Students in this field will specialize in the texts, traditions, and critical analysis of Islamic society and culture from the medieval (6th century) to the modern era. This field is devoted, but not limited to, the study of Islamic beliefs and practices within the cultural and historical context of the Middle East and South and Central Asia.

Students interested in the study of Islam and ethics, or Islam in the US and North America (i.e. from a contemporary perspective) will find intersections with the Department of Religious Studies' track in Religion and Critical Thought; those interested in comparative study between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism will find intersections with the track in Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean; and those interested in South and Central Asia will find intersections with the Asian Religious Traditions track.

Graduate students in Islam, Society and Culture will also benefit from the expertise of Brown faculty in several related departments and programs at the University, including Middle East Studies, History, Anthropology, Comparative Literature, and South Asian Studies.

Successful applicants to the doctoral program in ISC ordinarily posses an M.A. or the equivalent in a related field of study. At least two years of a core language such as Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Urdu, etc., is recommended, and excellent command of English, both spoken and written, is required. Though prior language training is an important factor taken into consideration in the admissions decision, language requirements can also be met at Brown, including Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, Turkish, and Hindi-Urdu.