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.

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.

Minor