Islam, Gender, and Minority Studies (IGSM)

Islam, Gender, and Minority Studies (IGSM)

The Islam, Gender, and Minority Studies (IGSM) concentration equips students with a rigorous interdisciplinary perspective to decode the complex dynamics of social relations, power structures, and identity representation within Muslim societies. The program addresses critical gender and minority issues through the advanced lenses of Islamic feminism, the sociology of religion, and minority studies to cultivate a just, inclusive, and diversity-sensitive Islamic paradigm.

Through targeted courses such as Religion and Vulnerable Groups, Social Inclusion in Muslim Societies, Gender and Minority Rights, and Islamic Feminism and Post-Colonialism, the curriculum empowers students to critically analyze the lived experiences, systemic challenges, and advocacy struggles of minority groups. Graduates develop robust analytical and research capabilities, enabling them to lead the development of equitable social practices and influence inclusive academic discourse.

Curriculum Structure

Mandatory Interdisciplinary Courses

No Course Title Semester Credits (SKS)
1Islamic Studies: Text and Context13
2Philosophy of Islamic Sciences13
3Religion and Social Theories23
4Research Methods and Academic Writing24
5Thesis Proposal Seminar33
6Thesis48
Total Credits 24

Concentration Courses

No Course Title Semester Credits (SKS)
1Religion and Vulnerable Groups13
2Social Inclusion in Muslim Societies23
3Gender and Minority Rights23
4Islamic Feminism and Post-Colonialism23
Total Credits 12

Elective Courses (Select 1)

No Course Title Semester Credits (SKS)
1Special Topics: Religion and Societies33
2Religion and Global Issues33
3Religious Issues in Indonesia33
4Gender and Feminism33

Course Descriptions

Mandatory Interdisciplinary Courses

Islamic Studies: Text and Context

Examines the dialectical relationship between foundational Islamic texts and the socio-cultural realities of Muslim societies. The course applies hermeneutics and critical social sciences to analyze how scholars interpret and implement texts across historical and contemporary contexts.

Philosophy of Islamic Sciences

Introduces the epistemological framework of Islamic sciences within modern philosophical debates. Students critically evaluate foundational assumptions in knowledge production and develop scientific paradigms rooted in the values of Tawhid, justice, and public interest.

Religion and Social Theories

Explores classical and contemporary social theories to decode religion as a socio-cultural phenomenon. The course critically analyzes the intersection of religion, power dynamics, economics, and identity in modern societies.

Research Methods and Academic Writing

Provides a comprehensive methodological foundation for designing interdisciplinary research. The curriculum covers qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, emphasizing research ethics, socio-cultural context sensitivity, and academic writing standards.

Thesis Proposal Seminar

Operates as an interactive academic forum to guide students in designing their thesis proposals. Through peer discussion and faculty guidance, students actively refine their problem statements, theoretical frameworks, and research methodologies.

Publication of Journal Articles

Trains students to write, edit, and publish scientific papers in recognized national or international academic journals. The course rigorously enforces publication ethics, standard citation formats, and an understanding of the peer-review process.

Thesis

Serves as the capstone academic achievement demonstrating the ability to conduct independent, critical, and original research. Students integrate Islamic theories with social sciences to produce actionable insights that directly influence institutional policies and modern religious practices.

Concentration Courses

Religion and Vulnerable Groups

Examines the societal positions, systemic challenges, and adaptation strategies of social, ethnic, and religious minorities within contemporary Muslim societies. The course evaluates how religious frameworks intersect directly with the daily lived experiences of vulnerable populations.

Social Inclusion in Muslim Societies

Explores advanced research methodologies—specifically highlighting ethnography and discourse analysis—to study mechanisms of social integration and exclusion. The curriculum empowers students to architect inclusive social policies within diverse Islamic contexts.

Gender and Minority Rights

Analyzes the legal frameworks and advocacy strategies used to champion minority rights, grounded strictly in the Islamic principles of justice and public interest (kemaslahatan). The course critically examines the complex intersection of religious discourse, sexuality, and identity politics in shaping social policies.

Islamic Feminism and Post-Colonialism

Investigates the intellectual evolution of Islamic feminist theories and post-colonial methodologies. The course employs feminist hermeneutics to deconstruct gender relations, power dynamics, and historical representations embedded within Islamic traditions.

Elective Courses

Special Topics: Religion and Societies

Investigates the dynamic interactions between religion and society through real-world case studies and advanced social theories, emphasizing the social construction of religiosity and systemic institutional change.

Religion and Global Issues

Analyzes the proactive role of religion in addressing pressing global challenges, including international peacebuilding, environmental conservation, human rights advocacy, global migration, and sustainable development.

Religious Issues in Indonesia

Explores the diversity of religious expression, the sociopolitical impact of identity politics, and interfaith relations specifically within the complex socio-political landscape of Indonesia.

Gender and Feminism

Examines feminist theory and practice alongside gender discourse in Islamic studies, placing an uncompromising focus on social justice and the equitable reconstruction of religious interpretation.