The Master of Arts in Islamic Studies is a 36 credit-hour program. The program is divided into three key areas:
MAIS 500 – Introduction to Reading Arabic
This is a NON-CREDIT preparatory course designed to introduce to the Arabic alphabet and sound system forms. In this course, students will have the opportunity to practice reading and writing Arabic script as well as learn how to pronounce Arabic letters directly from the instructor. Along with the letters, they will learn special Arabic characters and marks. The students will then practice connecting letters to form words. The course will also greatly aid in the development of their vocabulary.
* For those without prior knowledge of Arabic script, this course is a requirement before enrolling in MAIS 501. It is offered every Summer.
MAIS 501 – Qur’anic (Classical) Arabic I: Knowledge of Word Structures
This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence. Arabic I and II will enable the student to read the Qur’an and classical texts by providing the tools that unlock the Arabic language – sarf (morphology or the study of the word) and nahw (grammar or the study of the sentence). This first part focuses on morphology. By accessing the basic structure of the word – the trilateral root – students can then go on to deciphering meaning of sentences based upon standard structures associated with the addition of “extra” letters to the trilateral root. Besides the derivation nouns and conjugation of verbs, the students will also learn about non-derivative nouns and dependent particles such as prepositions. A great deal of examples, assignments, and practices in the course enhances students’ linguistic skill and competency in Arabic. Thus, the course provides a unique educational experience by following the traditional style of learning corroborated by modern techniques. Click here to view the syllabus.
* Prerequisite: Knowledge of Arabic Script or MAIS 500
MAIS 502 – Qur’anic (Classical) Arabic II: Knowledge of Sentence Structures
This course is the second part of a two-semester sequence. Arabic I and II will enable the student to read the Qur’an and classical texts by providing the tools that unlock the Arabic language – sarf (morphology or the study of the word) and nahw (grammar or the study of the sentence). This second part focuses on grammar dealing with how the three types of words combine to form sentences and how they change according to their functions in a sentence. Students are first introduced to simple sentence structures and patterns involving verbs and nouns and then to more complex sentence structures. The lessons are sequenced to promote the goal of reading proficiency. Students also learn grammar by practicing with Qur᾽ānic phrases and sentences.
* Prerequisite: MAIS 501
MAIS 503 – Introduction to Qur’anic Studies
This course is designed to introduce the students to the Qur’an, both as the primary Islamic Scripture and as a richly complex and multi-layered text which has invited a variety of different hermeneutical approaches, both from within and outside of Muslim faith contexts. The course proceeds with dual focus. The first focus involves familiarizing students with the content of Qur’anic teaching by direct engagement with the “major themes” of the Qur’an. The second focus involves familiarizing students with both classical Muslim exegetical and hermeneutical approaches to the Qur’an (especially the “sciences” of intra-textual interpretation, abrogation, and context-of-revelation criticism) as well as modern secular approaches to questions regarding the provenance, nature, compilation, canonization, and interpretation of the Qur’an. Specific attention will be given throughout to introducing students to the major textual resources available for Qur’an study, including the classical and contemporary Muslim commentary literature. Click here to view the syllabus.
MAIS 504 – Introduction to Hadith
The course is designed as a comprehensive introduction to the study of the prophetic traditions as a significant branch of Islamic studies. The course begins with a survey of the history of the development of the canonical collections of hadith literature, with an eye both to traditional Muslim understandings of this process as well as to Western approaches. Special attention is given to the methodologies of classical Muslim hadith criticism for the purposes of authentication and the concomitant “sciences of hadith” developed for these purposes and to how these methods compare and contrast with contemporary secular approaches to hadith criticism. The course then proceeds to explore the function of hadith in Muslim religious scholarship, especially jurisprudence, Qur’anic exegesis, and theology before moving on to cover the major trends in contemporary Muslim hadith criticism. Throughout the course, students are introduced to the major tools of hadith studies to facilitate further study and research in this area.
MAIS 505 – Survey of Islamic Thought
The course offers a comprehensive survey of Islamic thought, providing essential knowledge for understanding the Islamic intellectual tradition. Its primary objective is to introduce the sources of Islamic thought, while also addressing contemporary trends. The course explores Islam as a religion and delves into the Quran as a fundamental source of knowledge and guidance. Additionally, it examines the prophetic tradition as a social foundation of Islamic thought and explores Sharia as for a social and human norm, as well as Islamic spirituality. Emphasis is placed on the development of the Kalam tradition and Islamic philosophy.
