The IIS Welcomes Class of 2009
The IIS accepted 11 new students into its Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) this year. The Class of 2009, comprising students from Canada, India, Iran, Pakistan, Portugal, Tajikistan and the USA, will embark on an intensive two-year multi-disciplinary study of the faith, culture, language and thought of Muslim societies.
GPISH continues to attract applicants from Asia, Europe and North America. The group of 11 was selected from a pool of 145 candidates who applied this year. The new students bring to the programme a diversity of educational backgrounds including linguistics, political science, business administration, religious studies, philosophy and computer engineering.
The Graduate Programme combines intellectual training with exposure to practical and field issues in a contemporary context. It is designed to train individuals who will play a leading role in academic and community life. In this context, it acts both as preparation for a research degree and as a stepping stone to a variety of career opportunities around the world.
During the first two years of their study at IIS, the students will develop relevant language skills and will be engaged in a wide variety of courses in the fields of History, Religious Studies, the Social Sciences, Philosophy, and Art. Their course of study during this period will include modules such as:
- Islamic History
- Approaches to the Study of Religion
- Literature and Culture
- History of the Ismailis
- Anthropology of Muslim Societies
- The Age of the Fatimids
Arabic language is an important aspect of the curriculum during the first two years at the IIS. At the end of the first year, the students will travel to Syria for a four week Arabic Immersion programme and will have the opportunity to practice their language skills. At the end of the second residential year, students will apply their classroom learning and theoretical perspectives to a Field Project they will design under the guidance of the Department. Last year, the Class of 2007 undertook field projects in Egypt, India, Iran, Japan, Pakistan and Tajikistan.
During their third year of study, students will complete a Masters programme in fields that are compatible with the goals of the Institute.
More information on the Programme can be obtained from the Graduate Studies pages of the website.
