Islamic religion and culture

Electing this as an examination field involves developing (1) a general, synoptic grasp of the broad history of Islamic religion and culture with (2) a focus on two or three selected topical foci within that history, e.g., Qur'an and exegesis, Hadith studies, Sufism, law, reform, ritual and practice, theological developments, education, religion and politics, or religious institutions and ideas in a particular period and region. It is expected that anyone focusing on Islamic religion will at a minimum do one field in Arabic language and literature (above) and complete course work through the advanced level as specified there. In addition, two or more years of work in a second Islamic language and a minimum of five further courses in Islamic religion, history, literature, culture, art history, etc. is normally expected. These will come primarily from NELC, History, and History of Art and Architecture and Study of Religion, but there are often courses in other departments (e.g., Anthropology, Sanskrit and Indian Studies) or other faculties (e.g., Divinity or Law) that may be counted. Every student's precise curriculum in Islamic religion and culture is to be worked out with his or her adviser.

from
http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~nelc/arab_islam.html