Islamic Studies Initiative

The University of Michigan has extraordinary depth in scholarship and instruction dealing with Islam as a world religion and the study of Muslim peoples and societies. Over 50 faculty members from a wide array of departments and professional schools are currently engaged in work related to these topics. The study of Islam and Muslim societies at U-M is not confined to a few highly specialized departments, but is part of the University's mainstream.

The Islamic Studies Initiative (ISI) is funded by contributions from the U-M Provost's Office, the International Institute, and the College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts. It builds on and mobilizes this outstanding faculty to contribute to instruction, research, and public affairs programming. The ISI is designed to establish the University of Michigan as a national leader in the field of Islamic Studies, benefiting undergraduate and graduate students and faculty.

The ISI is housed in the International Institute and headed by Gottfried Hagen (Near Eastern Studies), Alexander Knysh (Near Eastern Studies), and Andrew Shryock (Anthropology). Its Steering Committee includes: Michael Bonner (Near Eastern Studies), Juan Cole (History), Joshua Cole (History), Nancy Florida (Asian Languages and Cultures), Sherman Jackson (Near Eastern Studies), Barbara Metcalf (History), Raji Rammuny (Near Eastern Studies), and Mark Tessler (ex officio, Political Science/II).

Funding Opportunities

The ISI supports projects that enhance research and teaching related to Islam, Islamic societies, and Muslim diasporas in the West. In particular, it encourages collaborative, interdisciplinary work that explores interregional and global contexts in which Islam plays a dynamic role. Individual and joint applications for funding are welcome and will be considered by the ISI Steering Committee.

For more information, please contact ghagen@umich.edu, alknysh@umich.edu, or ashryock@umich.edu.

Past Events

October 19-20, 2007
Islamophobia/Islamophilia: Beyond the Politics of Enemy and Friend
Conference Poster (pdf)
Conference Schedule
Presenter Information
Andrew Shryock, "Islamophobia/Islamophilia: Beyond the Politics of Enemy and Friend," Journal of the International Institute, 15 (1), Fall 2007.