Minor in Muslim Studies

The Minor in Muslim Studies helps students to gain a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and cross-national understanding of past and present Muslim life and thought, within Muslim-majority societies and minority and diaspora communities. The minor is housed in the Muslim Studies Program within the College of Arts & Sciences but can be earned by students in any Boston University undergraduate degree program who fulfill the requirements outlined below. Courses with substantial content related to the study of Muslim societies and civilizations from any of BU’s schools may be used toward the certificate with the approval of the Director of Muslim Studies.

Learning Outcomes

• A foundational understanding of Islam as a religious tradition with significant internal diversity and change over time.
• Awareness of the breadth and complexity of Muslim societies and communities, past and present.
• An understanding of how perceptions of Islam and Muslims in and beyond the Anglophone West are shaped by, and in turn shape, social and political dynamics.
• The ability to participate knowledgeably in conversations on campus and in the community regarding matters involving Islam and Muslims.

Requirements

• Students must successfully complete five 4-unit courses primarily focused on Islam, Muslims, and/or Muslim-majority societies, with a minimum grade of C in each course.
• Students will take at least one of the following courses: CAS RN 214, CAS RN 316, CAS RN 340, CAS RN 345, or CAS RN 435.
• Courses must be drawn from at least two different departments.
• The Director of Muslim Studies or another Muslim Studies representative should be consulted about the overall shape of the courses chosen when the minor is declared.
• No more than 4 units can be in directed study or research, except with written permission of the Director of Muslim Studies.