Mounting an “Islamic Studies” Program

Abstract

The study of Islam at many universities around the world has been on the increase for the past three decades for various regions. In South Africa, where it was initiated by Semiticists in Semitic Studies departments and Missiologists in Missiology courses, its study gradually developed into full courses. Since the popularity of “Islamic studies” has been of interest to secular academics as well, the country’s University of the Free State (UFS) proposed the offering of a Baccalaureus Divinitatis Degree in Islamic studies. But before doing so, the university decided to host a colloquium to which the organizing committee invited various stakeholders. This essay contextualizes this colloquium by locating the teaching and study of Islam in a broad South(ern) African context and offers a critical report on the ensuing two-day colloquium.

Keywords

• Islamic Studies - South Africa - University of Free State - Baccalaureus Divinitatis