Islamic Studies (MA)

Islamic Studies (MA) Master Discover the world at Leiden University Part of Middle Eastern Studies (MA) The master's programme in Islamic Studies at Leiden University provides you with an introduction to the theoretical and methodological approaches taken to the study of historical and current forms of Islam. Focus on Islam in society You will study the rich context of Islamic law and the anthropology of the Muslim world from the perspective of the social sciences and philology. Designed to meet the growing demand for internationally-oriented expertise on Islam and the methodology of Islamic Studies, the Islamic Studies master s programme focuses on developing your understanding of Islam and Society, with special emphasis on the comparative study of Muslim society. Choose your field of interest During the programme you will acquire the skills and insights to conduct independent research in your chosen field. Much research on Islamic Studies is based on written sources 1

and archive material from Islamic cultures and societies. This programme focuses on these sources, teaching you how to establish their value and importance in a specific context, or as the basis for a hypothesis. Social and historical approaches to the field are also given ample attention. Please note: If you are interested in the study of Islam in a European context from a religious studies perspective we advise you to apply for the MA in Religious Studies and Theology. It is also possible to focus on Islamic Studies within the two-year research master s programme in Middle Eastern Studies. Why Leiden University Leiden University offers ambitious students the latest knowledge and the freedom to develop their own area of expertise. The right location to study Middle Eastern Studies Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities is consistently ranked among the top 30 Humanities faculties worldwide in the THE World University Ranking. At Leiden, you learn from top scholars, as well as experts from our extensive international network. You also have the possibility of studying at institutions and universities in the Middle East itself. International Centre of Expertise Leiden University has one of the largest research and teaching departments in the field of Middle Eastern Studies. Our master s programme in Middle Eastern Studies covers virtually the entire Middle East both in time and in geography, offering you a rare educational opportunity. You will also have access to the unique resources of Leiden University's worldfamous library. An individual approach to learning Small tutorial groups give you valuable time interacting directly with your teachers. You can share your ideas and they can challenge them. At Leiden, learning is designed to do exactly this: to challenge you to think harder, analyse more deeply, and explore new perspectives. 2

A head-start to your career Our reputation means that your qualification is respected by organisations worldwide. Our graduates enjoy successful careers thanks to their mix of relevant professional abilities, specialised and in-depth knowledge, and critical-thinking skills. The Leiden Experience About the programme Discover the newest insights from the scholars who uncover them. The MA in Islamic Studies is a multidisciplinary programme spread over two semesters. You have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics covering not only Islam in the Middle East and North Africa, but also Islam in modern societies further afield. During your first semester you take three courses of 10 EC each. One course is taken jointly with students from the other Middle Eastern specialisations. If you start in September, there is one more compulsory course. You can fill the remaining 10 EC learning the basics of Arabic, Turkish, Persian or Indonesian or taking one more content course. If you start in February you have two more compulsory courses from the Islamic Studies curriculum. During your second semester you take one more course from the Islamic Studies curriculum at Leiden University. You also work on your Master s thesis. Throughout this process you are guided by a thesis adviser. You also have the opportunity to do an extracurricular course on research methods. Guest speakers from other universities and organisations regularly come to Leiden to share their thoughts on their work. Their talks cover a wide range of topics: from academic work on premodern Middle East societies to hands-on, in-the-field experiences regarding contemporary issues. Seminars Self-study Internship (optional) 3

Papers Peer feedback and assessment Essays, reports Oral presentations Final thesis The aim of the programme is to introduce you to the concepts and academic approaches current in Islamic Studies, including various disciplines: religious studies, history and social sciences. You will learn to use these concepts and approaches in researching and analysing source material in Arabic or another language. Your thesis work will give you the opportunity to apply these methods in your own research. The development of in-depth knowledge of the field, and the ability to think critically and analytically are key goals of this programme. Opportunities are provided for students to broaden their world experience and professional skills in preparation to excel in their chosen career. During the first weeks of your study, you will meet with the coordinator of studies to discuss your programme. The coordinator of studies can also help you if you have specific questions relating to the academic content of the programme, exam regulations, courses and study scheduling (and delay) of your studies. Detailed programme For a detailed programme, see the e-prospectus. Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ. Léon Buskens Researcher and University Lecturer Anyone who wants to acquire solid scholarly knowledge about Islam is in the right place at Leiden. Oriental languages have been studied here since the 16th century and the study of Islam 4

