Intellectual Encounters of the Islamicate World

The Master's program in Intellectual Encounters of the Islamicate World at Freie Universität Berlin offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the history, cultures, religions, and societies of the Islamicate world. This advanced degree is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the intellectual histories, theological debates, philosophical ideas, and cultural developments that have shaped the Muslim world and its interactions with other civilizations across various historical periods. The program emphasizes a critical examination of primary sources, meticulous analysis of texts, and theoretical frameworks to understand complex social and cultural phenomena. Students will engage with a broad spectrum of subject areas, including history, Islamic studies, religious studies, philosophy, art history, and literature, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to research and learning. The curriculum typically includes coursework on classical Islamic thought, modern intellectual currents, encounters between different cultures and religions, and contemporary issues facing the Islamicate world today. Through lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, students will develop analytical skills and a nuanced perspective essential for careers in academia, cultural management, journalism, or international relations. The program encourages a comparative approach, examining not only the internal dynamics of the Islamicate societies but also their global interactions and influences. Being based in Berlin, a vibrant international city, students benefit from a rich academic environment, numerous cultural events, and the opportunity to collaborate with scholars from around the world. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to contribute to academic discourse, policy-making, and cultural dialogue concerning the Islamicate world. The program aims to prepare students for PhD studies or professional careers by fostering research competence, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding, making it a unique and valuable educational experience for those interested in the history and culture of the Islamicate civilizations.

The curriculum serves to deepen specialised knowledge and experience in a scientific manner through research-oriented courses and methods of study. For this purpose a scientifically structured curriculum imparts knowledge about the intellectual history of the Islamic world in its respective socio-historical and multi-religious contexts. The primary focus lies on subsidiary disciplines such as the History of Ideas, Law and Legal Methodology, as well as Material Culture/Social History. In the modules taught on History of Ideas students work on reading and interpretation of sources in the original language regarding various approaches to problems in Rational Theology, Exegesis, Philosophy, Logic, and/or Islamic, Jewish and Christian Mysticism in the Arabic-speaking world. The module Law and Legal Methodology deals with the foundations, structure, methodology, and functional form of Islamic Law. The module Material Culture/Social History offers instruction in selected thematic areas such as Paleography, Codicology, Architecture, and/or Art on the one hand, or alternatively, in connection with socio-historical causes for the emergence of specific intellectual views and intellectual traditions.

For admittance to the master’s program applicants need to fulfill the following admission requirements:

• Candidates with less than 240 CP, but at least 180 CP (with a minimum of 80 credit points in one or more of the following disciplines: Islamic, Arabic, Jewish or Religious Studies, Philosophy and/or equivalent fields) can satisfy the admission requirements in individual cases if they can additionally either provide proof of qualifications relating to the MA program (e.g. non-university education, professional experiences or knowledge of relevant languages) or successfully pass the qualifying examination

• Proof of English language skills (level C1 CEFR) for applicants whose degree was not obtained at an institution where English is the language of instruction.
• Excellent language proficiency in Arabic (B2 according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

The admission is limited.

The financing of the "Intellectual Encounters of the Islamicate World" program at the Free University of Berlin is primarily supported through a combination of public funding, university resources, and external grants. As a master's program within the humanities faculty, it benefits from funding provided by the German Federal Government and the State of Berlin, which aim to promote intercultural understanding and academic exchanges related to the Islamicate world. Additionally, the program may receive financial support through various research grants and scholarship schemes aimed at fostering academic excellence and international cooperation.

Students enrolled in the program typically have access to a range of funding options, including scholarships offered by the university, external funding organizations, and international scholarship programs such as DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The DAAD provides competitive scholarships for international students, which can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, thereby alleviating financial burdens and encouraging diverse student participation. Furthermore, the university’s own financial aid office assists students in identifying and applying for suitable funding opportunities.

The program may also have partnerships with cultural and academic institutions that provide specific funding or stipends aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue and research initiatives. In addition, students involved in research projects may have access to project-specific funding, which can include conference travel grants, research stipends, and publication funds to support their academic and professional development.

Internships and cooperative learning opportunities integrated into the program can also offer financial benefits through stipends or grants, helping students to gain practical experience while managing their living costs. The university encourages students to seek part-time employment or work-study positions on campus to supplement their income, consistent with visa regulations for international students.

Overall, the financial landscape of the "Intellectual Encounters of the Islamicate World" program is designed to promote accessibility and support diverse student cohorts through a variety of funding channels. The combined efforts of public agencies, university resources, external scholarship providers, and institutional partnerships ensure that students can pursue their academic goals without undue financial hardship, fostering an environment conducive to rich intercultural and scholarly exchange.

The "Intellectual Encounters of the Islamicate World" programme at the Free University of Berlin offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education focused on the history, culture, and societies of the Islamicate world. The programme emphasizes the critical engagement with the diverse intellectual traditions that have shaped the Muslim-majority regions from antiquity to the present day. Students explore topics including religious studies, history, political science, language, and area studies, fostering a deep understanding of the complex interactions between cultures, religions, and civilizations within the Islamicate universe.

The curriculum is designed to develop analytical skills and cultural competence, encouraging students to examine texts, historical developments, and contemporary issues critically. Language acquisition is an integral part of the programme, with courses in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or other relevant languages, enabling students to access primary sources and engage directly with the material. The programme often collaborates with other disciplines and institutions, promoting an interdisciplinary approach that combines historical analysis, literary studies, and socio-political research.

Students can expect a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and possibly study trips or internships that facilitate practical engagement with the subject matter. The programme prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, cultural management, public policy, or international relations, especially in fields that require deep knowledge of the Islamicate world. Emphasis is placed on fostering critical thinking, interpretive skills, and cultural sensitivity, making graduates well-suited for roles that require nuanced understanding of geopolitical and cultural issues involving the Islamicate regions. The faculty involved in the programme are often experts in Middle Eastern studies, Islamic studies, and related disciplines, contributing to a vibrant academic community that supports rigorous scholarship and active discussion.

Admission requirements typically include a relevant undergraduate degree or adequate background in related fields, with proficiency in relevant languages being highly advantageous. The programme is usually offered as a master's degree, with options for specialization depending on student interests and academic progress. Overall, the "Intellectual Encounters of the Islamicate World" programme aims to produce well-informed, competent, and critically-minded graduates capable of engaging with the complexities of the Islamicate world in an academic and professional context.