Regional Islamic Studies (SIK)
The Regional Islamic Studies (SIK) concentration focuses on the comprehensive social, political, and cultural analysis of Muslim societies across various global regions. Employing a rigorous interdisciplinary approach, the program critically highlights how historical, economic, and political dynamics shape Islamic characteristics, specifically within the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Through targeted core courses such as Geopolitics and Area Studies, Muslim Politics in Comparative Perspective, Social History of Muslim Societies, and Sociology and Anthropology of Muslim Societies, the curriculum facilitates a deep understanding of the diverse experiences and practices of Islam in a global context. Graduates develop robust analytical and research capabilities, enabling them to study Muslim societies across regions and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of contextual and comparative Islamic studies.
Curriculum Structure
Mandatory Interdisciplinary Courses
| No | Course Title | Semester | Credits (SKS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamic Studies: Text and Context | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Philosophy of Islamic Sciences | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Religion and Social Theories | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | Research Methods and Academic Writing | 2 | 4 |
| 5 | Thesis Proposal Seminar | 3 | 3 |
| 6 | Thesis | 4 | 8 |
| Total Credits | 24 | ||
Concentration Courses
| No | Course Title | Semester | Credits (SKS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geopolitics and Area Studies | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Muslim Politics in Comparative Perspective | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Social History of Muslim Societies | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | Sociology and Anthropology of Muslim Societies | 2 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | ||
Elective Courses (Select 1)
| No | Course Title | Semester | Credits (SKS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Special Topics: Religion and Societies | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | Religion and Global Issues | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | Religious Issues in Indonesia | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | Gender and Feminism | 3 | 3 |
Course Descriptions
Mandatory Interdisciplinary Courses
Islamic Studies: Text and Context
Examines the dialectical relationship between foundational Islamic texts (the Quran, Hadith, and classical literature) and the social, cultural, and political realities of Muslim societies. By integrating hermeneutics, exegesis, and critical social sciences, the course builds integrative analytical skills, enabling students to read religious texts contextually and reflectively.
Philosophy of Islamic Sciences
Introduces the epistemological, ontological, and axiological frameworks of Islamic sciences. Students learn to critique foundational assumptions in knowledge production—both within classical Islamic traditions and in dialogue with modern Western thought—to develop scientific paradigms rooted in Tawhid, justice, and public interest.
Religion and Social Theories
Explores classical to contemporary social theories to understand religion as a sociocultural phenomenon. The course focuses on analyzing the function, role, and transformation of religion in modern society, critically deconstructing the relationships between religion, power, economics, and identity politics.
Research Methods and Academic Writing
Provides a comprehensive methodological foundation for designing interdisciplinary research. The curriculum covers qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, hermeneutic, and historical approaches, emphasizing technical proficiency, research ethics, and a strong sensitivity to sociocultural and religious contexts.
Thesis Proposal Seminar
Operates as an interactive academic forum to guide students in formulating their thesis proposals. Through faculty guidance and peer discussion, students refine their problem statements, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies, fostering scientific argumentation and the integration of theory with field contexts.
Publication of Journal Articles
Trains students to write, edit, and publish research papers in recognized national and international academic journals. The course rigorously covers publication ethics, academic writing techniques, standard citation systems, and the mechanics of the peer-review process.
Thesis
Serves as the capstone academic achievement demonstrating the student's ability to conduct independent, systematic, critical, and original research. Integrating Islamic theories with the social sciences and humanities, the thesis produces scholarly findings that directly contribute to academic advancement, policy development, and contemporary religious practices.
Concentration Courses
Geopolitics and Area Studies
Provides a solid theoretical and methodological framework for area studies. The course specifically unpacks geopolitical analysis and the sociocultural dynamics that shape the realities of global Muslim societies.
Muslim Politics in Comparative Perspective
Compares the political dynamics of Muslim populations across different countries and geographical regions. The analysis highlights crucial issues such as the contestation of religious authority, identity politics, and the evolution of Islamic social movements.
Social History of Muslim Societies
Examines the historical development and social transformations of Muslim societies from the classical era to the contemporary period. The course relies deeply on the works and analytical frameworks of prominent historians, specifically Ira M. Lapidus and Marshall Hodgson.
Sociology and Anthropology of Muslim Societies
Investigates social practices, rituals, and community structures through sociological and anthropological disciplines. The curriculum incorporates contemporary research methodologies, exploring the practice of netnography to study Muslim societal phenomena within digital spaces.
Elective Courses
Special Topics: Religion and Societies
Investigates the dynamic interactions between religion and society through empirical case studies and advanced social theories. The focus lies heavily on the mechanisms of the social construction of religiosity and systematic social change.
Religion and Global Issues
Analyzes the strategic role of religion in addressing contemporary global challenges, including peacebuilding, environmental conservation, human rights (HAM) advocacy, migration, and sustainable development.
Religious Issues in Indonesia
Analyzes the diversity of religious expression, the sustained impact of identity politics, and the complexities of interfaith relations within the sociopolitical landscape of Indonesia.
Gender and Feminism
Examines feminist theory and practice alongside gender discourse within Islamic studies. The course centers on upholding principles of social justice and reconstructing gender-equitable religious interpretations.