Al-Dirasat al-Islamiyyah wal ‘Arabiyyah (Islamic and Arabic Studies)
The Al-Dirasat al-Islamiyyah wal ‘Arabiyyah (DIA) concentration equips students with a rigorous interdisciplinary perspective to examine classical Islamic heritage (turāth) alongside the cultural, social, and political dynamics of the Arab world. The program systematically highlights how historical Islamic intellectual traditions interact with contemporary realities across diverse Arab and Muslim societies.
Through specialized courses—such as Philosophy of Islamic Legislation, Islamic Systems: Theological and Value Perspectives, Cultural Studies in Islamic Societies, and Political Studies in the Islamic and Arab World—students critically analyze philosophical paradigms, social practices, and political fluctuations within the Islamic tradition. Graduates develop robust analytical and research capabilities in turāth and area studies, preparing them to construct contextualized Islamic frameworks highly relevant to global developments.
Curriculum Structure
Core Cross-Disciplinary Courses
| No. | Course Title | Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
Specialized Concentration Courses
| No. | Course Title | Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philosophy of Islamic Legislation (Falsafat al-Tashrī‘ al-Islāmī) | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Islamic Systems: Theological and Value Perspectives (al-Nuẓum al-Islāmiyyah) | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Cultural Studies in Islamic Societies (Dirāsāt Thaqāfiyyah) | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | Political Studies in the Islamic and Arab World (Dirāsāt Siyāsiyyah) | 2 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | ||
Elective Courses (Choose 1)
| No. | Course Title | Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Special Topic: 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
Core Cross-Disciplinary 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. Students apply hermeneutics, exegesis, and critical social sciences to understand how texts are historically and contemporarily interpreted.
Philosophy of Islamic Sciences
Introduces the epistemological framework of Islamic sciences alongside the position of Islamic knowledge within modern philosophical debates. Students critically evaluate the ontology and axiology of knowledge production to develop scientific paradigms rooted in monotheism (Tawhid) and public welfare.
Religion and Social Theories
Explores classical and contemporary social theories to comprehend religion as a cultural phenomenon. The course critically analyzes the intersection of religion, power, economic structures, and identity to understand the transformative dynamics of modern society.
Research Methods and Academic Writing
Provides a methodological foundation for designing and executing interdisciplinary research in Islamic studies. Students learn qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, alongside hermeneutical, historical, and socio-cultural methods, strictly emphasizing research ethics.
Thesis Proposal Seminar
Functions as an academic forum for students to construct their thesis proposals. Through faculty mentorship and peer discussion, students refine their problem statements, theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and academic relevance to produce rigorous scientific arguments.
Publication of Journal Articles
Trains students to write, edit, and publish scholarly articles in national and international academic journals. The curriculum targets the mastery of publication ethics, scientific writing techniques, citation systems, and the strategic navigation of the peer-review process.
Thesis
Represents the pinnacle of the master's program, demonstrating the student's capacity to conduct independent, systematic, critical, and original research. The thesis integrates Islamic theories with the social sciences and humanities to formulate relevant solutions for contemporary challenges.
Specialized Concentration Courses
Philosophy of Islamic Legislation
Discusses the philosophical framework and epistemology of Islamic law. Students rigorously investigate the fundamental principles of rationality that govern the formulation of Sharia law and jurisprudential regulations.
Islamic Systems: Theological and Value Perspectives
Analyzes the structural value systems and theological doctrines (aqidah) of Islam. The course focuses heavily on their practical application and behavioral implications within the socio-political contexts of the global Muslim ummah.
Cultural Studies in Islamic Societies
Examines the diverse cultural landscapes of Islamic societies through a comprehensive, multi-layered approach involving the critical study of religious texts, historical trajectories, and living social practices.
Political Studies in the Islamic and Arab World
Investigates the contemporary political dynamics within the Arab and Islamic world. The course critically evaluates pressing issues surrounding structural authority, social justice, and mechanisms of profound social change.
Elective Courses
Special Topic: Religion and Societies
Investigates the dynamic interaction between religion and society utilizing contemporary social theories and case studies, focusing heavily on the social construction of religiosity and systemic social change.
Religion and Global Issues
Analyzes the strategic role of religion in addressing critical global issues, specifically encompassing conflict resolution and peace, environmental conservation, human rights, migration, and sustainable development.
Religious Issues in Indonesia
Comprehensively analyzes the diverse expressions of religiosity, the mechanics of identity politics, and the complexities of interfaith relations strictly within the distinct socio-political landscape of Indonesia.
Gender and Feminism
Critiques feminist theories, praxis, and gender discourses embedded within Islamic studies. The course focuses significantly on advancing social equity and the reconstruction of inclusive religious exegesis.