Islamic Studies

Islamic Studies

What is this Structured Elective about?
The new Structured Elective in Islamic Studies provides students of all faiths and none with an introduction to the vital multi-disciplinary field of Islamic Studies. Islamic Studies is an important and exciting area of research in the 21st century, in which scholars from many different disciplines – such as history, languages, politics, law, and philosophy – participate in debate, exchange ideas, develop research, and expand our knowledge of topics such as the history and politics of Islam and of the Muslim world; Islamic art, architecture, music, literature, and culture; Islamic philosophy and theology; and the Arabic language. UCD’s new Structured Elective in Islamic Studies includes modules that offer you the chance to gain knowledge and understanding of the Arabic language (written, oral, and spoken) and the life and culture of the Arabic-speaking world; the art and architecture of the Islamic Mediterranean and the Middle East; and the political life of the Middle East, including the political history of the region and modern political developments. You will gain insights into the historical development of, and diversity within, the Islamic world.

Why should I take this Structured Elective?
You should take the Structured Elective in Islamic Studies if you would like to gain a better understanding of the history and politics of the Muslim world; the Arabic language and the life and culture of the Arabic-speaking countries; and the art and architecture of the Islamic Mediterranean and the Middle East. As the Structured Elective in Islamic Studies is multi-disciplinary, it is especially valuable for students who enjoy looking at issues from different perspectives and gaining insights into different areas of study. It is also especially useful for students who are interested in contemporary politics, international relations, and global affairs; who wish to gain a deeper insight into the diversity of human culture, language, and belief; who wish to gain the ability to contextualise contemporary issues and challenges facing Muslim communities around the world; and who wish to develop a capacity for critical thinking, constructive dialogue, and cultural sensitivity when considering the historical, social, and political contexts in which Islamic culture has evolved.

How would this Structured Elective benefit me?
The Structured Elective in Islamic Studies provides an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of the Islamic world and the Arabic language alongside your main programme of study. If you are thinking of pursuing a career or further study in fields such as international development; local or international politics and international relations; human rights, financial, or international law; community development; or policy advocacy/campaigning, then the Structured Elective in Islamic Studies will be of vital benefit to you. Moreover, if you are considering a career in international finance or international business and commerce, then the Structured Elective in Islamic Studies will provide you with the crucial advantage of an insight into and understanding of the of the Islamic world and the Arabic language.

How do I take the modules in the Structured Elective?

• Structured Electives are available to undergraduate students only.
• In order to earn this Structured Elective you must take the specified modules in or after 2023/24.
• To be awarded this Structured Elective you must take 15 credits from the list of modules outlined below. You will not be awarded this Structured Elective if you are graduating with a major or minor listed in the Eligibility section below.
• Students must pick 3 modules (15 credits) from the list of modules below to be eligible for the Structured Elective in Islamic Studies.
• Students who successfully complete 15 credits in Islamic Studies will have this automatically noted on their final UCD degree transcript. The transcript will state that you have completed the Structured Elective in Islamic Studies in addition to your main degree subjects.
• Students must pick three of the following modules to be eligible for the structured elective. It is recommended that modules are taken in the order of level 1, level 2, and level 3. LANG10080 and LANG10710 should be taken in that order.

Module listing updated July 2023