Minor in Islamic Studies
Overview
The Islamic studies minor is a 21-unit program that examines Islamic theology and culture, Middle Eastern history and Christian theology of mission. The program equips men and women to make disciples among Muslims and impact the Islamic world for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Courses
Below are some of the courses you’ll have an opportunity to take as a student in this program. Take a look at the list below to get an idea of the types of available courses. Also, be sure to review the official program requirements in the Biola University catalog.
Core Courses
| BBST 458 | Theology of Mission |
Study of God's redemptive acts in Scripture on behalf of mankind, with application to the mission of the church today. Grade Mode: A. | |
| INCS 233 | Foundations of Global Studies |
Exploration of foundational issues related to international and intercultural ministry, including foundational models of global Christian witness, mission formation, contextualization, and an overview of various global realities (poverty; international development; Islam; unreached peoples; urbanization; globalization; and peace, security and conflict) from a Biblical perspective. Career tracks in intercultural and global service are explored. | |
| INCS 322 | Intercultural Adjustment |
Exploration of the cross-cultural transition process, focusing on healthy adjustment as a sojourner in a new culture. Attention given to understanding and applying grace to oneself and others, discerning cultural values, conflict styles, social stratification and celebration. | |
| INCS 324 | Introduction to Islam and Islamic Theology |
| An introductory survey of the Islamic world and its faith, and major themes in Muslim theology and doctrine from the Qur'an to contemporary Muslim thinkers. Topics include faith, practice, the daily life and spiritual world of Muslims; the systematic character of Muslim thought; theological, historical, political, social and cultural barriers and bridges between Muslims and Christians. Critical issues like contextualization, power encounter, church multiplication, the role of women, and contemporary Islamic thought including the emergence of Islamic fundamentalism and militant Islam. Grade Mode: A. | |
| INCS 325 | Popular Islam |
| Survey of varieties of 'folk' beliefs, practices and local expressions of the less orthodox, mystical and more syncretic/animistic components of Islam. This course equips students to understand the religious experience of everyday Islam (representing 80% of Muslims) from a biblical perspective in order to contextually communicate to the felt needs of ordinary Muslims. Grade Mode: A. | |
| INCS 447 | Approaches to the Islamic World |
| Exploration of historical and contemporary approaches to Muslim peoples, including an analysis of effective interactions and Muslim perceptions, and individual and organizational approaches like evangelism, apologetics, interfaith dialogue, evangelism, apologetics, education, development and compassion ministries, reconciliation, peace-building and the planting of transformational communities. This course will equip students with an understanding of the basic competencies needed to live and serve effectively among Muslim peoples in the name and spirit of Jesus. Grade Mode: A. | |
| INCS 450 | Theology of Mission |
A study of the centrality of God's redemptive acts on behalf of mankind from both the Old and New Testaments, as well as theological issues related to the mission of the Church in modern times. Notes: See BBST 458. Grade Mode: A. | |
Elective Courses
| INCS 419 | Sufism |
| A survey of Islamic mysticism, its sources in the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad, and its literary, cultural, and social expressions in Arab, Persian, Indic, and Turkish regions, including an examination of representative texts and Sufi poetry; sainthood, authority, and brotherhoods; and Sufism in the contemporary world. Grade Mode: A. | |
| INCS 431 | History of the Middle East and Islam I |
| Political, social and cultural history of the Middle East with an emphasis on Islamic civilization to 1453. Special emphasis on relationships of Muslims and non-Muslim peoples under Islamic rule. Grade Mode: A. | |
| INCS 432 | History of the Middle East and Islam II |
| Political, social and cultural history of the Middle East with an emphasis on Islamic civilization from 1453. Special emphasis on the development of the Middle Eastern state system following the First World War, and on the Arab- Israeli conflict. Grade Mode: A. | |
| INCS 434 | Islam in America and the West |
| This course examines the historical background, dynamics and growth of Islam in America and the West, with special attention to theological, social, political, and cultural issues raised by Muslims living in Western society; immigration; conversion to Islam; African-American Islam; radical Islam; the rise of Islamic leadership and institutions (mosques, schools, and associations); roles for Muslim women; and resources and approaches to reaching Muslim neighbors. Grade Mode: A. | |
| INCS 448 | Topics in Islamic Studies |
| Studies in selected issues pertaining to Islam, such as Islamic Theology; The Qur'an and Muslim Tradition; The Life of Muhammad; Muslim-Christian Relations; Islam in the 21st Century; Islam and State; The Anthropology of Islam. Conflict and Change in Islamic World or an in-depth study of a particular aspect of Islamic thought, practice or history. Notes: May be taken multiple times with different content. Grade Mode: A. | |