Muslim Societies Global Perspectives embraces the study of Muslim cultures that span the globe. Typically these are associated with Muslim majority countries in central Islamic lands of the Middle East and North Africa, although they actually extend as far as Senegal in West Africa to Indonesia in Southeast Asia.
Our project, however, also understands Muslim societies as those where an indigenous minority has existed for many hundreds of years, like India and China, or where they form newer minority communities through immigration in a transnational, globalized world. This project thus takes a global perspective to encompass these diverse but interrelated experiences, rather than a regionally bounded approach.
This initiative is not founded narrowly around the study of theology and scriptural texts alone, but also wider questions of how this living religious tradition has informed various expressions of Islam and social experience from the vantages of sociology, literature, history, politics, economics, media and arts, and other scholarly disciplines.
We intend to expand our public activities and to establish programs to further support teaching and research on Muslim societies and cultures at Queen's University.
Our History
Several years ago, faculty at Queen's University began discussions together and with the administration about enhancing teaching and research about Islam, the Middle East, the Muslim world globally, and about issues related to the experience of new Muslim communities in "the West," including Canada.
A distinctive approach was developed that envisioned the interrelationships between these topics across history, geography and disciplinary method. To reflect the diversity of experiences beyond a regional focus, the project has been named "Muslim Societies, Global Perspectives."
Our Project Philosophy & VisionArabic Language Courses
One primary concern was language preparation for undergraduate and graduate students with interests in these areas, as language is a crucial and fundamental tool for understanding cultures and societies from any perspective. Ample student interest became evident when a student petition for Arabic Language Courses garnered over 2000 signatures! The Faculty of Arts and Science provided initial funding for a three year position that established first and second year Arabic language courses at Queen's for the first time in 2008.
Arabic Languages ProgramPublic Events
MGSP plans a dynamic lineup of exciting events throughout the year, including panel discussions, guest lectures, and cultural performances. Our events are open to faculty, students, and members of our community.
To stay up to date with everything MSGP organizes, join our mailing list by sending us an email (msgp@queensu.ca) and follow us on social media.
Upcoming EventsThe Majlis Podcast
MSGP produces a podcast called The Majlis. Majlis is the Arabic word for an assembly, a gathering of people sitting together and it was used for the sessions of learned scholars, philosophers, brought together to discuss and debate. Our podcast intends to accomplish the same purpose of bringing together experts and scholars for discussion and conversation about the politics, histories, cultures of the Middle East, Islamic World and Muslim diasporas.
Listen here