American Islamic College, Newly RA And Moving Into Online

A long and complicated journey recently culminated for American Islamic College in Chicago.

The college was incorporated in 1981, opened 1983, held candidacy with the North Central Association HLC 1985 to 1989, and was closed by the state in 2004.

The college was re-opened circa 2011, achieved HLC candidacy again in 2020, and achieved regional accreditation with monitoring in February 2024.

Additionally in February the HLC granted it approved AIC's request to offer distance education courses and programs.

The college's current degree programs are a BA, MA, and MDiv in Islamic Studies; the MDiv is a Muslim chaplaincy program. It also operates an Arabic Language Institute.

@Johann, can't believe you missed the recent Zoom lecture they hosted on Fashion from an Islamic Perspective. "Fashion is an opportunity for visual expressions of creativity and caring. We should not limit ourselves to stereotypes that Islamic dress is oppressive or ‘political,'" says guest speaker, Indiana University fashion design professor Heather Akou.

 

Thanks, Jonathan. If I'd known - I'd have watched. I'm well aware of the beauty expressed in Islamic fashion. There are many Muslims in the city where I live. Well before I became an aspiring fashionista, I noticed how wonderfully many Muslim women dressed - particularly those from North Africa. They favour fabrics that are not often seen here -- metallic threads, fine embroidery and Islamic-style geometric patterns abound. Most everything looks very well-made.

Over the years, I've become very sensitive to colour choice (I think 40+ years of photography helped) and I appreciate the choices made by these women; even the simplest garments become eye-candy. There's a Syrian lady who works at the dry cleaner's I go to.

One day, I noticed she was wearing a very thick plaid women's shirt. A plain garment, appropriate for work or leisure - nothing remarkable. What set it apart was her use of colour. The shirt was in very light brown - almost beige, and light blue, on a cream background. She set it off perfectly with her hijab - in the same three matching colours, in a different pattern that "went" perfectly. Made my day!

There's a lot to be learned, about fashion and other decorative arts, from Muslim people. I'm glad they're here.

 

I have no doubt that some of the credit for this often belongs to the wearer. I'm pretty sure some of these women have excellent sewing skills.

 

I should have just said "particularly those from Africa." Several regions, many styles. I've been looking into distance fashion schools and courses in Africa --- there are lots of them.