Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Minor

Goals

The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies program offers an opportunity to explore the political, historical, social, and religious aspects of the Middle East and Islamic societies elsewhere. Thus its focus is regional and inter-disciplinary. At the completion of this minor students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and religious development of the Middle East and Islamic societies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity issues on a global scale, with a special concentration in the Middle East and the Muslim world.
  • Think critically, write clearly and communicate effectively through oral means.
  • Demonstrate a familiarity with methodologies of different fields, and to apply concepts from these fields to better understand the Middle East and the Muslim world.
  • Demonstrate advanced research ability in the field of Middle East/ Islamic Studies.

Program 

The minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies requires a minimum of five courses chosen from a minimum of two different departments. No more than three courses may be taken from one department. The courses that the students can choose from are listed below. Relevant special topics courses, study abroad courses, and new courses may be accepted towards the minor upon the approval of the program coordinator.

ARA 101Elementary Arabic I3
ARA 102Elementary Arabic II3
HIS 285Arab-Israeli Conflict3
HIS 361Ottomans and Modern Turkey3
HIS 371The Middle East3
HIS 372The Modern Middle East3
HIS 222The Silk Roads3
POL 376Politics/Middle East3
REL 211Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures3
REL 219Introduction to Christian Scriptures3
REL 370Islam3

Careers

This minor will open doors to a number of different career prospects. The government, military, and industry need employees who have familiarity with the Middle East and the larger Islamic world and knowledge of the languages of the region. This minor will prepare students for further study in graduate and professional schools and allow them to demonstrate to potential employers or graduate schools their seriousness in studying the region. Not only will this minor open up career prospects for students, but it will also prepare them to address the complex and vital issues facing the region and U.S. foreign policy without losing sense of the humanity of the region’s inhabitants.