Brief Description:

Description:

Center for Islam in the Contemporary World (CICW)
at Shenandoah University

Graduate Student Institute

“Islam in the Contemporary World”
May 30 – June 13, 2023

Venue: George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

Director of the Program: Ermin Sinanović (CICW)
Assistant Director: Dr. Nisa Muhammad (Howard University)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The CICW’s summer student program, “Islam in the Contemporary World,” is a graduate students’ institute whose objective is twofold: (1) to provide graduate students with foundational instructions in Islamic studies with a focus on contemporary issues, and (2) to have discussions about the lived experiences of Muslim graduate students, especially as they pertain to issues of wellness, equity, and belonging. By combining academic and mentoring sessions, we aim to provide a rounded approach to Islam in the contemporary world.

To that end, we have assembled a stellar team of instructors, and we hope to recruit an outstanding, diverse group of students from various academic disciplines. Our pedagogy combines traditional Islamic learning with contemporary approaches and methods in Islamic studies. We question the West-centric assumptions and epistemologies and bring Islamic epistemologies and approaches to pedagogy, learning, and thought into the conversation.

A distinctive feature of the GSI is the learning community, led and facilitated by Dr. Nisa Muhammad. These discussions will enhance the academic sessions and allow the students to take academic material and make it relevant to their lives.

Eligibility
Students currently enrolled in a graduate school program of any faith background, majoring in any discipline, based in the United States and Canada. College/university graduates with a degree in hand who are not yet enrolled in a graduate school program may apply too.

Tuition
There is no tuition fee.

Accommodation
Students will be provided dorm accommodation at George Mason University at no cost. Rooms are shared, two or four students per room or apartment, depending on availability.

Transportation and Meals
Transportation to and from George Mason University and meals are the students’ responsibility. We encourage students to find alternative modes of support for transportation and meals if needed.

Method of instruction
In-person, at George Mason University.

Attendance requirements
The successful applicants will be required to attend all sessions without exception. Please consider applying next year if you can’t commit to full attendance. Students are expected to arrive on May 30 and leave no earlier than 2 pm on June 13.

Graduation Certificates / Credit Hours
Students who complete all requirements of the program will be awarded graduation certificates. Those interested may be awarded up to 4 graduate credit hours through Shenandoah University. Paying credit hours tuition is the students’ responsibility.

Email Contact
CICW@contemporaryislam.org

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Center for Islam in the Contemporary World at CICW@contemporaryislam.org