began in the middle of the 19th century. Attracted by this tradition as well as our renowned collections, scholars and students from all parts of the world come to Leiden. Renowned library collections "Attracted by our longstanding tradition, scholars and students from all parts of the world come to Leiden. They also come, of course, because of our renowned library collections, which include manuscripts, rare, printed books, images and sound recordings. These collections represent a unique resource for the study of Islam. Mirjam de Baar Vice-dean Time has taught us that solutions to social problems do not lie in technology, but in human potential. Technological solutions are essential, but so is the significance people attribute to this information through culture or language. Experience shows us that research within the humanities and social sciences often provides these solutions. This is why the research conducted by our humanities faculty is so highly relevant and important. I am very proud of the fact that Leiden University s Faculty of Humanities is one of the world s leading faculties in the field. Broad and relevant research: One of this faculty s strengths is how incredibly broad it is. We conduct a wealth of relevant research in so many different fields and disciplines. We have egyptologists working on excavation sites in Saqqara and the Dakhla Oasis. We have linguists who are documenting, for the first time, languages that are spoken by vast numbers of people in the world today; others creating computer simulations of language acquisition by the brain. The extent and variety of the activity going on is tremendous. A stimulating environment When you join Leiden s Faculty of Humanities you are joining a community of passionate, stimulated and ambitious students and staff from all over the world. Our academic environment is known for being conducive to interaction 5

between individuals of all standing: at Leiden even the most junior researcher is treated as a valuable member of the community with important opinions to share. You also gain access to truly unique resources found nowhere else in the world, such as our famous collections at the University Library. Our lecturers and support staff are committed to your success, both now and in the future, and offer you the tools needed to develop into a critically-minded professional who can truly make a difference to the world. Extra-curricular Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities. Community building Throughout the year activities are organised by both the Middle Eastern Studies department and the Leiden University Centre for the Study of Islam and Society (LUCIS). This includes for example the LUCIS What s New!? lecture series which focuses on current research on Islam and the Middle East. Study abroad You may choose to study a part of your Middle Eastern Studies programme abroad. For example, you will be able to study at one of our partner universities or institutes in the Middle East, such as Dutch Institutes in Cairo, Rabat and Istanbul. The International Office of the Faculty of Humanities will be able to help you make the right decision for your time studying abroad. Learn a language You will be able to benefit from the extensive language expertise at Leiden University by learning a language which is spoken in the Middle East. Leiden Leadership Programme Are you interested in developing your leadership potential? The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an Honours Programme specifically developed for ambitious master's 6

students at Leiden University and the Delft University of Technology who recognise the importance of leadership abilities. The LLP offers in-depth training sessions, assessments, seminars, and the creation of a Personal Leadership Roadmap a five-year plan for reaching and developing your leadership potential. Career prospects Create a world of opportunities with a master's degree from Leiden University What our graduates do Our alumni have chosen career paths within the diplomatic service, in policy-making at ministries, in refugee aid, at the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service and education. Some of the positions of our alumni include: PhD candidate at Leiden University Policy officer for Sahel region at a ministry Production assistant at a Swedish museum Teacher of English/Islamic religion at an educational institute in Saudi Arabia Middle East representative at a shipping and forwarding company Assistant defence attaché at a Dutch embassy in the Middle East International copyright manager at a publishing house in Turkey International affairs officer at a Dutch university Co-owner of a travel agency Content and digital marketing assistant at an online dictionary service Your qualifications As a graduate of the master s programme in Islamic Studies, you will be qualified to move into an academic career or choose to do a PhD programme. You are also qualified for a range of positions in the private, public and non-profit sectors, such as in marketing functions within internationally operating companies, or with specific commercial enterprises that have links with the Islamic world. 7

The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA in African Studies and MA in Middle Eastern Studies. A Leiden University degree Leiden University master's graduates are sought-after employees at (inter)national organisations. Our graduates are known for their combination of robust academic training, in-depth and relevant knowledge, and critical, multidisciplinary approach to problemsolving. In which sector do students find jobs? 17.0 % Research 17.0 % Teaching 13.0 % Government and semi-government organisations 13.0 % Non-profit (e.g. at an idealistic organisation) 13.0 % Business services 3.0 % Banking 24.0 % Miscellaneous How successful are they in finding a job? 63.0 % found a job within two months 84.0 % found their first job at academic level 93.0 % held a position at academic level when the study was carried out Career preparation Our goal is to prepare you to make a difference in your future career. Knowledge and skills The development of in-depth knowledge in the field, and the ability to think critically and analytically are key goals of this programme. The master s programme in Middle Eastern Studies will introduce you to the concepts and academic approaches current in Middle Eastern Studies, including disciplines such as: Linguistics, History, Anthropology and Political Science. 8

