Curriculum Committee at Department of Economics Discusses Academic Plan Development

The Curriculum and Study Plans Committee at the Department of Economics and Islamic Banking, College of Economics and Business Administration at the Islamic University of Minnesota – Main Center – held its meeting on Tuesday evening, November 18, 2025, chaired by Dr. Zaid Nawwaf Al-Duwairi, and attended by the College Vice-Dean, Dr. Manal Mohammed Mahmoud, along with committee members, to review academic updates within the department.

At the outset of the meeting, the Committee Chair welcomed the attendees, praising the efforts of previous committees and their contributions to supporting the educational process. He highlighted the committee’s pivotal role in enhancing the academic environment and advancing the university’s mission.

The meeting addressed course descriptions and mechanisms for preparing them according to accredited academic standards, in addition to discussing ways to build on the achievements of previous committees and coordinating with the Curriculum Directorate to complete the remaining descriptions for official approval.

Throughout the discussions, members stressed the importance of developing course content and academic references, underscoring the need to introduce new courses that keep pace with rapid economic changes, particularly in vital areas such as digital and shared economies, knowledge economy, green economy, climate and environmental issues, and the impacts of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on economic sciences.

The meeting also witnessed constructive proposals for updating course description templates by reviewing international models and adopting best practices, while emphasizing the integration of Islamic economic theory within curricula alongside modern courses that meet labor market demands.

In conclusion, the committee affirmed the importance of holding periodic meetings to track implementation and submit improvement suggestions, ensuring the advancement of academic plans and the achievement of optimal learning outcomes in the department.