The minor in Middle Eastern Studies is an interdisciplinary program that seeks to familiarize students with the histories, geographies, religions, cultures, arts, languages, and politics of the region known as the Middle East. It draws on courses in Geography, History, Modern Languages and Literatures, Political Science, and Religion, fostering connections between different disciplinary approaches to the study of the region. The program thus provides a foundation of knowledge and learning about the Middle East (including the Arab World, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Israel), while privileging no single country, theme, or political position. Through this program, students will gain both specialized knowledge and broad understanding about this dynamic region, in a manner that promotes dialogue, understanding, and awareness of the Middle East and its place in the world.
Minor Requirements
Twenty-one (21) credits to include:
- two sequential semesters of instruction in any Middle Eastern language at Mary Washington or at a comparable institution for transfer credit (6 credits; to be approved by the program director). If a student places out of an approved language, they will need to complete 6 additional credits from the elective list.
- Four non-language courses in Middle Eastern Studies, chosen at the 300 or 400 level, or RELG 210 Islam , and from at least three different departments (12 credits; see course offerings below).
- A capstone experience in the form of a semester-long, relevant individual study project, study abroad program, or internship (3 credits; to be approved by the program coordinator).
Middle Eastern Course Offerings
The Middle Eastern Studies program is a multi-discipline program. Course Descriptions for these classes can be found under the individual disciplines.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB 351 | Classical Arabic Literature in Translation Classical Arabic Literature in Translation | 3 |
| ARAB 352 | Modern Arabic Literature in Translation | 3 |
| ARTH/CLAS 305 | Egyptian and Near Eastern Art and Archaeology | 3 |
| GEOG 304A | Geography of the Middle East | 3 |
| HIST 337 | Medieval Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| HIST 338 | From Mongols to Ottomans | 3 |
| HIST 339 | Modern Middle East History | 3 |
| HIST 385 | Arab-Israeli Conflict | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Turkey from Empire to Republic | 3 |
| PSCI 355 | Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| RELG 210 | Islam | 3 |
| RELG 341 | Major Religious Thinkers | 3 |
Additional courses may count toward the minor, with the approval of the Middle Easter Studies Program Director.