Arabic & Islamic Studies Program

The Arabic & Islamic Studies program in the IU School of Liberal Arts offers you the flexibility to explore Arab and Muslim cultures alongside any major at IU Indianapolis.

Step into a field that connects the Midwest to a rich, global tapestry of cultures, histories, and ideas. Students examine how Arabic cultures have shaped art, cuisine, medicine, mathematics, philosophy, poetry, politics, religion, and more—both here in Indiana and around the world.

The minor gives you the option to study Arabic, though language courses aren’t required. No matter which classes you choose, the program highlights how closely connected these cultures are to everyday life in Indianapolis. Faculty partnerships with organizations such as the Nur Allah Islamic Center and the Arab Indianapolis Foundation create opportunities to experience those connections firsthand—whether through community events, local visits, or collaborative projects. These experiences bring global cultures into your classroom and help you see how the distance between the Middle East and the Midwest can feel surprisingly small.

You’ll see how Arab and Muslim cultures have shaped societies across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The movement of people and ideas, the spread of scientific and philosophical knowledge, and the global influence of Arab and Muslim communities on politics, literature, food, religion, and the arts all come into focus.

Together, this wide-angle perspective reveals not just one region, but the interconnected world you’re preparing to enter.

Minor in Arabic & Islamic Studies

The Arabic & Islamic Studies minor is a community-engaged program that connects you to the cultures of Arab Americans in the greater Indianapolis area as well as to the approximately 400 million people who speak Arabic across the Middle East and North Africa. The program also highlights the global significance of Arabic as a sacred language for 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, including many who call Indianapolis home.

This minor centers on the cultural dimensions of both Arabic and Islam—examining contributions to world literature, art and architecture, food traditions, social life, and politics. You’re encouraged to build meaningful relationships with local Arab and Muslim communities, participate in campus activities, and engage in faculty-directed research that deepens your understanding.

Many students pair this minor with majors in political science, anthropology, history, prelaw, or business to strengthen their professional profile and expand their career options. Employers in Indiana and beyond increasingly seek people who can communicate across cultures, analyze complex issues, and work with diverse communities—skills you build throughout this program.

More Information

For more information about the Arabic & Islamic Studies Program, contact the program director, Edward E. Curtis.