Middle East Peace Studies Minor
Middle East and North Africa Studies
Is there a Middle East?
Have you ever stopped to question this term? The region is in the middle of what? And to the east of whom? Does the name immediately bring to mind images of conflict and war?
The Middle East and North Africa Studies (MENAS) Program prepares students to ask these critical questions and explore the depth and diversity of the Middle East and North Africa. The region is far more than a landscape of conflict and peace efforts, as often portrayed in mainstream media. It is home to sophisticated societies with a rich cultural heritage, diverse demographics and religions, deep historical roots, varied environments, and complex political dynamics. Through diverse methodologies and analytical tools, MENAS equips students to explore the region’s history, politics, religion, gender, and literature, offering a more nuanced understanding of its social, political, and cultural transformations. The program also provides students with the flexibility to tailor their studies, allowing them to explore thematic courses across various regions. This approach situates the Middle East within both regional and global contexts, fostering connections with other nations, cultures, and peoples.
Students selecting the Middle East and North Africa Studies minor complete the following courses for 21 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA:
- HIST T289 History of the Middle East 1650 to Present
- RELS V260 Introduction to Islam
- Middle East and North Africa - complete any 3 of the courses below for 9 crs:
- HIST Q254 Palestinians and Israelis
- HIST Q256 Disease and Medicine in the Middle East
- HIST Q258 Women and Gender in the Middle East
- HIST Q357 Modern Iran
- HIST T256 The Crusades
- HIST T288 Middle East & Islam 600-1650
- RELS A222 Religions of the World
- RELS V222 Religion, Secularism, and Discrimination
- RELS V228 Islamic Law
- RELS V240 The Qur'an
- RELS V396 Law: Ancient World
- Arabic language courses taken at another institution may be considered for inclusion in this section. Please see the MENAS advisor for which language level qualifies.
- Global and Interdisciplinary Context - Complete 6 crs of the courses listed below (35% course material related to the Middle East and final project must be on the Middle East):
- ENGL N212 WAL: How to Tell a True War Story
- POLS A317 Politics and Dictators
- HIST Q222 Poverty and Charity in the Premodern World
- HIST Q230 Oppression and Resistance
- HIST Q280 Sport and Society in 20th Century Africa
- Please check with the program director for additional course offerings and seminars that may be eligible for program completion.
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Contact Information for Middle East Peace Studies
The Middle East Peace Studies program is directed by Professor Dr. Benan Grams, Patrick G. O'Keefe Distinguished Professor of History.
Participating faculty also include:
Resources
The program will do its utmost to place students with internships at local, regional, national or international NGO's. Underlying MEPS mission is a desire to change our world for the better. MEPS is an excellent choice for students who wish pursue a graduate degree in a number of fields, including Middle East Studies, Peace Studies, History, Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, and Mass Communications. It also provides an exemplary framework for a career in law, NGOs or a diverse range of international organizations.