2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
    Oct 07, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Minor


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study - Alphabetical

Program Description

The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies minor (MEI) provides students with a multidisciplinary concentration of courses incorporating the fields of Arabic, Islam, and Middle Eastern history, religion, and politics.  The minor is geographically focused on what today forms the Arab world, Iran, Israel, and Turkey in the period after the advent of Islam in the seventh century.  Students have the opportunity to acquire a depth of knowledge in a region and a faith rich in language, culture and religious practice, which are as central to the dynamics of history as they are to current political and economic affairs.  

Admission Requirements 

The minor is open to any enrolled student.  

Learning Outcomes 

The Minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies provides students with a multidisciplinary education in Arabic, Islam and Middle Eastern history, culture, and politics. Students will acquire a depth of knowledge of a region of the world that has been of great significance throughout history and remains important to global affairs. The multidisciplinary approach to this minor will strengthen the foreign-language proficiency and critical thinking and writing skills of students, two credentials that will enhance their employment opportunities in a global market.

For additional information

Program Requirements:


Required Classes 15 credit hours



  • ARA 2010 /2020 (6 credits)1 and 2
  • REL 3310 “Introduction to Islam” (3 credits):  
  • One course from HST (3 credits)
  • One course PLS (3 credits)

1 Native speakers of Arabic are required to take two ARA 3000- or 4000-level courses in lieu of ARA 2010 and 2020 

2 Students must meet language and course prerequisites

Electives 2 additional courses


Total: 21 Hours


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study - Alphabetical