Subsequently, the course explores various trends, themes, and issues in contemporary Islamic thought. It addresses some major trends in the contemporary Islamic thought such as Islamic modernism, traditional Islam, political Islamist, and Salafi reformist approaches. Moreover, it engages with topics such as secularity, freedom and democracy, the Islamic legal system, emancipation, and human rights from the perspective of contemporary Muslim thinkers. Furthermore, the course addresses contemporary issues of the twenty-first century, such as globalization, ecology, and medical ethics.
The primary objective of this course is to cultivate critical thinking skills among students by means of engaging them in class discussions. Rather than merely transmitting knowledge, our focus lies in creating a positive environment that fosters rational discussions. Within this framework, students will be introduced to key concepts and encouraged to actively participate in class discussions, which will greatly contribute to their understanding of the Islamic thought tradition. Click here to view the syllabus.
MAIS 506 – Research Techniques in Islamic Studies and Resources
Research Techniques introduces students to the various modes of research and critical thinking both in Religious and Islamic Studies. The basic skills and processes associated with developing research questions, reviewing relevant literature, conducting research by using efficient tools and time management techniques are discussed. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are reviewed. The subject also covers key principles in academic writing, including referencing and citation methods. Students will be encouraged to develop their own original ideas and formulate research proposals that demonstrate their understanding of applied research. The course provides opportunities to apply various research methods to students’ own areas of interest, and to write for publication in Religious and Islamic Studies. The course also provides students with the requisite research methods and the core genres of Islamic Studies. The course material will focus on a substantial amount of Arabic text; therefore, the course requires Arabic proficiency.
* Prerequisite: MAIS 501
MAIS 507 – Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion
The course focuses on the nature and function of religion, which emerged in the West beginning with the Enlightenment and continues today in the Western academic scholarship. The course will include the contributions of major thinkers whose work has profoundly shaped the analysis of religion in the Western scholarship. Students will be encouraged: to appreciate the insight and creativity of leading thinkers; to map the ways in which various theories and methods either complement or conflict with one another; to evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of the theories; to determine which elements of these theories they might integrate into their own critical thinking about religion; and to discuss the applicability of such theories to teaching about religion in more popular settings.
MAIS 508 – Research Paper
Students have the opportunity to write a large research paper independently based on the investigation of a topic of interest under the supervision of a member of the RGS faculty. The Research Paper must be prepared in accordance with the RGS instructions for the preparation of research papers and must be approved by the student’s advisor. Students should also give an oral defense of the paper.
* Prerequisite: All required and elective courses
MAIS 509 Islamic Theology
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of Islamic theology (Kalām in Arabic), tracing its development from its inception to modern times. Students will delve into the rich history of Islamic thought, examining the evolution of key theological themes and discussions. The course covers the various sects within Islam, highlighting their unique contributions and perspectives on theological matters. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the analysis of seminal theological texts written in Arabic, enabling students to engage directly with primary sources. Through these analyses, students will gain a deeper understanding of the doctrinal foundations and intellectual debates that have shaped Islamic theology over the centuries. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with a thorough knowledge of the historical context, major sects, and key themes of Islamic theology, as well as the skills to critically analyze theological texts in their original language.
MAIS 510 Islamic Philosophy
Islamic Philosophy offers an immersive journey through the intersection of philosophy, religion, and the traditions of Islamic thought. There is no required prior knowledge of philosophy. It explores philosophical concepts in relation to religion and introduces the Qur’an’s ro. le in philosophical argumentation.
It deals with the historical transmission of philosophical ideas, highlighting key figures such as Al-Kindi and Al-Farabi and also examines the significance of language in Islamic philosophy. Participants will delve into the contributions of pivotal scholars such as Ibn Sina and Al-Ghazali, leading into the rich intellectual landscape of Al-Andalus with thinkers like Ibn Tufayl, Ibn Bajja, and Ibn Rushd.
The course then shifts focus to Tasawwuf, examining the mystical dimensions of Islamic thought through the works of sufis and neo-sufis, including Ibn al-Arabi, Rumi, al-Attas, Ismail Ankaravi, Said Nursi, and S. H. Nasr. It also covers Iraqi thought with an analysis of Suhrawardi and Mulla Sadra.
