Master of Arts in Polemics & Apologetics to Islam
MAPI Program Brochure
The Master of Arts in Polemics & Apologetics to Islam (for Christians only) is a 36-unit graduate degree designed to be completed in 2-years (24 months) of full-time study (9 units per term). This unique program examines and critically assesses the origins, basic doctrines, and practices of Islam, including its beliefs about Christianity, the Bible and Christ. Additional emphasis will be placed on equipping students in special polemics and apologetics to engage with Islam, as well as evaluating various methods employed by Christians when engaging with Muslims.
This program may be fulfilled entirely through distance learning without a residency requirement, having 6-years to complete the course of study. For those who would desire to attend a residential course may do so, simply check the semester course schedule for dates and times. Residential courses will also be offered in 6-day intensive modules that meet on a specific week Monday through Friday in the evening and all-day Saturday. Following the one-week lecture period, there will be 14 additional weeks to complete coursework through the VIU Populi learning management system.
Student Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course of study the student will be able to:
- Understand the origins, basic doctrines, and practices of Islam, including its beliefs about Christianity;
- Defend their Christian Faith when engaging with Muslims;
- Explain the two foundations of Islam, the Qur’an and Muhammad;
- Introduce and assess some of the methods employed by Christians engaging with Muslims.
Program Prerequisites
- RW499 Research Methods & Technology Skills (P/F)
- Undergraduate logic course or PH510 Logic
If the above prerequisites are not meet prior to applying for the program, students may still be admitted and complete them concurrently with their pursuit of the degree.
Program Faculty
Among the faculty are some of the most distinguished and recognizable evangelical scholars in this field of study. With many years of experience, ministry, engagement, public debate, research and publishing, each student will be exposed to the latest research materials. Program director, Dr. Jay Smith, has assembled a motivated faculty for this unique degree program which includes those involved in the recent research of the rare Quranic manuscripts. They include recognizable evangelical scholars in this field of study such as Dr. Daniel Janosik, Dr. Daniel Brubaker, Dr. Sasan Tavassoli, and Professor Al Fadi. Students in this course of study should be highly motivated researchers and possess a love for truth and people.
Personal Enrichment Option
For those with no desire to take courses for credit as MAPI students or Audit students, the Islamic Studies courses are available in the Personal Enrichment format. Personal Enrichment students pay a minimal fee to have access to the lecture content presented in the Islamic Studies courses. Personal Enrichment students will not have access to the online course page or any other course materials. Please visit this link to browse our offerings of courses available for Personal Enrichment: Islamic Studies Personal Enrichment Courses*
| Master of Arts in Polemics & Apologetics to Islam (MAPI) | |
| Core Requirements – 6 units | |
| RW499 Research Methods and Technology Skills (P/F) | CM503 Church/Mission Experience III (P/F) |
| TH530 Prolegomena & Bibliology (3) | Prerequisite: Undergraduate Logic or PH510 Logic (3) |
| TH540 Theology Proper & Creation (3) | |
| CM501 Church/Mission Experience I (P/F) | |
| CM502 Church/Mission Experience II (P/F) | |
| Major Requirements – 30 units | |
| IS501 Introduction to Islam in the 21st Century (3) | IS506 Assessment of the Qur’an (3) |
| IS502 Deen (Practices) & Iman (Beliefs) (3) | IS507 Apologetics and Polemics to Islam (3) |
| IS503 Assessment of Muhammad (3) | IS508 Responding to Islamic Christology (3) |
| IS504 Historical Assessment of Islam’s beginnings (3) | IS509 Responding to Islamic Bibliology (3) |
| IS505 History of Islam (3) | IS510 Methodology of Ministry to Muslims (3) |
| Complete Comprehensive Exam – Pass/Fail | |
| Total Semester Hours: 36 |
| Program Sequence | |
| Year One | |
| Fall 1 Distance | IS501 Introduction to Islam in the 21st Cent (3) |
| Fall 2 Distance | IS502 Deen (Practices) & Iman (Beliefs) (3) |
| Fall Residential Module (15-weeks) | IS504 Historical Assessment of Islam’s beginnings (3) |
| Spring 1 Distance | IS503 Assessment of Muhammad (3) |
| Spring 2 Distance | IS507 Apologetics and Polemics to Islam (3) |
| Spring Residential Module (15-weeks) | IS506 Historical Assessment of the Qur’an (3) |
| Summer Distance | IS505 History of Islam (3) |
| Summer Term Res | IS508 Responding to Islamic Christology (3) |
| Year Two | |
| Fall 1 Distance | IS509 Responding to Islamic Bibliology (3) |
| Fall 2 Distance | IS510 Methodology of Ministry to Muslims (3) |
| Fall Residential Module (15-weeks) | IS504 Historical Assessment of Islam’s beginnings (3) |
| Spring 1 Distance | IS501 Introduction to Islam in the 21st Cent (3) |
| Spring 2 Distance | IS502 Deen (Practices) & Iman (Beliefs) (3) |
| Spring Residential Module (15-weeks) | IS506 Historical Assessment of the Qur’an (3) |
| Summer Term Distance | IS505 History of Islam (3) |
| Summer Residential Module (15-weeks) | IS507 Apologetics and Polemics to Islam (3) |