American Islamic Collage Catalog 2015

Islamic Studies in the Heart of Chicago!

Islamic Studies in the Heart of Chicago!

The best of traditional learning with the highest contemporary academic standards

Acquire

knowledge and learn tranquility and dignity."

Umar ibn al Khattab, R.A.​

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Mission The mission of American Islamic College is to provide students of all backgrounds with a solid liberal arts and sciences education that will include a rigorous academic formation in Islamic Studies, thereby conveying a broad understanding of the historical and global forces that have shaped intellectual debates and interpretations as well as the political and social structures of diverse contemporary Muslim societies.

Philosophy Our innovative interdisciplinary educational program incorporates both academic and traditional approaches to Islamic learning, while we are committed to promoting inter-religious and intercultural understanding, responsible world citizenship, and engaged social service. Furthermore, American Islamic College aims to expose the general public to the rich heritage and the contemporary realities of Muslim cultures through community outreach activities, academic symposia and seminars, and dynamic exchange and immersion programs.

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AIC has a prime location, with

excellent facilities, and many dedicated persons in its management structure who are seeking to advance the goals of

Islamic education within the context of American society" M. Cherif Bassiouni Emeritus Professor of Law DePaul University, College of Law

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Welcome Our college offers a truly unique experience for our students. We aspire to offer the very best of traditional Islamic learning with the highest, contemporary academic standards, and we seek to do this in a caring, intellectual and spiritual atmosphere that approaches learning in a holistic and integrated spirit.

Dr. H. Ali Yurtsever

PRESIDENT

As a coeducational, intercultural, and inter-religious community, American Islamic College serves as a crossroads between faiths, cultures and ideas. This wealth of diversity enriches the classroom experience and broadens students’ understandings of themselves and their world. Our newly renovated 3.3-acre campus, located in Lakeview, Chicago, consists of two buildings specifically designed to cater to student needs. The main building is an architectural landmark that houses administrative offices, classrooms, a library, a gymnasium and a 1000 seat auditorium. The dormitory building is complete with 60-rooms, commercial kitchen, student kitchenettes, bath and shower rooms, a terrace, lounges, study halls, a prayer hall, laundry room, and exercise room. Our private parking lot provides easy parking for students and visitors. The campus is also easily accessible by public transport.

Our facility-in a prime location just off Lake Shore Drive-is only steps from Lake Michigan and right in the heart of Chicago. Chicago, a world-class metropolis, provides students with a wide variety of opportunities for additional cultural, academic and social cultivation.

We believe that our unique curriculum and student-centered programs will prove attractive to students from both the Chicagoland area and around the world. We look forward to hosting you!

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Bachelor Of Arts In Islamic Studies (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies is a four-year sequence of instructional coursework that culminates in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. The Islamic Studies component of the program features content and pedagogy commensurate with the disciplines of Islamic and Religious Studies, Qur’anic and Hadith studies, Islamic legal theory, classical Islamic theology and philosophy, Islamic spirituality, allied social science, and economic and political theories.

Students must also fulfill standard Bachelor’s level requirements in general education, imparting a solid foundation in the humanities as well as the social and physical sciences. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to pursue academic, occupational and career options, which are appropriately aligned with this field of study.

The Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies Program requires 121 semester hours.

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I taught at American Islamic College and found it an entirely positive experience; the leadershi p was professional, the staff cordial and accommodating, and

seriousness of purpose,"

I'd call it, characterized the whole enterprise.“

Martin E. Marty Fairfax M.Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus University of Chicago

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General Education Courses

General Education courses offered at AIC are an invaluable and integral part of the Undergraduate degree program in Islamic Studies. They are designed to provide students a well-rounded foundation that will both develop and equip students with fundamental skills and knowledge, prepping them for further education, a career, as well as, providing students essential assets for life. Expository writing, Muslim American Literature, Psychology, Philosophy, Statistics, and courses in the Arts and Music are among the General Education requirements.

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American Islamic College enriches the academic and interfaith programs in the city of Chicago by providing solid degree programs grounded in

Islamic princi ples and perspectives."

Rev. Mark R. Francis, C.S.V. President, Catholic Theological Union

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With its

rigorous academic programs and diverse course

offerings in Islamic studies, AIC rises to fulfill a critical and increasingly important task of creating and disseminating true knowledge about Islam and Muslims."

Ufuk Gokcen OIC Ambassador and Permanent Observer to the UN in New York

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Amro Helmy, instructor of Oud.

Art & Music

Art and Music courses are integrated into degree offerings at AIC. These courses are also open to non-degree students. The study of the arts cultivates spatial-temporal skills, and language and mathematical abilities. Art and music require patience and dedication, thus the courses’ very nature fosters tolerance, perseverance, and an engagement with oneself and the artistic tasks at hand. These courses of study provide a medium for both academic and spiritual development.

