this minor. Read more about the Plan of Study for Islamic Studies here.

Summer in Morocco Study Abroad 2019

Spring 2019 Courses:

ARAB 28100 – Introduction to Islamic Civ. & Culture

Cross listed ENGL 232/CMPL 230/IDIS 491       TR 12:00-1:15pm

This course offers an introductory survey of Islam and broad currents in the cultures thought and civilizations of the Muslim world.  It emphasizes religious, intellectual and cultural trends, social and political structures and contemporary issues of Muslim societies with the current global cultural world.  No prerequisites. All readings in English.
Counts towards Minor in Islamic Studies Area A. or B. Category I; Minor in Arabic in and Majors in CMP, and foundational learning outcomes for Core Curriculum.

 ARAB 10200 - Standard Arabic Level II

Section 1: MTWR (10:30-11:20)

Section 2: MTWR (1:30-2:20)

Further study of Modern Standard Arabic. Continued presentation of the basic structures of Arabic grammar and expansion of vocabulary. Reading and writing will be emphasized.

3.000 Credit hours.    (Course counts toward the Minor in Islamic Studies, Area “B”, Category I)

Fall 2017 Courses:

REL 231: Religions of the West
Professor Thomas Ryba
MWF 2:30pm-3:20pm; ME 1009
This course offers an interdisciplinary introduction  to the three Abrahamic monotheistic religions of the West: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will examine the diversity of practices and belief systems within these religions and address debates within and between communities as well as contemporary concerns.  The philosophical and religious contexts of each tradition will be considered by examining its history, primary texts, key teachings, and cultural expressions. *Counts towards Area A. or B. Category II.

ARAB 281: Introduction to Islamic Civilization and Culture
Professor Ahmed Idrissi Alami
TTH 12:00-1:15pm; SC G040
This course offers an introductory survey of Islam and broad currents in the cultures thought and civilizations of the Muslim world.  It emphasizes religious, intellectual and cultural trends, social and political structures and contemporary issues of Muslim societies with the current global cultural world.  No prerequistes. All readings in English.
*Counts towards Area A. or B. Category I.

ARAB 101 Standard Arabic Level I
Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic: the writing and sound systems, and systematic presentation of basic grammatical structures. Reading, writing, and vocabulary building are emphasized throughout. The course also includes an introduction to Arab culture. No previous knowledge of Arabic required. 3.000 Credit hours

ARAB 102 Standard Arabic Level II
Further study of Modern Standard Arabic. Continued presentation of the basic structures of Arabic grammar and expansion of vocabulary. Reading and writing will be emphasized. 3.000 Credit hours

ARAB 280: Arabic Culture
Professor Lynne Dahmen
TTh 3:00-4:15pm; SC G008
This survey class serves as an introduction to Arab societies and cultures of the Middle East and North Africa. Using materials from different disciplines, including literature, sociology, history and cultural studies, the course will explore a variety of key topics such as nationalism, religion, gender issues, identity, kinship and migration.  Course counts towards B. Category I.

HIST 246: Modern Middle East and North Africa
Professor Stacy Holden
TTh 12:00-1:15pm; UNIV201
This course explores the political, social, and cultural factors that have contributed to the formation of the modern Middle East.  Course includes short stories and a selection of documentary films from the region.  Course counts towards B. Category II.

HIST 302: The Arab-Israeli Conflict
Professor Stacy Holden
TTh 10:30-11:45am; BRNG B206
Course counts towards B. Category II.