Program Vision
To serve as a leading center of excellence in Christian–Muslim dialogue, promoting intellectual leadership and reconciliation rooted in the Eastern Orthodox tradition of philoxenia (hospitality) and Jordan’s legacy of moderation.
The program envisions a transformative “dialogue of life,” where rigorous academic study informs practical engagement, fostering social cohesion and sustainable peace in the Middle East and beyond.
Program Mission
The program provides a rigorous interdisciplinary education in the theological, historical, and socio- political dimensions of Christianity and Islam. By integrating the study of sacred texts with the analysis of religion, state, and society, it prepares graduates to address contemporary challenges through informed dialogue, critical inquiry, and mutual respect.
It equips a diverse body of students—including clergy, educators, and civil society professionals—with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools required to lead meaningful interfaith engagement and contribute to peaceful coexistence at local and global levels.
Program General Description
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Christian–Islamic Dialogue is an advanced academic program situated in the unique religious and cultural context of Jordan and the Levant. Rooted in the Orthodox tradition of philoxenia, the program combines rigorous textual study of the Bible and the Qur’an with contemporary socio-political analysis.
Students examine the historical development, interpretation, and interaction of Christian and Islamic traditions, alongside the legal, cultural, and institutional frameworks that shape coexistence in the Middle East. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical competencies in dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution.
The program culminates in a research-based master’s thesis, enabling students to demonstrate independent scholarship and contribute to the field of interfaith studies. Graduates are prepared for roles in academia, diplomacy, education, and community leadership, equipped to foster constructive engagement in diverse and pluralistic societies.
Program Objectives
Objective 1:
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the foundational beliefs, scriptures, and interpretative traditions of Christianity and Islam.
Objective 2:
Examine the interaction between religion, state, and society within Jordan and beyond.
Objective 3:
Equip students with theoretical frameworks and practical methods for effective interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution.
Objective 4:
Apply religious ethics and critical analysis to address issues such as extremism, human rights, and social justice.
Objective 5:
Develop advanced research skills culminating in a master’s thesis that contributes to interfaith and regional studies.
Objective 6:
Prepare graduates for leadership roles in diplomacy, education, and civil society as facilitators of dialogue and peacebuilding.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
• PLO 1: Demonstrate advanced understanding of Christian and Islamic theology, including the interpretation and reception of the Bible and the Qur’an.
• PLO 2: Analyze the relationship between religion, state, and society within the legal and cultural context of Jordan and beyond.
• PLO 3: Evaluate the historical development and theoretical foundations of interfaith dialogue and religious coexistence.
Skills
• PLO 4: Apply comparative and interdisciplinary approaches to address contemporary social and ethical challenges.
• PLO 5: Demonstrate effective communication and mediation skills in interreligious and intercultural contexts.
• PLO 6: Conduct independent academic research using appropriate methodologies in the humanities and social sciences.
Competencies
• PLO 7: Lead initiatives that promote dialogue, social cohesion, and religious pluralism in diverse environments.
• PLO 8: Formulate informed recommendations for policymakers, educators, and religious leaders on issues of religion and society.
• PLO 9: Demonstrate ethical responsibility, professional integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning in the field of interfaith engagement.
Module Delivery Methods
Modules are delivered through various learning formats:
• F2F (Face-to-Face): Classroom-based instruction conducted on campus.
• Online:
o Synchronous: Real-time interaction with instructors via platforms such as Zoom.
o Asynchronous: Structured, instructor-guided activities and assignments delivered via platforms such as Moodle.
• Hybrid: A combination of face-to-face instruction and online learning (synchronous and/or asynchronous). Students are typically required to attend on-campus sessions for at least one week per semester.
• HyFlex (Hybrid-Flexible): A fully flexible model combining face-to-face, synchronous online, and asynchronous learning, allowing students to participate either on campus or remotely in real time.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a grade of no less than “Good” (or its equivalent). In addition, applicants must demonstrate upper-intermediate proficiency in English (CEFR level B2 or equivalent).