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American Islamic College has occupied an important place in the academic study of Islam and

interfaith engagement in the Greater Chicago area, and indeed more broadly.“

Rev. Michael T. Shelley, Ph.D. Director, A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

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Master of Arts In Islamic Studies (MA)

The Master of Arts in Islamic Studies Program offers a two-year sequence of instructional coursework that culminates in the Master of Arts (MA) degree. The MA Program provides students with a rigorous background in both traditional and analytical approaches to Islamic Studies. All students are required to complete a central core of seven (7) courses, which is twenty-one (21) credit hours of foundational instruction in Islamic Studies.​ These courses include Arabic, Academic Study of Islam, Reading and Interpreting the Qur’an, Prophetic Biography and Hadith Literature, Islamic Ethics and Spirituality, Islam and Gender Studies, and Great Debates within Muslim Theology.

The Program offers students two distinct areas of concentration in either Islamic Theology or Islam and Global Studies. MA students are required to take a minimum of five courses (15 credit hours) in their concentration, including a Masters Thesis or Masters Research Project that will count as one, three credit-hour course.

The Islamic Theology concentration trains students in such disciplines as Advanced Qur’anic and Hadith Studies, Islamic Jurisprudence (al-fiqh), Islamic Philosophy and Theology, and Islamic Spirituality. The Islam and Global Studies concentration focuses on Islamic History, International Studies, and Contemporary Socio-Political Theory.

The Master of Arts in Islamic Studies Program requires 36 semester hours.

Assistant Professor Shabana Mir​

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Assistant Professor Omer Awass​

As the first Muslim institution of

higher learning in the country to offer a degree in Islamic chaplaincy,

American Islamic College cultivates leaders who have strong commitments to social service and

world peace."

Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M. President of DePaul University

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Master Of Divinity In Islamic Studies (Mdis) (Islamic Chaplaincy)

The Graduate Masters of Divinity in Islamic Studies is a three-tofour-year​program designed specifically for students who wish to become professional and credentialed Muslim leaders, spiritual care-givers, or chaplains. The curriculum offers a richness of practical education in conversation with contemporary counseling and psychology education.

The program requirements ensure a robust preparation in Islamic theology, which will equip students with skill sets for spiritual care within hospitals, prisons, schools, the military, and religious organizations.

The MDIS program consists of 72 semester hours of academic study, pastoral education, and fieldwork/internship experience.

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What can you do with your degree?

Teaching/Education PhD Chaplaincy Foreign Service/Diplomacy NGO-local/International Humanitarian work Interfaith work Cultural Competence Training for Government, Law Enforcement Community Leadership Consultancy and more...

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AIC has an unparalleled location, both geographically

spiritually, experiments in Islamic higher education.

As such, AIC represents one of the most crucial institutions in the ongoing evolution of American Islam."

in the Muslim community and of Chicago, and stands as one of the most promising

Omid Safi Director of Duke Islamic Studies Center, Duke University​

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American Islamic College has done a wonderful job in helping individuals become

better educated and better informed..."

Jesse White Secretary of State of Illinois

Assistant Professor​Jawad Qureshi​

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Summer Intensive Arabic

The Summer Intensive Arabic program provides students an opportunity to build a foundation in the language of Arabic for the purposes of seeking a degree

travel

satisfying entrance &

business

exit language examinations

journalism

research

personal

Interdisciplinary learning is a distinctive quality of AIC classes.

The Arabic courses incorporate history, cultural anthropology, socio-linguistics, and religion. The Summer Intensive Arabic program will help develop listening, speaking, reading, & writing skills.

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Engaging Diversity

Cross-Cultural Chicago Chicago is a global city. There are over 100 neighborhoods, each with its own cultural and historic flair. Chicago is a city full of cultural riches whose world-class metropolis provides students with additional opportunities to cultivate both academic and social growth.

Field Study Since, Chicago provides a plethora of cultural and educational resources, students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are encouraged to conduct “field work� as a strengthening component of their coursework.

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Benedictine University is proud to partner with American Islamic College in building a unique partnershi p and friendshi p. The world needs increased

dialogue

knowledge

and interreligious of other faiths and cultures. Through our partnershi p, American Islamic College and Benedictine University are for joined to provide better our students and for the world."

opportunities

William J. Carroll President, Benedictine University

Local Engagement AIC partners with local educational institutions to address societal concerns through community service. Programs such as these, broaden student perspectives on local issues. By working together with students from other colleges and universities, AIC students learn the power of team work across campus borders in tackling adversity. This is a strength of AIC’s enrichment activities and captures well the Philosophy of AIC.

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President Yurtsever with VP of Global Engagement, Ian H. Solomon of University of Chicago

Global Engagement American Islamic College collaborates with scholars from around the world on a number of educational programs, bringing a global perspective to its campus.

