Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures Minor

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Studies in Islam and Arab Cultures is an interdisciplinary academic minor that introduces students to the diversity of Islam and Arab Culture through courses that explore contemporary issues, Arabic language, Islamic civilization and culture, Islamic art, various aspects of Islamic thought and theology, Islamic history, and much more. The minor is designed to challenge students to see their own disciplines through the lens of Islamic civilization and to see Islam through their disciplines. It introduces students to a mosaic of Muslim cultures and civilizations.  The goal of this program is to help students discover the history and contributions of Islam as a crucial part of our shared, global heritage.  Students can thus engage Islam and Arab Culture in the fine arts, language and literature, drama, history, politics, science, anthropology, social development, gender and sex, and a myriad of other disciplines.

Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures (SIAC) offers you the opportunity to:

  • enhance your understanding of Islam;
  • develop proficiency in Arabic
  • prepare for a career in foreign services or in languages. 

What are my academic plan options?

There are two different academic plans open to students participating in Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures:

Minor in Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures

Students enrolled in any degree program may pursue a minor designation in Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures. The minor requires successful completion of a minimum of four academic course units (eight courses) with a minimum cumulative minor average of 65%.

To declare a minor, students must complete and submit the Plan Modification Form (PDF) to Culture and Language Studies.

To graduate with the minor, students must also declare the minor on their Application to Graduate form.

Diploma in Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures

Students enrolled in non- or post-degree studies may pursue the Diploma in Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures. The diploma requires successful completion of a minimum of four academic course units (eight courses) with a minimum cumulative diploma average of 65%.

Students do not need to submit a Plan Modification Form to declare a diploma. To graduate with the diploma, students must simply declare the diploma on their Application to Graduate form.

SIAC Course Offerings