Middle Eastern Studies

Understand the ethnic, social, religious, cultural and economic diversity in one of the most politically significant regions of the world.

The minor in Middle Eastern Studies helps you to establish a deeper understanding of the range of complex issues in the Middle East—an important and rapidly changing part of the world that includes both Arab countries and non-Arab states such as Israel, Iran, and Turkey. This minor can help you better appreciate the culture and politics of one of the most geopolitically important regions in the world.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arabic is the most commonly spoken language in the Middle East. It is the official language of more than 20 countries and is spoken by approximately 400 million people worldwide.

Where a Minor in Middle Eastern Studies Can Take You

The interdisciplinary minor in Middle Eastern Studies fosters cultural understanding by engaging with issues related to race and ethnicity, language, religion, cultural identity and heritage, colonialism, globalization, and placemaking, but it also teaches the kinds of interdisciplinary perspectives and skills employers are looking for.

In a recent survey of employers by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, more than nine in ten employers think it’s important for college graduates to gain knowledge through interdisciplinary study and through addressing “real-life” problems while in college. About 67% of employers think that micro-credentials (like a minor) make applicants stronger job candidates.

Middle Eastern Studies at Coastal

In this 18-credit interdisciplinary minor, you can study the diverse stories and experiences of communities in and from the Middle East, including food and migration; conflict, peace, and politics; or the status of women.

Meet a Faculty Member
Suheir Daoud
Professor, Politics

Meet a Faculty Member
Chris Gunn
Chair and Professor, History

Popular Courses in Middle Eastern Studies

RELG 322: Introduction to Islam

Instructor: Dr. Jeffry Halverson

Did you know that roughly one-quarter of the world’s population practices Islam? This course introduces students to the historical development and contemporary diversity of the Islamic tradition, as well as the methods and resources used in Religious Studies. Students explore the wide-ranging beliefs, practices, figures, concepts, debates, and institutions of Islam, as well as contemporary Muslim communities worldwide.

ARTH 219: Islamic Art & Architecture

Instructor: Dr. Leslie Wallace

How have Islamic religious beliefs shaped artistic and architectural traditions? To answer this question, this course introduces students to pre-modern Islamic artistic and architectural traditions in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Central Asia and India and explores the importance of cultural exchange between the Islamic world and the rest of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Minor Requirements »