The cross-disciplinary Middle Eastern Studies Minor is designed for students who seek to explore the cultures, languages, history, society, politics, international relations, economics, technology, 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, intelligence, the military, national security, non-governmental organizations, and/or international organizations.
Language co-requisite: All students pursuing the minor in Middle Eastern Studies must complete and receive a passing grade in:
Arabic 101: Elementary Arabic I (4) and Arabic 102: Elementary Arabic II (4) [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 Directors]
The minor in Middle Eastern Studies requires 15 credit hours
Required course work in core courses (9 credits total)
| HIST 435 | History of the Modern Middle East | 3 |
| POL S 350 | Politics of the Middle East | 3 |
| RELIG 358 | 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 201 | Intermediate Arabic I | 4 |
| ARABC 202 | Intermediate Arabic II | 4 |
| ARABC 375 | Arab Culture | 3 |
| ART H 384 | Art of Islam | 3 |
| HIST 331 | History of the Islamic World to 1800 | 3 |
| RELIG 242 | History of Christianity: Early to Medieval | 3 |
| WLC 370B | Topics in World Languages and Cultures in English Translation: Middle East | 3 |
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
Cr. 1. Alt. S., offered irregularly.
Prereq: None
Basics of grammar and vocabulary within the context of the cultures where Swahili is spoken. For students whose native language is not Swahili. Taught in Swahili. Offered on-line.
No
(Cross-listed with LING). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Study of language diversity and the personal, social and political effects of diversity. Language families, attitudes toward language and language use, language and culture, multilingualism, foreign language learning, written codes, official languages, and language policy.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
An introduction to religious studies – the academic study of religion. Religions from around the world will be discussed, including their myths, rituals, beliefs, values, and social forms.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with ANTHR). (3-0) Cr. 3.
An interdisciplinary and chronological examination of Asian American immigration experiences from the early 19th century to the 21st century. Focus on how these immigration histories are accompanied by changing racial constructions. Discussion of racial stereotyping, the model minority myth, identity development, and efforts for social justice.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(3-0) Cr. 3.
An interdisciplinary introduction to a world region in a state of rapid social and cultural transition. Discussion of the history, social and political institutions, arts, economy, agriculture, and environment of the new nations.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with W F S). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Introduction to the cinema of non-English speaking regions and cultures of the world through representative subtitled films, lectures, and readings. Topics vary according to faculty interest. Emphasis on selected national cinemas and film as a mode of cultural expression as well as on diverse cultural contexts of cinema.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Credit in ENG 250
Study of texts, practices, beliefs, historical development, and mutual influence of a variety of the religious traditions of India. Emphasis on Vedic religion and the diversity of traditions of Classical Hinduism; survey of Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, and South Asian Islamic traditions.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with PHIL, RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: PHIL 201 or PHIL 230
Central Buddhist positions and arguments on topics such as personal and social ethics, moral psychology, metaphysics, and the relationship between Buddhist thought and the sciences. Differences between Buddhist and Western approaches to philosophy.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Credit in ENG 250
An introduction to Islamic religion, culture, and society from its origins to the present. Topics include the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad, Islamic theology and philosophy, Islamic history, and Islam in America.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Credit in ENG 250
A study of the Quran, the sacred text of Islam, with attention to its history, its major themes, and the diverse ways it is interpreted and applied.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Topics vary according to faculty interest. Author, genre or period study, women's writing, cinema, or cultural studies of a non-English speaking world culture or cultures. Readings, discussion, and written work in English.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Topics vary according to faculty interest. Author, genre or period study, women's writing, cinema, or cultural studies of a non-English speaking world culture or cultures. Readings, discussion, and written work in English.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Topics vary according to faculty interest. Author, genre or period study, women's writing, cinema, or cultural studies of a non-English speaking world culture or cultures. Readings, discussion, and written work in English.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Topics vary according to faculty interest. Author, genre or period study, women's writing, cinema, or cultural studies of a non-English speaking world culture or cultures. Readings, discussion, and written work in English.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
Cr. 8-12. F.S.
Prereq: minimum GPA of 2.5; Admission to teacher education, approval of coordinator during semester before student teaching
Evaluation of instruction, lesson planning, and teaching in the liberal arts and sciences.
(Dual-listed with WLC 517G). (Cross-listed with EDUC). Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Minimum GPA of 2.5; Admitted to Educator Preparation Program, approval of coordinator during semester before student teaching
Evaluation of instruction, lesson planning, and teaching in world languages, secondary grades.
(Dual-listed with WLC 584). (Cross-listed with M E). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: junior or senior classification for M E 484; graduate classification for M E 584
Cross-disciplinary examination of the present and future impact of globalization with a focus on preparing students for leadership roles in diverse professional, social, and cultural contexts. Facilitate an understanding of the threats and opportunities inherent in the globalization process as they are perceived by practicing professionals and articulated in debates on globalization. Use of a digital forum for presenting and analyzing globalization issues by on-campus and off-campus specialists.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with EDUC, LING). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 25 credits in a world language
Planning, implementation, and assessment of standards-based, student-centered, and thematic instruction in the elementary (K-8) classroom. Special emphasis on K-8 students' communicative skills, cultural knowledge, and content learning.
(Cross-listed with EDUC, LING). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 25 credits in a world language, Admitted to Educator Preparation Program, OPI
Theories and principles of contemporary world language learning and teaching. Special emphasis on designing instruction and assessments for active learning.
(Cross-listed with INTST). (1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 2 credits.
Prereq: Minimum of 3 cr. study abroad and/or internship abroad
Students returning from study abroad gain perspective on the personal, academic, and professional impact of their time spent abroad through readings and discussions. Students will be expected to make one presentation about the culture they experienced to an audience outside ISU.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(Dual-listed with WLC 417G). (Cross-listed with EDUC). Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Minimum GPA of 2.5; Admitted to Educator Preparation Program, approval of coordinator during semester before student teaching
Evaluation of instruction, lesson planning, and teaching in world languages, secondary grades.
(Dual-listed with WLC 484). (Cross-listed with M E). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: junior or senior classification for M E 484; graduate classification for M E 584
Cross-disciplinary examination of the present and future impact of globalization with a focus on preparing students for leadership roles in diverse professional, social, and cultural contexts. Facilitate an understanding of the threats and opportunities inherent in the globalization process as they are perceived by practicing professionals and articulated in debates on globalization. Use of a digital forum for presenting and analyzing globalization issues by on-campus and off-campus specialists.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.