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University of Oxford: Islamic Studies and History

Institution University of Oxford
Department Oriental Studies
Web http://www.ox.ac.uk/study
Email graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk
Telephone +44 (0)1865 270059
Study type Taught

Summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

MSt The Master of Studies in Islamic Studies and History is a one-year degree for students who already possess substantial knowledge of the field and who are able, without further language training, to work with pre-modern Arabic, Persian, and/or Turkish primary sources as appropriate to their particular research interests.

The course focuses on the political, social, and intellectual history of the central Islamic lands (Egypt, the Fertile Crescent, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Central Asia and Anatolia) up until c. 1800.

The course is characterised by a strong emphasis on research based on primary sources, thus making it a very good entry gate for subsequent doctoral study. You will already possess substantial general knowledge of Islamic or Middle Eastern studies and history.

You can take specialised classes and undertake independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. You will receive specialised teaching in two elective papers, taught during the first two terms, while also working on a dissertation (or on two extended research essays) under the supervision of a suitable member of the faculty. Available elective papers may vary from year to year, but topics that are frequently taught include:

the Qur’an and Qur’anic exegesis hadith Islamic law Sufism Islamic theology and philosophy Medieval Middle Eastern and Islamic history Islamic art and architecture Arabic literature Persian literature

Elective papers normally involve a weekly meeting of two hours devoted to the reading and primary sources, student presentations, informal lecturing, and the discussion of student essays. Students spend a significant amount of time preparing for these meetings by working through primary texts, reading secondary literature, and writing essays.

An induction meeting is normally scheduled for new students during the week before the beginning of full term which is known as nought week.

MPhil The MPhil in Islamic Studies and History is a two-year course intended primarily for students who desire an intensive introduction to Islamic history and thought in the pre-modern period. The course is an excellent preparation for subsequent doctoral study.

The course focuses on the political, social, and intellectual history of the central Islamic lands (Egypt, the Fertile Crescent, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Central Asia and Anatolia) up until c. 1800, and differs from analogous MPhil courses at other universities in the significance it places on language instruction in classical Arabic, Persian and Turkish, and the study of primary sources.

If you are already capable of carrying out research in one of these languages, you will be strongly encouraged to take up a second. Instruction and supervision are carried out by several members of the faculty’s teaching staff.

You will normally spend the summer between years one and two in the Middle East for language study and/or research connected with thesis work.

For the full description, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas

MSt

Master of Philosophy - MPhil

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