Islamic World Studies is an interdisciplinary program offering a major and minor. 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. A minor in Islamic World Studies strengthens preparation for many areas of graduate study, as well as for a range of career opportunities in both traditional fields and in occupational areas. Students who would like to know more about the Islamic World Studies Program are invited to speak with the director and the other faculty members.