In purpose of entry into World Academic Space, the Department actively participated in the program of the invited professors. From 2014 to 2015 at the Department taught leading experts on religious studies and Islamic studies: E. Tolstaya (discipline "Research design") Professor of the Free university Amsterdam, Bustanov A. K. (discipline "Field researches: methodology and a technique") Professor of the European University in St. Petersburg, Shakhnovich M. M. (discipline "Religious studies methodology") Professor of the St. Petersburg University, The Australian national university Professor Neil Robinson taught the courses on theme "History of the Muslim and Christian Relations", "Muslim Intellectuals of North Africa and Francophone Europe", "Koranistik", "Bible Studies".
Student of 4th course Muhammad Ali’s impression about Neal Robinson
I admire the way Professor Neal Robinson tackles his lectures and how he conveys his ideas. During the time I have known him, he presented himself as an outstanding scholar and teacher. His lectures were very insightful and motivational. There were two lectures that I was a part of; a lecture about dangerous religious ideologies and the role of studying religion to understand our world and inner self. His lecture about the danger of extremism philosophy conveyed the importance of understanding such problems and how to approach them. The second lecture was about the importance of studying religion with objectivity, and professionalism, furthermore, he explained how one should manage his own belief when studying other religions. Lectures of Professor Neal Robinson are fascinating and he brings enthusiasm and experience to every lecture that he gives. He is very approachable and understanding, and always keeps an open line of communication.
