Minor in Middle Eastern Studies
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The Middle Eastern Studies Minor is an 18-credit interdisciplinary course of study that is designed to introduce students to the history, politics, religion, art and literature, languages, and societies of the Middle East, which includes the Arab nations, Turkey, Iran and Israel.
The faculty associated with the minor in Middle Eastern Studies is committed to engaging students in a multi-discipline exploration of the Middle East, according to the distinct perspectives of their scholarship in specific fields of inquiry.
In the increasingly complicated interrelation of the contemporary global community, and in the complexity of the specific interlocking of American and Middle Eastern interests, students are strongly encouraged to gain an enhanced knowledge and informed understanding of the Middle East, its people, cultures and traditions.
The minor in Middle Eastern Studies, balanced among the basic modalities of language, history, religion and socio-politics, will provide students with a sound foundation upon which they can build further study in fields related to this most critical region of the world.
The Middle Eastern Studies minor is a natural complement to any major; however, for students majoring in such disciplines as Criminal Justice, History, Government & Politics, Sociology, Religious Studies and Business, exposure to the academic courses of study offered in the Middle Eastern Studies minor will afford them the necessary background to propel them into preferred programs of graduate study or highly valued professional careers.
Required Courses | 9 credits
Choose HI 236 or HI 238
A study of the rise of Islam and the emergence of the Arabs as a world power. Discussion focuses on the achievements of Muhammad, the institution of the caliphate, Umayyad and Abbasid empires, Crusades, and decline of Arab influence in the Near East under the pressure of Turkish expansion.
Prerequisite: Take Hi-100 or Hi-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
This course introduces students to some of the major political, socioeconomic, and cultural factors which lead to challenges and conflicts in the Middle East during the 19th and 20th centuries. It ends with discussions on contemporary Middle Eastern affairs.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
Problems and prospects of the Middle East. Area history, culture, Islam, intrusion of the West, oil, impact of personalities, Arab-Israeli problem, modernization, and Islamic fundamentalism are studied.
A theological and phenomenological exploration of beliefs, practices, and symbology of Islam, incorporating extensive readings from the Qur'an, the Hadith and Shari'a, and Sufism. This course analyzes contemporary topics such as religion and gender and religion and politics.
Electives | 9 credits
Choose three electives. Student's major capstone course can count toward an elective.
Intended to give students a foundation in standard Arabic. Students learn to produce Arabic sounds and write its letters. They are taught basic vocabulary, common phrases, and greetings to communicate in various settings. The Arabic world and its differing cultures and dialects are examined.
Intended to give students a foundation in standard Arabic. Students learn to produce Arabic sounds and write its letters. They are taught basic vocabulary, common phrases, and greetings to communicate in various settings. The Arabic world and its differing cultures and dialects are examined.
Prerequisite: Take AB 101
By focusing on women's activist movements throughout history, this course examines the social changes brought about by Muslim and non-Muslim women who claimed their rights within their family and in society and politics.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
Examines Africa as it has evolved over the years under outside influence-colonial rule, post-colonial or Cold War period, and under globalization during the 1990s. Explores reasons for political conflict in Africa and barriers to conflict resolution. Africa's economic resurgence in the twenty-first century is also examined.
Examines rise and evolution of Islamist political movements which emanate from their distinct identity from Islam. Foundational ideas and values are explored.
Literary and historical study of the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible in Judaism. Relationship of literary form and interpretation in passages from the Pentateuch, historical and prophetic books, and wisdom literature. Comparison and contrast of theological meanings of these writings for Jews and Christians.
Key components of the complex religion of Judaism including Biblical foundations, historical development, theological considerations, rituals and symbols, calendar and holidays, Jewish mysticism, prayer, denominations, and lifecycle events. Explores the role of God in the life of Jews past and present and compares the meaning of Judaism then and now.
Explores the beliefs, practices, and teachings of ancient world religions including those of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, the mystery cults of the ancient Greco-Roman civilizations, and the religious traditions of pre-Christian northern Europe (Scandinavia) and ancient Iran. Studies sacred writings of theses religions with emphasis on topics such as deities and divine powers, rituals of birth and death, gender studies, and the relationships between ancient faith traditions and the emergence of monotheism.
This course will study the role of women in world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. The goal of the course is to understand how interpretation of religious tradition changes over time and the impact this has on individuals and society. To that end, we will explore ancient religious texts as well as case studies of contemporary religious communities. Change in religion is often controversial, so we will examine and both sides of several contemporary debates over women's roles. We will also learn various theories that can help us understand and critically assess gender in religion.