The Islamic University was founded in Kushtia in 1979 and the Department of Islamic History and Culture came into being in 1991. With the passage of time, three year Honours course was introduced in this Department in 1990-1991. Changes took place in academic and extra-academic activities to face the need of the time. Integrated course system was also introduced since 1990-1991 session. Thereafter in 1997-1998 four year Honours course was introduced. Later on it was modified and grading system was introduced at the Honours and Masters levels since 2001-2002 sessions. Eventually semester system has been introduced both at the Honours and Masters Level from the session 2017- 2018.
Throughout the period the Department was enriched with its academic staff. The quality of a Department is evaluated through its teaching capacity and research progress. In this context the role of the Department is appreciable. The former students of the Department have established themselves in various fields with reputation. The trend is still in force. A good number of M.Phil and Ph.D students have been awarded degrees as a result of strict and close supervision of the respective teachers of the Department.
Every year the students of B.A (Honours) and M.A students used to pay a visit to the historical sites of the country. The Department has got a Seminar library with more than 4000 thousand local and foreign books excluding research journals and periodicals. The students of Department use the Seminar Library for gathering subject oriented knowledge. In addition, workshop, national and international seminars take place almost every year. In addition, a modern computer lab has been set up in the Department. Internet connection has also been taken from the computer centre of the University. It contributes to enhance curricular and extra-curricular knowledge of the students and teachers.
The successful event of fulfilling 25 years and in this context, formation of the Alumni association and its conference in 2017 bears the testimony of gradual and on going development of the Department. The event was no doubt extremely dignified and joyful to all teachers including Alumni, officers and officials as well as to all the students of the Department.
Mission of the Department
In the words of the late Canadian historian Herbert Norman,"History is the discipline that makes the whole world kin and is for humanity what memory is for the individual."Studying history is important because it allows us to understand our past, which in turn allows understand our present. Studying can provide us with insight into our cultures with which we might be less familiar, thereby increasing cross- cultural awareness and understanding.
The mission of the Department is to develop human resources exploring fullest potential capability and intellectual ability. This needs to enhance the cultural, ethical, religious and social values of the students towards building better life and prosperous nation. The teachers of the Department are fully aware of it and they keep themselves busy with the fulfillment of the motive. Hence the academic programmes of the Department relate to make the student.
Good citizens with enlightened careers, sophisticated customs and manners;
Capable enough to contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country for its world-wide identity;
Competent enough to cope themselves with the changing global perspective;
Fully conscious about the history and culture of the country in particular and the world in general.
Facilities of the Department
Seminar Library
In addition to the University Central Library, there is a Seminar Library in this Department. It is very rich. A good number of Text books, important reading books, Daily News Papers and related Journals are available there for the students and teachers. A Seminar Librarian looks after it.
Computer Lab
The Department has recently established a computer Lab with internet facilities keeping in purview the aim of making the students knowledgeable about the use of computer and modern information technology.
Counseling
The Departmental teachers are always co-operative and sincere towards solving the problems of the students regarding academic and extra-academic activities through counseling. This provides with students extra knowledge and guidance outside the classroom. It also helps to develop reciprocal teacher-student relationship and sound academic atmosphere in the Department.
Extra Curricular Activities
Alumni Association
The Department has an Alumni Association. The Alumni Association has been established in 2017 and it is called Islamic History Alumni Association. A committee of 20 members has been formed for enhancing its quantitative and qualitative development.
Study Tour
The Department arranges study tour in historical places annually for the Masters students in Bangladesh and sometimes beyond it i.e., in India. The students of fourth year Honours course used to pay a visit to historical and archaeological sites of the Country. The Departmental teachers generally help the students in this regard.
Annul Picnic
The Department helps to organize picnic annually for both the Honours and Masters students. Interested students generally take part in the picnic. These are supervised by a number of respective teachers. This trend helps to develop social bondage and personal attachment of the students. Generally historical sites of the country are selected for the same. This also helps to build up close relationship of teachers and students.
Sports and Cultural Programme
Sports and Cultural Programme fall within the context of extra curricula activities in the University platform. No Department can ignore it. The Department of Islamic History and Culture is not an exception. The students of this Department take part in the inter-hall and inter-university sports competition every year organized by the Physical Education Department. Showing the ability and success in a number of items the participants of the Department by this time have got some soccer and this has enhanced the prestige of Department.
Graduate Profile
It is imperative that the BA (Honours) students ought to acquire the following skills:
Basic and specialized knowledge : Basic and specialized knowledge in Islamic History and Culture covering Mediaeval and Modern history of the Middle East, India, Spain, Egypt, Afghanistan, Bengal including the administrative, socio-economic, intellectual and cultural aspects plus Art and Archaeological themes are ought to learn.
Intellectual Skills: Research bent mind, intellectual skills, curiosity and questioning mind are the most important aspects of higher education. It develops among the students gradually through learning history. History also makes a man perfect and informative. Intellectuality develops through learning history.
Linguistic Skills: To acquire good knowledge in history linguistic skill is essential for its in-depth study. Original sources of Islamic History and Culture till today are available in Arabic, English, French and German languages. Hence the students ought to acquire knowledge in different languages.
Communicative Skills: Expression ability of ideas and subject oriented knowledge and beyond it is essential for advantageous position in the competitive job markets. The students are instructed to fit in the way.
IT Skills: Quality education lies not only in gathering subject oriented knowledge, but also providing themselves with IT skills for interaction on a global stage, where IT is increasingly considered as an effective and convenient means of communication. So, it is important for the students to have the ability to use modern technology for their easy access to have any sorts of information and its proper explanation.
Interpersonal and teambuilding Skills: It relates to have respect for other individuals and groups including appreciation of human values and cultural diversity. Ability to work in a team respecting and accommodating others' opinion is important in the present day global and multicultural environmental setting.
Numerical Skills: It is essential to have ability to recognize process and interpret numerical information with accuracy to face all sorts of global challenges.