MA in Muslim Cultures - Orientation Week 2007

From the 24th to the 28th of September, the new students of AKU-ISMC's MA in Muslim Cultures participated in an orientation week, before starting classes on October 1st.

The students, who come from a diverse range of countries including Canada, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan and the USA, were involved in a variety of social, cultural and academic events throughout the week.

Cultural and Social Activities

The orientation week began over the weekend with a sightseeing tour of London. A highlight of the tour was a visit to the British Library's Sacred, an exhibition celebrating the diversity of religious traditions within Britain today.

The students were also attended a performance of Shakespeare’s well known comedy Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Globe Theatre, South Bank. The authentic Elizabethan architecture of the theatre and performance was appreciated by the students, and provided an excellent introduction to the diversity of London’s cultural attractions.

Later in the week, the students were given a guided tour of the British Museum, particularly focusing on the Museum’s spectacular Islamic art collection. In the evening, the students had a special opportunity to see the London Philharmonic Orchestra perform at the Royal Festival Hall.

The week’s cultural activities were concluded by a day-trip to Canterbury, which involved a guided tour of the city’s cathedral and time to explore the rich and diverse history of the area. Particularly impressive was the variety of architectural styles of the cathedrals - each representative of the history and cultural influence of different eras in Britain.

Introduction to the Institute and Academic Sessions

The official welcome to the Institute started with a session by the Head of Educational Programmes, Professor Moncef Ben Abdeljelil. Professor Abdeljelil expressed his desire that the Programme contribute towards the self-development and growth of each student, and that it assist the students explore the body of Muslim heritages in order to help address contemporary concerns. He highlighted the strength of the Programme in being able to attract such a diverse student body; the varied approaches and attitudes of each student, their different languages and cultures, and their own individual skills and strengths are a considerable asset that will contribute, in and of itself, to the richness of the learning experience in the Programme.

Throughout the week, the students participated in a number of academic sessions which provided an overview of the Institute's work and the structure of the MA Programme. In addition to this, the students participated in language testing in order to gauge their level of Arabic (or in the case of Arabic speaking students, another language spoken in Muslim contexts). The language component is an important element of the Programme, allowing students to conduct research on primary sources and become acquainted with the diversity of Muslim cultures.

The students were given a tour of the Institute's Library by Librarian Stefan Seeger. The Library is a unique collection that aims to meet the research and teaching needs of the Institute by acquiring items related to the study of Muslim cultures not readily available in other libraries. In addition to the Institute's own library, Stefan Seeger also accompanied the students on a tour of the Institute of Ismaili Studies library. The Institute of Ismaili Studies was established in 1977 with the object of promoting scholarship and learning of Muslim cultures and societies, historical as well as contemporary, and a better understanding of their relationship with other societies and faiths.

The students participated in an introductory IT session and an essential preparatory seminar about life in London - including registration for health and banking services, and a discussion about personal safety with a local Police Sergeant.

Please click here to view photos from the 2007 orientation week. To view the profiles of all students currently completing their MA in Muslim Cultures at the Institute please click here.

Impressions of Orientation Week and the Institute

"The orientation week helped us all to know each other . [coming] from different countries with diverse traditions and cultures. AKU-ISMC had prepared a very well organised orientation week where all students were given the opportunity to participate in the cultural life of London. Shakespeare's Globe, the mesmerising music orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall, the British Library's Sacred art exhibition, the British Museum; where the contemporary meets the past, will all become long cherished memories for years to come." Sameer Noorani, India

"I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude [to] AKU-ISMC staff for being so patient and helpful during my first month here which was difficult but rewarding in all senses." Larisa Gvasaliya, Tajikistan

"Being at the Institute is an extraordinary opportunity to meet and come to know 'the other' as splendid individuals." Emilie Barnett, USA

"AKU-ISMC has provided a great platform for intellectual development of students from diverse backgrounds and enabled us to share our experience." Samina Naz, Pakistan

"I am delighted to be part of the MA programme and I look forward to a long lasting healthy relationship with everyone at the Institute and to engage in fruitful discussions with others and learn from their experiences and knowledge and share mine with them." Amal Imad, Pakistan