Relevant professional experience During your studies you have the opportunity to gain experience studying, working, or conducting research at an organisation or institution. This experience is highly valued within international organisations. In class, we encourage every student to participate in discussions with fellow students and lecturers to develop their confidence articulating ideas. Many of our students choose to do an internship during their study. Internships are a great way to gain invaluable first-hand experience in your area of interest before you decide on making it a career. In recent years students from the master s programme in Middle Eastern Studies have been doing internships at organisations, such as embassies, museums and development organisations. Humanities Career Service Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at Humanities Career Service provide all Leiden University humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV. Humanities Career Event Each year, the Faculty of Humanities organises a Humanities Careers Event. This all-day event is your chance to learn everything you can about how to find the job you want and successfully attain it. The event includes workshops on a wide range of topics as well as opportunities to network with alumni and potential employers and attain tips, information and potential job leads. Check out the video of the Humanities Career Event 2017! <!--cke_bookmark_8860s--& amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;<!-- cke_bookmark_8860e--> Admission and application 9

Do you want to apply for this master s programme at Leiden University? Please check our admission and application information. Admission requirements Required documents Application and deadlines Tuition fees Admission requirements On this page you will find the admission requirements for this programme. Diploma requirements A bachelor s degree from a university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic bachelor s degree, or demonstrate to meet the requirements for such a degree, including the General Academic Skills. A bachelor s degree in Islamic Studies, Islamic Law, Islamic History, Islamic Theology; or a bachelor s degree in one of the major languages current in the Muslim world, with at least 30 credits of Islam-related subjects in the curriculum; or a bachelor s degree in World Religions with a specialisation in Islam or an equivalent bachelor s degree with a relevant disciplinary specialisation or minor (Islamic Studies, Islamic Law, Islamic History, Islamic Theology) of at least 30 credits. Students who have a Bachelor s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from Leiden University with a specialisation in Arabic Language and Culture, Modern Middle East Studies, Persian Language and Culture, or Turkish Language and Culture are always eligible for admission and only need to apply through Studielink. All others need to submit an online application. If you have an academic bachelor s degree from a research university you will be admitted after completing a pre-master s programme of 30 EC. 10

If you have a relevant bachelor s degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO) you will be admitted after completing the pre-master s programme of 60 EC.. Language requirements An adequate proficiency in reading one of the major languages current in the Muslim world (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: reading B2). Sufficient command of English (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100 (internet-based) or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE). Exams accepted IELTS: academic test only TOEFL Cambridge English Exam Cambridge English Exam equivalences Programme requiring IELTS 6.5 = Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), with a minimum grade of C Programme requiring IELTS 7.0 or higher = Cambridge Proficiency (CPE) Other exam criteria Exam results may not be more than two years old. Institutional exams, such as ITP-TOEFL, cannot be accepted. Chinese students who need a Nuffic certificate should take either an IELTS or a TOEFL IBT exam. Exemptions You may be considered exempt from submitting one of the above-mentioned English exam results if: 11

You have an (English-taught) International Baccalaureate. You completed your secondary or higher education in the USA, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia or Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada). At the discretion of the Board of Admissions, you are a Dutch student with preuniversity education (VWO) level English. In exceptional cases, students who otherwise qualify for an exemption but whose application documents cast doubt on their English proficiency may be asked to sit an English exam. Submitting your exam results All English exam results must be uploaded to the online application system. Your English exam results must be checked for authenticity by the Admissions Office before the deadline for applying for a visa/residence permit (if applicable), or before the start date of your programme. To make this possible, please do the following: TOEFL exam: tell ETS to send your original results report to Leiden University Admissions Office institution code 0504. Cambridge certificate: send your ID number and your secret number (check the Candidate Results Online service) to the Leiden University Admissions Office. IELTS: a scanned exam result is sufficient - no further steps will be required. Required documents Along with your application, you will need to submit the documents below. Required application documents Please upload a copy of the passport page(s) with your personal details and photograph. If you come from the EU/EER, you may also send a copy of your identity card. 12

