The University of Michigan’s International Institute (II) has established a new center focused on the study of global Islamic culture and the study of Muslim societies worldwide: The Global Islamic Studies Center (GISC). The center has received funding from the Office of the Provost; the II; and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. It is directed by Karla Mallette, professor of Italian and Middle East Studies.

The Global Islamic Studies Center carries on the work of the former Islamic Studies Program, and is comprised of several existing centers and initiatives: the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS), Digital Islamic Studies Curriculum (DISC), the student-led Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies Seminar, Islamic Peace Initiative, and the new Michigan Islamic Studies Hub. GISC brings together a broad and interdisciplinary intellectual community across campus, and embraces comparative and trans-regional perspectives.

“The Global Islamic Studies Center will provide a platform for the large, diverse population of scholars—both faculty and students—working in the field of Islamic studies at U-M. It will consolidate our position as the leading program in Islamic studies in southeast Michigan, which boasts the oldest, largest, and most diverse Muslim population in the U.S.,” said GISC Director Karla Mallette. “We invite our campus partners and allies in the community to join us on this next, exciting stage in our institutional history.”

Additional information about GISC activities, opportunities for students and faculty, as well as upcoming public events can be found at ii.umich.edu/islamicstudies.


Contact: Hana Mattar | T: 734.615.9558 | E: IslamicStudies@umich.edu

The Global Islamic Studies Center (GISC) serves students, faculty, and the extramural community by promoting the understanding of global Islamic culture and Muslim societies worldwide, through pioneering research, innovative instruction, and a commitment to building partnerships on campus and beyond. A member of the International Institute, GISC mobilizes U-M's outstanding faculty to contribute to instruction, research, and public affairs programming at the University of Michigan. For more information, visit ii.umich.edu/islamicstudies.

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