The program culminates in an interactive assessment where students present their understanding and critique of a philosophical argument, fostering a dynamic group discussion. This comprehensive overview is designed for individuals eager to understand the philosophical underpinnings and debates within Islamic culture and history.
MAIS 511 – Islamic Spirituality
The course offers a conceptual survey of Islamic Spirituality. Throughout the course, the students will be exposed both to classical and modern writers of Islamic Spirituality and they will gain a methodical understanding of the diverse trends that have emerged within the Islamic tradition concerning the mystical journey. The course presents Islamic Spirituality from both insider and outsider viewpoints, delving into the mystical methods of Shari’ah, Tariqah, and Haqiqah from both Sunni and Shi’i perspectives. It examines the systemization process of Sufi terminologies and stations through classical sources, analyzes human spiritual faculties and mystical cosmology as a means to ma’rifat Allah – gnosis of Divine qualities, names and actions. Additionally, students will investigate various Sufi genres, institutions, and criticisms. A highlight of the course includes a practical experience in the form of a Zikr session, allowing students to engage directly with this profound spiritual tradition.
MAIS 512 – Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh)
This course introduces students to Islamic law and legal theories. It first discusses the history of formation and development of Classical Islamic law and its sources. It also examines the implementation of Islamic law as a practice. The course then proceeds to discuss the historical development of Islamic legal theories through two major aspects of legal theory: Fuqaha and Mutakallimun. A significant part of the course deals with the contemporary approaches and challenges to Islamic Law and developments in Islamic legal thinking in modern times. During this course, students are expected to analyze texts in Arabic under supervision.
MAIS 514 – Islam and Gender Issues
The course surveys topics related to Islam and gender issues based on the Islamic primary texts and secondary literature. We analyze Islamic texts and consider the historical and cultural state of women’s intellectual activities since the beginning of Islam, including Qur’anic narratives about women. Due consideration is given to the biographies and works on Muslim women figures, scholars, and Sufi mystics. Sources and issues related to women in Islam will be analyzed from the perspective of its relation to the modern world.
MAIS 515 – History of Islamic Civilization I: From Beginning Until Pre-Modern
This course examines the history of Muslim communities and civilization from the death of Prophet Muhammad until 19th century. Rightly Guided Caliphs, the Umayyad Dynasty, the Abbasid Dynasty, the Ottoman Empire, and other Islamic sultanates will be explored. The major historical events, as well as the intellectual, economic, social, and cultural components of Muslim civilization, will be highlighted. Muslims’ contribution to science and civilization and the decline of the Muslim world will also be discussed.
MAIS 516 – History of Islamic Civilization II: From Pre-Modern Until Today
This course looks at the history of Muslim societies from the nineteenth century to today. It critically examines the important events, figures, and movements. The course provides students with a broad understanding of the political and social changes brought about by the fall of the Ottoman, Mughal, and Safavid empires, as well as the rise of national states. The consequences of Western Colonialism and Orientalism on the Muslim world in theological, political, legal, cultural, and spiritual areas will be discussed. Special emphasis will be put on Islamic Revival and Reform movements and their important representatives such as Rifa’a Tahtawi, Khayr al-Din Pasha, Jamal al-Din Afghani, Ahmad Khan, and Muhammad Abduh.
MAIS 517 – Sira: The Life of the Prophet
The course introduces students to the life of the Prophet Muhammad from both the perspective of its 1st/7th-century socio-historical context in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as from the perspective of the significance of the narrative of the Prophet’s life for Muslims and non-Muslims living in contemporary socio-historical contexts. The course seeks to cultivate in students a critical awareness of how to relate and apply the narrative of the Prophet to the present context with intellectual and spiritual integrity. Sources include: the classical sira redaction of Ibn Hisham/Ibn Ishaq; contemporary biographies of the Prophet written by both Muslims and non-Muslims; documentaries and docudramas focusing on the life of the Prophet; and a variety of sermons attempting to extract lessons for contemporary living from episodes in the life of the Prophet. During this course, students are expected to analyze texts in Arabic under supervision.
* Prerequisite: MAIS 501 and 502
MAIS 518 – Islam in America
This course will review the history of Muslim communities in North America, including the arrival of Muslim slaves from Africa during the “Middle Passage,” and waves of immigration throughout the 19th/13th and 20th/14th centuries. Special attention will be given to the particular role of religious communities within American civil society and the particular challenges faced by African American and “Immigrant” Muslim communities.
