Minor in Middle Eastern Studies
Contact Mehrzad Boroujerdi, 517 Eggers Hall, 315-443-5877,
thecollege.syr.edu/depts/mes.
Secretary Marie O’Leary, 315-443-1011.
Advisory Committee D. Arzt, C. Babiracki, J. Bennett, M. Boroujerdi, Z. Braiterman, K. Frieden, M. Gaddis, S. Henderson, A. Kahnemuyipour, T. Kassam, A. Kiewe, J. Kornfilt, S. Lane, R. Rubinstein, J.W. Watts.
This interdisciplinary minor examines the history, culture, languages, religion, and politics of the Middle East. Faculty research and teaching focus on ancient source texts, literature, history, and culture of the Middle East; Islam and Judaism; conflict resolution; gender issues; and contemporary political issues. Students may study these and other aspects of the Middle East.
REQUIREMENTS
The minor requires 21 credits in Middle Eastern studies, at least 12 in courses numbered 300 or above. Students take a 12-credit core, consisting of:
a) an introductory course (MES 344/PSC 344);
b) a course about the Judaic tradition (either JSP/REL 135, JSP/REL 231, or JSP/REL 335);
c) a course about the Islamic tradition (either REL 165, REL 364, or REL 367); and d) the senior seminar (MES 430).
Nine additional credits are required in related courses, to be chosen in consultation with the program director. For example, minors may wish to select from among
ANT 468;
ARC 435;
HST 318;
HST 373;
JSP/REL 114,
135,
215,
231,
302,
333, or
335;
REL 165,
367, or
465; and
PSC 345 or
350, or Arabic, Hebrew, or Turkish language courses. When topics pertain to the Middle East,
GEO 400,
HST 300,
HST 400,
JSP 300,
PSC 300, and
REL 300 also fulfill this requirement.
Required Courses
Core
Additionally, take at least 9 credits in related courses, chosen in consultation with the program director. Examples of electives:
Other Recommended Courses
| ANT 468 |
Middle East in Anthropological Perspective |
| ANT 477 |
Culture and Conflict |
| HST 210 |
The Ancient World |
| HST 319 |
The Byzantine Empire |
| HST 354 |
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire |
| HST 392 |
History of the Holocaust |
| HST 521 |
Religious Violence in Historical Perspective |
| IRP 641 |
Negotiating Resolution of International Conflict |
| REL 156 |
Christianity |