The Islamic Studies Program of the Department of Middle East Studies provides its majors with a profound and nuanced understanding of the role of Islamic religion in the politics and culture of societies of the Middle East, North Africa and Eurasia with predominantly Muslim populations. The program also illuminates the challenges faced by Muslim minorities in non-Muslim countries, including Europe, North America, Europe and Russia. The expertise provided by the Islamic Studies Program will serve its majors in good stead in a variety of professional careers, such as international politics, NGOs, diplomatic service, domestic public policy and community service, economics and development. Understanding Islam as a motivating and mobilizing force and the source of a distinctive religious and ethnic identity and culture is particularly vital in this day and age as the recent events across the globe have eloquently and often dramatically demonstrated.
Islamic studies courses can be found in the LSA Course Guide under the subject "MIDEAST." Students interested in Islamic studies are encouraged to consider studying a relevant language as well, such as Arabic, Persian, or Turkish. Please note that Islamic studies course offerings vary by semester. Please contact the department at middle.east.studies@umich.edu with any questions.
