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Vision
Reflecting on the rich diversity of both Arabic Studies and Islamic Studies, the interdisciplinary program of the Council integrates the study of and research in Arabic and Islamic studies in diverse regions such as the Middle East, including the Arab World, Turkey and Iran, as well as Islamic Studies in regions beyond the Middle East and Africa in countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other Muslim majority countries. The program promotes the teaching of Arabic, Persian, and Turkish as well as other languages taught in ASU's School of International Letters and Cultures including Indonesian and Hindi-Urdu, in collaboration with the study of sociology, history, politics, anthropology, and religion.
Mission
The Council for Arabic and Islamic Studies was established at Arizona State University to acknowledge the significant contributions of Arabic Studies and Islamic civilization and cultures to the world at large both historically and in the modern age. The Council’s research and teaching programs seek to promote multiculturalism, diversity, inter-faith dialogue, cross-cultural understanding, and the expansion of human civilization and cultures through Arabic as well as other Middle-Eastern languages including Persian and Turkish. The Council seeks to develop constructive academic and cultural interaction and partnerships between ASU and similar groups in the Arab and Muslim worlds.
Literature is often conceived as a cultural tool towards greater human understanding. The more we study other’s literary arts, cultures, and civilizations, the better enabled we become to achieve understanding and to work toward world peace.
- Dr. Souad T. Ali, Council Chair