Al-Maktoum Institute, Dundee, Scotland (University of Aberdeen)

This is a new one year taught masters programme which provides an introduction and exploration of the complex issues and relationships between Muslims and what is referred to as the ‘West’. The programme mainly focuses on the analysis of issues related to the contexts in which globalisation, dialogue and clash of civilisations emerged. Key issues for students taking the programme include the emergence of globalisation and its overriding impact on politics and international relations issues relating to Islam and Muslims across the world.

Within the programme, we also look into the debate of dialogue or non-dialogue and ongoing concepts and discussions on the perceived threats of Islam to ‘Western’ values, reinforcing the claim made by proponents of clash of civilisations. The programme also highlights the Quranic discourse on peace, dialogue, understanding, the concept of humanity (insaniyyah) and universalism. Thus, globalisation in its political but also sociological underpinnings is examined by identifying areas of similarity and difference between the two. In addition, the programme discusses issues about the concept of political Islam, understandings and misunderstanding about it and whether or not Muslim political thought is incompatible with principles of governance in the ‘West’.

This innovative and unique programme is aimed to enable students to contribute in an informed and intelligent way to current debates on how Muslims (and more broadly Islam) can be seen to be engaging with the contemporary issues of globalisation and international relations.

One important element of this programme is its uniqueness within the field of Islamic Studies, with the focus on the combination of approaches including both studies of Islamic sources and concepts (in particular the Qur’an and other core sources) and contemporary social/political studies of issues relating to international relations. This makes the programme distinct from any other programmes in either Islamic Studies and politics or sociology

Applications are being received for entry in September 2007.