Saudi Gazette RIYADH — Qassim University announced that it is redrafting its curriculum for Islamic Studies to ensure ethical, intellectual and religious balance. The new curriculum will emphasize the moderate tone of Islam. It will also ensure that students have the necessary knowledge and skills to serve their religion and country. The curriculum will build students' character and personality by teaching them the importance and ethics of knowledge. Students will cultivate critical thinking and other intellectual skills. The university believes that students should have the skills and abilities to deal with modern issues facing the Kingdom and its youth in particular. Students must have intellectual immunity against intrusive and radical ideologies that stand against the values of Saudi society and its Islamic principles. Qassim University Prof. Abdulrahman Al-Dawid said that redrafting the curriculum of Islamic Studies is one of the most important projects undertaken by the university. "University students are the future of the country. They are in need of the kind of guidance and education that are in sync with their generation and time. The university will consult all people qualified to contribute to the project," said Al-Dawid. There are 35 programs and degrees in various specializations offered by 10 colleges at the university. These include the College of Islamic Law and Islamic Studies, College of Medicine, College of Education, College of Economics and Business Administration, College of Arabic and Social Studies, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, College of Science, College of Design and Home Economics, College of Engineering, and College of Computer Science. There are other programs under evaluation and revision by the Programs Evaluation Committee of graduate studies at the University. Council of Qassim University recently agreed to open four graduate programs at the university in Master of law, Master of Civil Engineering, Master of Electrical Engineering, and Master of Mechanical Engineering. Qassim University was established in 2004 by merging two Qassim branches of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and King Saud University.