MAIS 519 – World Religions
This course will cover the content of the main world religions. We will consider Asian cyclical religions and the Western linear religions in their historical and cultural contexts. Given the realities of the increasing multi-faith character of North American society, individuals and congregations find themselves interacting with people and groups from a variety of different faiths. Visits to the sacred spaces of traditions other than Islam should be anticipated. The course will provide a chance for students to reexamine the self in the mirror of the other.
MAIS 520 – Islamic Ethics
This course aims to discuss the main Islamic ethical theories. It will cover fiqh, kalam, falsafa and tasawwuf and give a holistic picture for understanding the multidimensional nature of Islamic ethics. For a better understanding of the theories in question, there will be comparisons from the ethical theories of Western philosophy. At the end of the course, students examine some practical problems in the contemporary world, and apply the theories we have covered to them. We will survey the discussions concerning the role of the Qur’an and Tradition in shaping ethical theories, the source of morality, the moral traits of human beings and how to develop them, as well as the interrelation between ethical teaching and other disciplines that examine social and natural phenomena.
MAIS 522 – Introduction to Islamic Banking and Finance
The course will give students a clear understanding of the financial system in which modern Islamic finance operates. The course’s focus is on developing understandings of how Shariah rules including those concerning interest (riba) are applied in financial operations, products, and environments. Rules derived from historical fiqh rulings as well as specific faith based moral imperatives are included in modern Islamic financial concerns and procedures. Since several countries have systemized rules to allow the emergence of robust domestic Islamic banking and capital markets activities, participants will learn how and why Islamic financial products are structured to meet certain government, business, and consumer financial needs. They will learn key rules, the means to layer structures or to analyze why complex fiscal products are either successful or controversial. These products will be given context: banking or investment banking, specific countries, and generic applications. The course will consider key standard setting bodies and their rulings such as the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions, the International Islamic Financial Markets, as well the Malaysian, Bahraini and American regulators. To promote understanding, the course is neutral in the analysis and application of different standards, systems, and styles. The course will follow practical case studies drawn from Muslim majority and minority markets, from conventional and Islamic banks, and environments with and without clear regulations.
MAIS 523 – Reading Islamic Texts in Classical Arabic
In this course, students will read Arabic texts from major Islamic disciplines such as Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh and Aqaid under the supervision of instructors. As a result, they will be able to put their reading skills learned in the Classical Arabic classes to use.
* Prerequisite: MAIS 501 and MAIS 502
MAIS 525 – Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
CPE is an off-campus course in supervised ministry in inter-religious settings accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. The centers include hospitals, correctional institutions, nursing homes and other agencies. Normally students are to apply for admission to a program at a center six months in advance of starting the program. The course is aimed at developing the student’s self-awareness, learning ministry skills, and theological reflection on the human condition.
MAIS 526 – Science and Civilization in Islam
This course aims to give a holistic picture of the origins, accomplishments, and the so-called “decline” of Islamic Civilization by tracing the theoretical perspectives behind it. The focus is on the medieval institutions of Islamic civilization, the various sciences and arts that have been practiced by Muslims, the background philosophies, interactions with Western civilization and the perceived challenges that modern science poses to the Islamic faith.
MAIS 527 – Islam and Global Politics
This course explores the interaction of Islam and democracy, civil society, and globalization in Muslim majority societies. On the basis of an anthropological approach to Islam, we recognize Islam’s internal diversity while it adapts to and resists different global contexts. Consideration is given to the roles of competing Muslim authorities, such as traditional scholars, Sufi orders, and revivalist movements in diverse settings involving social change, ethnic conflict, and economic development. Among the areas of the Islamic world, discussed are India, Turkey, and the Near East.
MAIS 528 – The Near East
The course introduces students to the study of the Near East in the light of broader religious, historical, cultural, and political perspectives. Special attention will be paid to the role of religions in the region. Transformation of Islam/religion in different political settings is a significant aspect of the course. Beginning with a general overview of Near East history, politics and religion, the course moves to examining the relationship of religion and politics in four major Near Eastern countries: Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and Israel.
MAIS 530 – Independent Study
Student may explore a topic of interest in depth as it relates to the field of Islamic Studies. This is an individual, independent study based upon a plan submitted by the student. Permission to conduct an independent study is dependent upon the consent of a supervising instructor and the Dean of Academic Affairs.
* This course is offered irregularly.
If you need advice on our program or registration, please feel welcome to contact us.
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