If you are already staying in the Netherlands with a Dutch residence permit for study or for another purpose, please upload a copy of both sides of your Dutch residence permit. Your CV must be written in English. Other than this, no standardised format or template is required. Your CV should clearly outline your educational and professional history up until the present date, as well as basic personal facts. A personal statement must be submitted explaining why you want to follow the programme, why you have chosen to do so at Leiden University, and what makes you think you are a good candidate. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words. Digital copies are required initially. Once you have been admitted, we will tell you how to submit certified copies to the Admissions Office. Documents must be in the original language and accompanied by official translations if they are not in English, Dutch, German or French. If you have not yet completed your study programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date. If you are applying for an LLM Advanced Studies programme: all documents must be available in English (or translated into English). You can apply to a programme before you obtain the results of your language exam (if you already have your results you can upload them directly in our online portal). If you are admitted, it will be on the condition that these results will meet the required levels specified. Always check first if your programme requires you to send in letters of recommendation. If you need to submit more than one letter, at least one letter must be from an academic staff member. The letter must be printed on letterhead paper, signed and bearing the full contact details of the referee (for verification purposes). Your referee should describe your skills, qualities and competencies. 13

Recommendation letters - submission information Letters of recommendation can be scanned and uploaded as part of your online application. Alternatively, your referee can send them directly to us, making sure your name and application number are clearly indicated. By post: Leiden University Admissions Office Gravensteen Pieterskerkhof 6 2311 SR Leiden The Netherlands Digitally via our contact form Additionally please complete the attached format and upload this in your application. Questions? If you have any further questions, you can look them up at the Student FAQ page. Application and deadlines The application procedure consists of three steps. If your Leiden University bachelor s degree grants you automatic admission you can register directly in Studielink. Studielink will be open for applications from 1 October. Learn more about registering in Studielink. 14

If your diploma doesn t grant you automatic admission to the programme, you will need to submit an online application. Application deadlines Starting in September If you need a visa, residence permit or accommodation via the Leiden University Housing Office, the deadline is 1 April 2018. If you do not need a visa, residence permit or accommodation via the Leiden University Housing Office, the deadline is 15 June 2018. Starting in February If you need a visa, residence permit or accommodation via the Leiden University Housing Office, the deadline is 15 October 2017. If you do not need a visa, residence permit or accommodation via the Leiden University Housing Office, the deadline is 1 December 2017. Apply early! If you are required to take an additional entrance exam or submit additional documentation, you should apply as early as possible. If you apply at the last minute, you risk missing deadlines, such as those for accommodation or visa applications. Late applications will only be considered in exceptional cases, and at the discretion of the faculty Board of Admissions. Pre-master s If you have a relevant bachelor s degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO) you will be admitted after completing the pre-master s programme. This one-year programme of 60 EC is taught in English. If you have an academic bachelor s degree from a research university you will be admitted after completing a pre-master s programme. 15

This one-year programme of 30 EC is taught in English. More details For more information, see the e-prospectus. Tuition fees The tuition fee for a programme depends on a number of factors. Your nationality, study programme and previous Dutch higher education qualifications determine the tuition fees you are required to pay. The tuition fees for the academic year 2017-2018 are: Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: 2,006 per year Non-EU/EEA students 16,600 per year Second Dutch master s programme: 14,900 per year More information about tuition fees The tuition fee for this programme is 2,006 for the academic year 2017-2018 (statutory fee). This tuition fee applies if this is not your second master s programme and you are a national of the Netherlands, or one of the following countries: Austria Latvia Belgium Liechtenstein Bulgaria Lithuania Croatia Luxembourg 16

Cyprus Malta Czech Republic Norway Denmark Poland Estonia Portugal Finland Romania France Slovakia Germany Slovenia Greece Spain Hungary Suriname Iceland Sweden Ireland Switzerland Italy United Kingdom The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study. The tuition fee for this programme is 16,600 for the academic year 2017-2018 (institutional tuition fee). 17

If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland you must generally pay an institutional tuition fee. However if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO), you are entitled to pay a statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found in the DUO nationality chart. This fee applies for both full and part-time study. Please note: If you study at Leiden University via a cooperation agreement the fees stated in the agreement apply. The tuition fee for this programme is 14,900 for the academic year 2017-2018 (institutional tuition fee). If you would like to enroll in a second Dutch master s programme, you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This tuition fee also applies if you obtained a Dutch Bachelor s, doctoraal, ingenieurs or HBO (Bachelor s in professional education) diploma after 1991, and you are a national of the Netherlands or another EEA country: Austria Latvia Belgium Liechtenstein Bulgaria Lithuania Croatia Luxembourg Cyprus Malta Czech Republic Norway 18

