![Center for Islam in the Contemporary World (CICW) at Shenandoah University](http://xdvq.babytripster.com/academics/files/2023/02/IMG-5406-1.jpg)
About CICW
The Center for Islam in the Contemporary World (CICW) at Shenandoah University is an academic center engaged in research, teaching, training, and outreach on issues related to Islam and Muslims in contemporary contexts. CICW utilizes interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary approaches from diverse academic specializations. It is involved in education and outreach, connecting Shenandoah University to local, national, and global Muslim communities. CICW is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), tax-exempt private foundation.
Why CICW?
There is an ever increasing need to understand the global interconnectedness of the world we share. As the second largest religion in the world, Islam occupies an important place in the global landscape of religions, cultures, and societies. CICW contributes to Shenandoah University by connecting SU’s global orientation to the rich tapestry of contemporary Muslim cultures and societies.
![Center for Islam in the Contemporary World (CICW) at Shenandoah University](http://xdvq.babytripster.com/academics/files/2023/02/GAIS-2-1.jpg)
![Mission & Values](http://xdvq.babytripster.com/academics/files/2020/07/mission-values-1.jpg)
Mission & Vision
Mission
Engage in rigorous and innovative research, education, and outreach to advance a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in diverse, global, and contemporary contexts; facilitate collaborations between Shenandoah University and international universities; develop training programs for teachers and religious leaders in multi-faith contexts; host seminars and lectures on theological and cultural challenges facing Muslims today.
Vision
A globally-recognized center for research and education leading to an enriched understanding of Islamic values and perspectives in a multi-faith world.
CICW Research
Research seminars and workshops
CICW brings together leading scholars to discuss and debate various issues of importance to contemporary Islamic thought and practice
Fellowships
CICW offers research and post-doctoral fellowships to scholars at various stages in their career, to further research in contemporary Islam
Research grants
These grants are available to SU and non-SU faculty to conduct research in the areas of CICW’s academic interest
![Research - Sarajevo](http://xdvq.babytripster.com/academics/files/2023/03/Sarajevo-1.jpg)
![Younus Mirza, left, receives award from SU president, Tracy Fitzsimmons](http://xdvq.babytripster.com/academics/files/2023/02/Younus-1.jpeg)
Teaching
Summer and winter student programs
Provide instruction by leading scholars in Islamic and interfaith studies
Teacher training workshops
Equip Islamic school and K-12 social studies teachers with pedagogical tools to enrich their educational outcomes
Course and curriculum development for SU faculty
Help faculty develop new courses and enrich existing courses in the areas of contemporary Islam and interfaith studies
Offering courses on contemporary Islam at SU
Teach courses on contemporary Islam and interfaith engagement
Outreach
Global outreach and collaboration
Establish educational collaboration and faculty/student exchanges with universities around the world
Student recruitment and retention
Recruit students from Muslim societies and provide them a nurturing environment
Lecture series
Bring prominent scholars to speak on important issues in contemporary Islam
Faculty development workshops
Provide pedagogical skills for teaching contemporary Islam
![Outreach image](http://xdvq.babytripster.com/academics/files/2023/02/outreach-1.jpg)
![Sinanov](http://xdvq.babytripster.com/academics/files/2019/01/20190118-2019-01-18-12.47.06-2.jpg)
Contact Us
Ermin Sinanović
Executive Director of the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World (CICW) at Shenandoah University
Center for Islam in the Contemporary World (CICW)
540-545-7219
cicw@babytripster.com
44160 Scholar Plaza Suite 100
Leesburg, Virginia 20176