The University of Michigan’s International Institute (II) has established a new center focused on the study of global Islamic culture and the study of Muslim societies worldwide: The Global Islamic Studies Center (GISC). The center has received funding from the Office of the Provost; the II; and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. It is directed by Karla Mallette, professor of Italian and Middle East Studies.

The Global Islamic Studies Center carries on the work of the former Islamic Studies Program, and is comprised of several existing centers and initiatives: the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS), Digital Islamic Studies Curriculum (DISC), the student-led Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies Seminar, Islamic Peace Initiative, and the new Michigan Islamic Studies Hub. GISC brings together a broad and interdisciplinary intellectual community across campus, and embraces comparative and trans-regional perspectives.

“The Global Islamic Studies Center will provide a platform for the large, diverse population of scholars—both faculty and students—working in the field of Islamic studies at U-M. It will consolidate our position as the leading program in Islamic studies in southeast Michigan, which boasts the oldest, largest, and most diverse Muslim population in the U.S.,” said GISC Director Karla Mallette. “We invite our campus partners and allies in the community to join us on this next, exciting stage in our institutional history.”

GISC has received funding from the U-M Provost’s Office; the International Institute; and the College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts (LSA). It mobilizes U-M’s outstanding faculty to contribute to instruction, research, and public affairs programming. GISC 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 Global Islamic Studies Center organizes a number of public events each year such as lectures, conferences, and films, many in collaboration with other U-M units. Please use our searchable events calendar for information about upcoming programs sponsored by GISC and the Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies Seminar (IISS).

Contacts

• Address: 500 Church Street, Weiser Hall, Suite 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1042, USA
• Phone: +1 734 615 9558
• Email: IslamicStudies@umich.edu
• Website: https://ii.umich.edu/islamicstudies