Denmark Poland Estonia Portugal Finland Romania France Slovakia Germany Slovenia Greece Spain Hungary Suriname Iceland Sweden Ireland Switzerland Italy United Kingdom Exceptions Did you commence a bachelor s programme at Leiden University before 2010, and will you continue directly onto a second master s programme in the year you complete your bachelor s programme, or during the following year? If so, you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee in accordance with a transitional ruling (also see Exceptions ). Please note! Other fees apply for students who are not nationals of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland. Please refer to the information in the section Non-EU/EEA nationals. 19

Are you unsure whether you have to pay a statutory tuition fee or an institutional fee? Consult our tuition fee flowchart for second master s programmes. EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree programme. If your second degree programme is in the field of healthcare or teacher training you are entitled to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee. If you begin your second bachelor s or master s programme whilst you are still studying your first bachelor's or master s programme you may pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for your second degree programme on condition that you remain continuously registered as a student. If you start a second bachelor s or master's programme at Leiden University in the academic year directly following the year in which you obtained your first bachelor s or master's degree at Leiden University you may pay institutional tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee. Less than 45 EC If you plan to study a pre-master or conversion programme after completing a bachelor s programme, you must pay 33,- per study credit (EC) if the programme is less than 45 ECs. 45 EC or more For programmes of more than 45 ECs you must pay the statutory tuition fee. If the premaster or conversion programme is more than 60 ECs and therefore longer than one year or if you will study courses that are not part of your conversion programme, you must pay the institutional tuition fee for the programme in question (see Second Dutch master s programme ). These fees apply to students of all nationalities. 20

Student life Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden. Life in Leiden Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train. Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities. Welcome and orientation programme In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students. Study associations Leiden University s Faculty of Humanities has a number of study associations run by students and related to a particular department or programme. Study associations organise social activities such as informal gatherings, sports events, and parties, as well as studyrelated activities such as excursions and study trips. The study association related to Islamic Studies is association via tfls@tfls.nl. International Student Associations TFLS. You may contact the study 21

Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are: International Student Network (ISN) ISN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university. AEGEE Leiden AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures. For an overview of all of our student associations, please visit our Student assocations page. Humanities Master s Buddy Programme The Humanities Master s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. Through the programme you will learn everything you need to know about the university, the student community, and the practical side of life in Leiden. Information activities Come and meet us at the Leiden University Master s Open Day! About our Master s Open Day Are you thinking about joining a master s programme at Leiden University? Come and visit our Master s Open Day! This event is your opportunity to learn everything you need to know about our master s programmes and how they can help you reach your goals. Attend presentations, meet our lecturers, learn about the careers of our alumni and hear first-hand the experiences of students and graduates on life at Leiden University. 22

Jelle and Rick: The main reasons we re visiting the Master s Open Day is to talk to students and recent alumni. The website gives you a lot of information, but talking to students gives us a much better idea of what it s really like to study this degree. 23

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Sophie: I came to the Master s Day because I have some questions that I couldn t find answers to via the site. In my bachelor s I am already specialising in North America, so this master s is a good match. And next year, in the first semester, I ll be going to Boston! 25

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Luuk: Today I want to find out what it s like to be doing a master s, and what the real focus of the programme is. I ve just been looking at International Relations, because I really like the dynamics of the programme. It focuses on current events, and I m particularly impressed with the international aspects of the master s, which I feel give it more weight. 27

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Nino and Elias: Nino: I m now doing a bachelor s in Assyriology, and I may want to do a master s in it too. We ve heard that studying here is real fun. We re from Italy but we love Holland and the Dutch. 29

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Dennis: Studying: pre-master s in Dutch Literature (Vrije Universiteit), master s in Philosophy (University of Amsterdam) Interested in: Literary Studies, Dutch Studies, Comparative Literature and Literary Theory Contact If you have a question, there are various ways to get in touch with us. The website and our Frequently Asked Questions are the quickest ways to find an answer to your questions. Questions about the Programme Coordinator of studies Ms. Nicole van Os Phone: +31 (0)71 527 29 37 Email: stucovrieshof@hum.leidenuniv.nl Questions about the application procedure Student Affairs Front Office Phone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11 Email: Contact form Or visit their website Visiting address Leiden: Plexus Student Centre Kaiserstraat 25, ground floor 2311 GN Leiden Monday till Friday between 11.00 and 16.00, Tuesday 11.00 to 21.00. To keep up to date with Middle Eastern Studies at Leiden University, check Leiden University Centre for the Study of Islam and Society (LUCIS) on Facebook. 31