Overview
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.
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.