The paper titled "The Role of Islamic Culture Courses in Maintaining the Islamic Identity: Case Study of Faculty of Languages and Translation Female Students at King Khalid University" focuses on investigating the impact of Islamic culture courses on maintaining and strengthening the Islamic identity among female students in the English department at King Khalid University. The study aims to explore the extent to which these courses achieve their intended objectives, particularly in fostering a strong sense of Islamic identity in the face of globalization and exposure to non-Islamic cultures.
The study's purpose is to assess whether Islamic culture courses provide sufficient religious and intellectual immunity to students, enabling them to preserve their Islamic identity while engaging with the English language and its associated cultural elements. The research specifically examines the content and effectiveness of these courses in reinforcing religious values and preparing students to apply their knowledge in areas such as religious translation and Da'wah (calling to Islam).
The methodology employed in this research is both quantitative and qualitative. An online survey, consisting of closed-ended and open-ended questions, was administered to 112 female students aged 18-22 who had completed their Islamic culture courses. The survey was designed to gather data on students' perceptions of the courses' effectiveness in reinforcing their Islamic identity and preparing them for intellectual challenges. The study also included an analysis of the courses' specifications to determine the presence of identity-enhancing terms and to suggest improvements.
Key findings of the study reveal that the Islamic culture courses significantly contribute to reinforcing students' Islamic identity. The majority of students reported that these courses helped them consolidate their correct belief in Islam, strengthen their relationship with God, and enhance their ability to engage in intellectual discourse. However, the study also identified a need for updating the courses' content to address contemporary intellectual developments more effectively. For instance, while the courses cover topics such as nationalism and orientalism, they could benefit from incorporating discussions on more current global issues.
The study concludes that Islamic culture courses play a crucial role in maintaining the Islamic identity of female students in the English department at King Khalid University. The researchers recommend updating the courses' content to better align with current intellectual challenges and to further strengthen students' ability to apply their knowledge in religious contexts. These enhancements are seen as vital for ensuring that the courses continue to provide robust religious and intellectual immunity in an increasingly globalized world.