Global Networks Each year, American Islamic College receives international scholars who contribute invaluably to AIC. Visiting scholars from abroad have given lectures at AIC’s lecture series forum; they have contributed in dialogue programs with students and faculty; and they have deepened the relationships between AIC and the institution they represent. AIC’s strong global networks provide for the development of exceptional study abroad opportunities, and language immersion programs.

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Immaculata graduates reunite at AIC​

I am impressed with AIC’s commitment to

academic excellence and to its increasing role as a leading institution in the Muslim community and beyond."

Rabbi David Fox Sandmel Director of Interfaith Affairs Anti-Defamation League 27

NBA Player for Oklahoma City, Enes Kanter, with AIC’s Intramural Basketball team​

American Islamic College has been a critical pillar of our

community in Chicago."

Usama Canon Ta’leef Collective

Campus Activities

Student Clubs & Intramural Sports We believe that student clubs and intramural sports are an integral part of student education at American Islamic College.

They provide students with a number of opportunities to explore their interests, to cultivate leadership skills, to build friendships across college campuses, and to participate in meaningful and constructive activities for the student body and the community.

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Spoken here...

Akan (Ghana), Arabic, Bosnian, English, French, German, Japanese, Kyrgyz, Nigerian, Persian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, Uzbek

Diverse Campus The ethnic and racial community at AIC is unparalleled. There are 15 different languages spoken at the College. Diversity on campus is an integral part of student life and education.

Meeting people of different backgrounds prepares students to work and live in this globalized society. Diverse classrooms allow for the sharing of multiple perspectives, which enriches creative and critical thinking, promotes understanding and knowledge, and expands one's worldview. Diversity is an invaluable educational resource.

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Jesse White Tumblers performed at AIC

Enrichment Programs Enrichment programs serve as extracurricular resources that make for helpful supplements to the course material.

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Interfaith Dialogue Opportunities American Islamic College is committed to interfaith and intercultural​dialogue and has played a strong leadership role in building bridges of understanding between several faith communities, especially with its Jewish and Christian neighbors here in Chicago. This has given rise to numerous interfaith events and social action projects. In addition, AIC frequently hosts students and leaders from various Christian seminaries in the Chicago area, who come to learn about Islam, observe prayer services, and engage AIC faculty, staff, and students in religious dialogue.

Special Events American Islamic College hosts several special events throughout the year, such as community dinners, concerts, workshops, cultural events and more.

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Sami Yusuf performed at the Grand Opening of AIC

Academic Conferences Consistent with AIC’s mission and philosophy, the College periodically hosts conferences, which bring together academics, intellectuals, politicians, students, and engaged minds from around the US and the world.

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Lecture Series American Islamic College offers a Lecture Series program which hosts distinguished guests speaking on a range of contemporary and historical topics. In doing this, AIC creates opportunities for the respectful and intelligent sharing of ideas. These informative discussions and events are open to the public and free of charge.

Film Series American Islamic College organizes film screenings related to Islam, religion, interfaith issues, culture, and the human experience. Typically, a reception and discussion follows, and so students have the opportunity to interact with film directors or scholars who can open up paths for deeper and fuller appreciation of the film.

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A beautified multitudes of campus... courses…and engaging public lecture series all point to growing accomplishments" Mohammed Kaiseruddin Chairman of CIOGC

Volunteer Internship Opportunities Internship opportunities at AIC provide students with a chance to engage in hands-on experience, network with community leaders, scholars, faith communities, and socio-cultural organizations.

This helps students cultivate leadership skills while making a positive impact upon the wider society.

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Facilities American Islamic College is located in Lakeview at Lakeshore Drive and Irving Park Road in Chicago. The 3.3 acre campus consists of three buildings overlooking Lake Michigan. The main building is an architectural landmark that houses administrative offices, classrooms, a gymnasium, library, and 1000-seat auditorium. The campus also includes a dormitory.

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Dormitory AIC maintains a dormitory capable of accommodating both male and female students, with the third floor reserved for females only. The dormitory is connected to the main college building and provides the advantage of living on campus with direct, sheltered access to the classrooms. The College believes that living in residence halls contributes to the personal growth and development of the individual by providing companionship with a wide variety of people with whom students may share interests and learn new ideas, thus creating a sense of community.

The dormitory hosts 60-rooms, a commercial kitchen, cafeteria, student kitchenettes, laundry facilities, fitness room, recreation room, terrace, study room, student hall, lounge, showers/ bathrooms and prayer hall. The building has WiFi access throughout.​

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Location American Islamic College is located just steps from the lakefront and minutes to downtown Chicago. The city provides a wide array of intellectual, cultural and educational resources, such as: The Museum of Science and Industry, The Field Museum of Natural History, The Adler Planetarium, The Shedd Aquarium, Argonne National Laboratory, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Goodman Theatre, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, to name a few.

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AMERICAN ISLAMIC COLLEGE

640 W. Irving Park Rd. Chicago IL 60613 Tel (773) 281 4700 Fax (773) 281 8552 www.aicusa.edu info@aicusa.edu @aicusa