Faculty of Arts Asia Institute

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:

Islamic Studies can also be completed:

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 of the following core subjects towards their Islamic studies major in addition to the program's compulsory subject 110-089 Understanding the Muslim World.

First/Second Year Subject

Second/third-year subjects

History

Second/third-year subjects

Anthropology
Arabic studies
Australian studies
Cultural studies
English
History
Philosophy
Sociology

Staff in Islamic Program

Name Room Telephone Email address
Abdullah Saeed 209 834 46861 a.saeed@unimelb.edu.au
Abdul-Samad Abdullah (Convenor) 217 834 45672 abdulsa@unimelb.edu.au
Muhammad Kamal 218 834 48197 muhammad@unimelb.edu.au
Arief Budiman 310 834 46650 a.budiman@unimelb.edu.au
Richard Pennel 834 45952 rpennel@unimelb.edu.au
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