MA in Islamic Studies

A group of students outside a huge white stone building with tiled floors

The Master of Arts in Islamic Studies offers an insider’s perspective on Islamic tradition as a religion, a civilization, a culture and a political force.

All graduate courses draw on the expertise of internationally published faculty as well as guest lecturers, including diplomats and spiritual leaders.


Curriculum Details

 

Historical Component

Unlike other Islam programs, GW’s MA in Islamic Studies curriculum incorporates a historical component, focusing on both classical texts and modern Islam.

 

Diversity of Material

Outside of core material, students are exposed to courses in history, political science and international affairs to gain insight into current politics, society and cultures of the Islamic world.

 

Thesis and Language Requirements

All MA students must complete a graduate thesis and a language requirement in Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Sanskrit or another language relevant to their research.

 


“The Middle East, which receives so much attention, is only a small part of the vast world of Islam. The majority of Muslims live outside that region but don’t receive nearly as much attention, which is why we developed this program using a broad perspective on the complexities and historic roots of the Islamic world.”

Mohammad Faghfoory
Director, MA in Islamic Studies Program


Course Requirements


The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

36 credits, including 18 credits in required core courses and 18 credits in pre-approved elective courses; students pursuing the degree with a concentration in Shi'ism take 18 credits in required core courses, 12 credits in required courses in the concentration, and 6 credits in pre-approved elective courses.

Language requirement

All students must complete at least four semesters of Arabic, which do not count toward the 36 credits required for the program. Alternatively, students may demonstrate competence in Arabic through examination. Depending on their focus of study, students also may be asked to take courses in other languages, which do not count toward the degree. In rare instances, students may substitute another language for Arabic, such as Persian, Turkish, or Urdu, if their research focuses on texts composed in one of these languages.

Required core courses
REL 6401Islamic Historiographies
REL 6402Qur'an and Hadith
REL 6441Islamic Law
REL 6460Topics in the Study of Islam
REL 6999Thesis Research (for a total of 6 credits)
Electives
Six courses (18 credits) selected from a pre-approved list in consultation with the graduate program advisor(s). Most of the selected courses should focus on Islam in the contemporary world.
Shi'ism Concentration
In addition to the required core curriculum, students pursing the concentration in Shi'ism take the following:
Required
REL 6412Shi'i Thought
REL 6413Philosophy and Mysticism in the Shi'i World
REL 6420Shi'i Political Thought
REL 6442Principles of Shi'i Jurisprudence
Electives
Two courses (6 credits) selected from a pre-approved list in consultation with the graduate program advisor(s). Selected courses should focus on Islam in the contemporary world.
Year: Semester MA Islamic Studies  
Year 1: Fall REL 6401 Islamic Historiographies  
REL 6402 Qur’an & Hadith
Year 1: Spring REL 6419 Islam & The West  
REL 6441 Islamic Law
Year 2: Fall REL 6401 Islamic Historiographies  
REL 6402 Qur’an & Hadith
REL 6998 Thesis Research
Year 2: Spring REL 6419 Islam & The West  
REL 6441 Islamic Law
REL 6999 Thesis Research