Islam and Public Policy (IKP)

Islam and Public Policy (IKP)

The Islam and Public Policy (IKP) concentration pioneers the integration of Islamic studies with modern public policy frameworks. Grounded firmly in the ethical concepts of public interest (maslahah) and the higher objectives of Islamic law (maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah), this program explicitly focuses on how Islamic principles actively drive the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of equitable, welfare-oriented public policies.

The curriculum empowers graduates with robust analytical and policy-advocacy capabilities. By critically analyzing the dynamic processes, key institutional actors, and core values that shape public administration within Muslim societies, students prepare to lead the formulation and advocacy of inclusive, evidence-based policies that champion social justice and sustainable development.

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, Social Development, and Public Policy13
2Public Policy Analysis23
3Maqashid and Public Policy23
4Governance of Religion and Society23
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, Social Development, and Public Policy

Investigates the crucial nexus between religious institutions, socio-economic dynamics, and the formulation of public policy. The course evaluates how policymakers can successfully integrate sustainable development paradigms with Islamic ethical frameworks.

Public Policy Analysis

Examines advanced theories and analytical approaches in public policy. The curriculum decodes the entire policy lifecycle—from initial formulation and implementation to final evaluation—within the framework of national development and Islamic socio-political values.

Maqashid and Public Policy

Analyzes the concepts of public interest (maslahah) and the common good as the absolute ethical and philosophical foundations for effective policymaking. The course emphasizes the practical application of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah in managing pluralistic and diverse societies.

Governance of Religion and Society

Evaluates the theory and practice of social welfare and public governance from a strict Islamic perspective. The course spotlights the transformative societal role of zakat, waqf, and religious non-governmental organizations in community development and equitable administration.

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.