Overview
The cross-disciplinary Middle Eastern Studies Minor is designed for students who seek to explore the cultures, languages, history, politics, economy, and environment of the Middle East, including the Arab world, North Africa, Turkey, and Iran. The Middle Eastern Studies Minor’s courses provide the background and training for students whose major fields of study might include Anthropology, History, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Political Science, and World Languages and Cultures. The minor should be of special interest to students with interests in graduate studies or career interests in international business, education, translation, law, diplomacy, national security, non-governmental organizations, and/or international organizations.
Student Learning Outcomes
After completing the minor in Middle Eastern Studies, students will demonstrate:
- Some proficiency in oral and written Arabic with an ability to comprehend authentic Arabic texts.
- Knowledge of the history of the Middle East from classical to modern times.
- Knowledge of the geographic features of the Middle East and of the major political boundaries, alliances, and power struggles that characterize the contemporary Middle East.
- An understanding of cultural diversity issues in the Middle East in the context of the prevalent political, social, and cultural institutions and structures.
The minor in Middle Eastern Studies requires 15 credit hours
Required course work in core courses (9 credits total)
| ARABC 3750 | Arab Culture | 3 |
| or HIST 3310 | History of the Islamic World to 1800 | |
| POLS 3500 | Politics of the Middle East | 3 |
| RELIG 3580 | Islam | 3 |
At least 6 additional credits of elective courses from the following list (this list may change/be updated as new elective courses become available)
| ARABC 2010 | Intermediate Arabic I | 4 |
| ARABC 2020 | Intermediate Arabic II | 4 |
| ARABC 3710 | The Arabian Nights | 3 |
| ARABC 3750 | Arab Culture | 3 |
| ARTH 3840 | Art of Islam | 3 |
| ECON 4960 | Economics International Travel Course | 1-3 |
| HIST 3310 | History of the Islamic World to 1800 | 3 |
| RELIG 2420 | History of Christianity: Early to Medieval | 3 |
| RELIG 3590 | The Quran | 3 |
| WLC 3700B | Topics in World Languages and Cultures in English Translation: Middle East | 3 |
| Students may count Model Arab League (via specified POLS 4900 section) toward the minor. | 1-3 | |
The Middle Eastern Studies Undergraduate Minor is an LAS Minor. In addition to University polices governing minors, LAS minors require at least 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 and above, with a grade of C or higher.
Language co-requisite: All students pursuing the minor in Middle Eastern Studies must complete and receive a passing grade in:
ARABC 1010 Elementary Arabic I and ARABC 1020 Elementary Arabic II. Completion of the beginning level of other languages spoken in the Middle East (e.g., Hebrew, Farsi, Kurdish, Turkish, Pashto, etc.) will be accepted in lieu of beginner Arabic upon petition to the Program Director. Native speakers of Arabic (or other languages spoken in the Middle East) can petition for a waiver of the language requirement.