MA in Muslim Cultures

Programme Structure

During the two-year programme leading to a Masters in Muslim Cultures, students complete a total of twenty-five courses: sixteen core courses, six language courses and three elective courses. These are grouped into the following five components.

Introduction to the Humanities and Social Sciences

Courses introduce students to theories and concepts of historiography, epistemology, anthropology, sociology, cultural studies and the philosophy of language that are relevant for an understanding of current debates in the humanities and social sciences.

Core courses

• Introduction to the Humanities and Social Sciences

• Writing in the Humanities

• Philosophy of Language: Text, Meaning and Interpretation

• Sacred Across Cultures

Muslim Heritages as Part of World Cultures

Courses introduce students to the idea that Muslim heritages are an integral part of world history. Students study selected aspects of world cultures that are intimately related to the formation of Muslim religious thought and practices, Muslim scholarship and Muslim political discourses and experiences.

Core courses

• Late Antiquity

• History of the Qur'an in Classical and Contemporary Scholarship

• Formation of Muslim Thought: Theology and Law

• Muslim Cultures in the 14h-18th centuries

Elective courses

• Religion, Law and Society in Muslim Contexts

• Muslim Reformers in India in the 18th and 19th centuries

• Traditions of Learning: Modes, Meanings and Transformations in Muslim Contexts

• Paths in Sufism - Past and Present

• Historiography of the Nation

Contemporary Muslim Contexts

Courses introduce students to major areas of relevance in contemporary Muslim contexts. The choice of courses is guided by an attempt to address substantial domains of social, cultural, political and economic studies.

Core courses

• Renaissance, Enlightenment and the Advent of Modernity

• Muslim Responses to Modernity and Post-modern Theories

• Gender, Nation and Muslim Identities

• Development Challenges in Muslim Contexts

• Themes in Muslim Arts and Architecture: Contemporary Period

• Trends in Modern and Contemporary Literature

Elective courses

• Migration and Diasporas

• Muslims in Western Contexts

• Tradition and Change in Sub-Saharan Africa

• The State, Governance and Development

Methodologies

Methodology courses form an integral part of the MA. They provide students with important research skills enabling them to understand and learn approaches to analysing texts and interpreting data, and choosing between alternative conceptual frameworks.

Core course

• Research Methodology and Dissertation Planning I and II

Languages

This component seeks to familiarize students with some of the languages spoken in Muslim contexts. The emphasis on languages enables students to familiarise themselves with primary sources and also acts as a window to other material related to Muslim cultures in various parts of the world.

Languages offered:

• Arabic

• Persian

• Turkish