Islamic Studies
Convener: Dr Abdul-Samad Abdullah
Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. It is embraced by approximately one-fifth of the world's population. The Islamic studies program at the University of Melbourne provides students with the opportunity to study the development of Islamic thought and Muslim society from a broad multidisciplinary perspective. Dedicated teaching staff provide expertise in areas ranging from modern Islamic hermeneutics, political thought and gender issues, to the study of economics and finance in Muslim societies. Students who specialise in Islamic studies develop transferable skills that will enhance their career options. They are also able to expand on their interest and knowledge through an articulated structure of higher degree study at the University of Melbourne.
Islamic studies addresses the issues relevant to the development of Islam as a religion and civilisation from its origins to the present. It draws on broad multidisciplinary perspectives provided by subjects taught by the departments of anthropology, Arabic studies, cultural studies, history, Indonesian studies, philosophy, political science and Islamic studies.
The Islamic studies program is expected to be particularly attractive to students interested in working in an area where success depends at times on their understanding of Islam and Islamic culture. Examples of such areas include foreign affairs, international trade, immigration, ethnic affairs, journalism, social work and teaching.
Islamic Studies at Asia Institute
The strength of the program lies in that it allows students to study Islam and Muslim societies from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Students in this program are encouraged to develop their interests in Islamic Studies and in another area of study which would provide them with skills to analyse issues relevant to Islam and Muslim societies with a reasonable understanding of Islamic world view, its value system, and particular historical experiences.
Ways to Enrol in Islamic Studies
Undergraduate students can enrol in Islamic studies through:
- A major in a Bachelor of Arts
- Elective subjects within your course
Islamic Studies can also be completed:
- Through a Graduate Certificate
- Through a Graduate Diploma
- Through a Post Graduate Diploma
- Through the Community Access Program
At the Postgraduate level, Islamic Studies offer courses for:
Islamic Studies can also a component in an Asian Studies program at both undergraduate or post-graduate levels.
Credit for Overseas Study
Please note that not all exchange programs are valid for credit. Please check this before leaving for overseas study. Also, all overseas study is subject to DFAT warnings.
Islamic Studies Subjects
The following subjects are taught in the Islamic Studies program. Availability of particular subjects in a given semester, along with the requirements for major and honours are listed in the Arts Handbook - Islamic Studies. Some subjects have online content, which can be found via WebRAFT links (note some areas maybe be password protected).
Core subjects
Students must take at least three core subjects towards their Islamic studies major in addition to the program's compulsory subject 110-113 Understanding Islam and Muslim Societies.
A full description of all subjects that contribute to a Diploma in Arts (Islamic Studies) is available on the Undergradate Handbook summary page.
Staff in Islamic Program
| Name | Room | Telephone | Email address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul-Samad Abdullah | 217 | 834 45672 | abdulsa@unimelb.edu.au |
| Shahram Akbarzadeh (Convenor) | 215 | 834 48895 | shahrama@unimelb.edu.au |
| Arief Budiman | 310 | 834 46650 | a.budiman@unimelb.edu.au |
| Muhammad Kamal | 218 | 834 48197 | muhammad@unimelb.edu.au |
| Richard Pennel | 834 45952 | rpennel@unimelb.edu.au | |
| Abdullah Saeed | 209 | 834 46861 | a.saeed@unimelb.edu.au |