Degree Requirements
To be awarded the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Christian-Muslim Dialogue, students must:
• Successfully complete coursework totaling a minimum of 24 credit hours, and
• Submit and defend a master’s thesis (9 credit hours) in accordance with institutional academic standards.
Students who do not complete the thesis requirement may be eligible for the Higher Diploma in Orthodox Canon Law upon successful completion of 24 credit hours of coursework.
I. Framework for Master of Art in Christian-Muslim Interfaith Dialogue (33 Credit Hours/70 ECTS)
Classification | Credit Hours |
Compulsory Modules | 24 |
Elective Modules | – |
Thesis | 9 |
Total | 33 |
Module Delivery Method | Credit Hours | Percentage |
Face-to-face | – | – |
Online |
|
|
Hybrid |
|
|
Hybrid-Flexible |
|
|
Total |
| 100% |
Curriculum (Credit Hours)
Compulsory Modules (24 Credit Hours)
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Introduction to Christianity | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Introduction to Islam | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religion and International Relations | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Christian and Muslim Religious Thought | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religion, State, and Society | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History and Milestones of Interfaith Dialogue | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Methods and Principles of Interfaith Dialogue | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Approaches to Contemporary Challenges | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 24 |
| ||
Elective Modules (0 Credit Hours)
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
– | – | – | – | – |
Minimum Required | – |
| ||
Thesis (9 Credit Hours)
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Thesis I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 9 |
| ||
X. Study Plan Guide for Master of Arts in Master of Art in Christian-Muslim Interfaith Dialogue (33 Credit Hours)
First Year
First Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Introduction to Christianity | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Introduction to Islam | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religion and International Relations | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 9 |
| ||
Second Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Christian and Muslim Religious Thought | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religion, State, and Society | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 9 |
| ||
Second Year
First Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| History and Milestones of Interfaith Dialogue | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Methods and Principles of Interfaith Dialogue | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 9 |
| ||
Second Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Approaches to Contemporary Challenges | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis III | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 6 |
| ||
Modules Description
Introduction to Christianity (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Provides an overview of Christian doctrine, liturgy, and history, with particular emphasis on Eastern Orthodox ecclesiology. Students examine the Ecumenical Councils, the theology of icons, and the historical presence of Orthodox Christianity in the Middle East.
Introduction to Islam (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Introduces the foundations of Islam, including its core beliefs, practices, and historical development. The course covers the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the Five Pillars, and major schools of Islamic jurisprudence and theology.
Religion and International Relations (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Examines the role of religion in global politics and diplomacy. Students analyze how religious identities, institutions, and ideologies influence international relations, conflict, and peacebuilding efforts.
Christian and Muslim Religious Thought (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Explores key theological concepts and intellectual traditions within Christianity and Islam. Students engage in comparative analysis of doctrines, ethical frameworks, and approaches to scripture and authority.
History and Milestones of Interfaith Dialogue (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Surveys major historical encounters between Christians and Muslims, highlighting significant moments of dialogue, cooperation, and coexistence from early Islamic-Christian interactions to contemporary initiatives.
Religion, State, and Society (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Analyzes the interaction between religion, legal systems, and social structures in the Middle East. Topics include citizenship, religious freedom, and the role of faith in modern nation-states.
Methods and Principles of Interfaith Dialogue (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Introduces theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to interfaith engagement. Students develop skills in dialogue facilitation, mediation, and constructive communication across religious boundaries.
Approaches to Contemporary Challenges (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Applies interdisciplinary perspectives to current global issues such as extremism, human rights, environmental ethics, and social justice, using insights from both Christian and Islamic traditions.
Thesis (9 Credit Hours/30 ECTS)
Requires independent research on a specialized topic in Christian-Muslim relations. Students demonstrate methodological rigor, critical analysis, and original contribution to the field.
