Michael A. Rapoport

Michael A. Rapoport is an Associate Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the Florida Atlantic University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Letters and the Department of Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature. He serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies and is a faculty affiliate of the Center for Peace, Justice and Human Rights and the Center for Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

• Education
  • PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Yale University (2018)
  • Master's in Islamic and Near Eastern Studies from Washington University in St. Louis (2012)
  • Bachelor's in Political Science and Spanish from Marist College (2007)
  • Arabic studies at Qalam wa Lawh Center (Rabat) and Qasid Arabic Institute (Amman)

Rapoport specializes in pre-modern Arabic and Islamic intellectual history, focusing on Avicenna's philosophy, theology, and science of the soul. His work bridges philosophy, theology, and medicine in medieval Islamic thought.

Rapoport’s recent publications examine Avicenna’s commentaries, the philosophy of rational soul, and the interplay between Sufi terminology and Avicennian philosophy. His research trends emphasize textual analysis, epistemology, and interdisciplinary approaches to medieval Islamic intellectual history.

Scientific Awards

• Provost's Fellow for Academic Affairs
• Chastain-Johnston Middle Eastern Studies Distinguished Professor in Peace Studies (2022-2024)

Rapoport actively engages students in research and curriculum development, including leading the creation of a Health Humanities minor funded by a NEH Humanities Connections grant. He mentors students across his research areas and welcomes input on course offerings.