COURSE CURRICULUM

The Islamic World Studies program at DePaul University offers a diverse and interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to explore the political, cultural, social, and religious dimensions of Muslim societies across different regions and time periods. The coursework is designed to provide both foundational knowledge and specialized perspectives, helping students understand the complexity and diversity of the Islamic world.Students take courses such as Islam in the United States, which examines the experiences and identities of Muslim communities in America, and Cairo: Mother of the World, which explores the historical and cultural importance of a major city in the Islamic world. The course Islamic World Studies introduces key ideas and traditions, helping students understand Islam as both a religion and a global civilization.The program also includes courses focused on political and contemporary issues. Islamist Political Movements analyzes the role of political Islam in different societies, while Religion, Nationalism, and Politics explores how religion connects with political systems and national identity. Religion and Conflict in South Asia examines how religious differences can influence conflict in a key global region, and Nature as Resource: Mining and Extraction’s Impact on Environment and Society connects environmental issues with social and economic impacts.Students also study cultural and social topics through courses like Women in the Middle East: Beyond the Veil, which looks at gender roles and challenges common stereotypes. Overall, the curriculum helps students build strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills while gaining a deep understanding of global cultural and political issues related to the Islamic world.