Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Christian-Muslim Understanding

Georgetown University

The Georgetown University Center for Christian-Muslim Understanding was founded in 1993, with the M.A. program developed in 1998. The program requires ten courses, seven in the field of Islam/Christian-Muslim Relations and three options. A thesis is also required.

The program seeks “to foster a better global understanding of Islam and Muslim-Christian relations,” and toward this end course offerings in the CMCU program feature multiple offerings in contemporary issues, such as ‘Dictatorships in the Islamic World,’ ‘The U.S. and the Middle East,’ and ‘Somalia-Afghanistan: A New World.’ Several courses are also offered focusing on gender issues, as well as varied contexts within Islamic history. Christian background courses include ‘Jesus Christ in a Pluralist Age’ and ‘Christian Mysticism.’ Nearly thirty courses were offered for Fall 2005.

The faculty consists of five full-time and one adjunct professor. The program will likely undergo major changes in the next few years after becoming the recipient of a $20 million expansion grant from Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal of Saudi Arabia. The grant will provide student scholarships, expand the library, and endow three faculty chairs.