Global Islamic Studies Major

The Global Islamic Studies major consists of at least ten courses (40 credits) drawn from a wide variety of departments and interdisciplinary programs, as well as foreign languages related to the student’s focus of study.

Three courses are required of all majors: GIS 102 INTRO GLOBAL ISLAMIC STUDIES, REL 214 ISLAMIC TRADITIONS, and one 400-level seminar or Individual Study.

Two language courses at the intermediate or advanced level in the same language related to the focus of the major are required. Given the status of Arabic in the religious life of many Muslims, majors are strongly encouraged to take Arabic language courses even if they have chosen another language related to their focus.

All remaining courses for the major must be chosen from the lists below and must relate to the student’s focus of study. No more than two 100-level courses may count toward the major. Furthermore, in addition to the 400-level GIS senior seminar or Individual Study, at least one course must be at the 300-level or above.

All courses included on List A may count towards the major. No more than two courses from List B may count towards major. Courses not appearing on either List A or List B can only count toward the major after consultation with a GIS core faculty member and approval from the GIS director.

Students seeking honors in the major must have a minimum 3.7 GPA, submit an honors project proposal during their junior year, and complete GIS 497 and 498 Honors Study courses in addition to the 10 required courses. 

Students are encouraged to attend public lectures and other events sponsored by the program. Students will maintain a portfolio of their coursework and also maintain extensive notes on the program events they have attended. In their senior year, students will make use of this portfolio for the 400-level senior seminar or Individual Study as well as majors’ discussions and events.