Islamic Thought and Muslim Societies (ITMS)
The Islamic Thought and Muslim Societies (ITMS) concentration strictly focuses on the study of classical and contemporary Islamic thought, as well as the socio-political transformations of Muslim societies. The program employs a rigorous interdisciplinary approach, systematically integrating philosophy, theology, history, and the social sciences.
Through specialized courses—such as Knowledge and Authority in Muslim Societies, Contemporary Islamic Thought, Science and Knowledge Traditions in Islam, and State and Muslim Citizenship—students critically analyze the construction of knowledge, the evolution of religious authority, and the complex relationships between religion, the state, and society. Graduates develop robust analytical and research capabilities specifically within the study of Islamic thought and Muslim societies, enabling them to advance reflective, contextualized academic discourses that remain highly relevant to modern global challenges.
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 | Knowledge and Authority in Muslim Societies | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Contemporary Islamic Thought | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Science and Knowledge Traditions in Islam | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | State and Muslim Citizenship | 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 and implemented.
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), justice, and public welfare.
Religion and Social Theories
Explores classical and contemporary social theories to comprehend religion as a cultural and social 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 and socio-religious sensitivity.
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
Knowledge and Authority in Muslim Societies
Analyzes the intricate construction of religious authority and the mechanisms of knowledge production embedded within the structures of Muslim societies.
Contemporary Islamic Thought
Examines the fundamental concepts of reform and the philosophical responses to modernity that have shaped Islamic intellectual discourse throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
Science and Knowledge Traditions in Islam
Traces the historical trajectory of classical Islamic scientific traditions and critically evaluates their ongoing relevance to modern scientific advancements and methodologies.
State and Muslim Citizenship
Discusses the complex, multi-layered relationship between the state, the rights of Muslim citizens, and the application of social justice principles strictly within the context of global politics.
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.