Middle East Studies

The Middle East Studies minor is a passport to one of the most important cultural crossroads in history, giving you an understanding of the rich heritage and diverse traditions of the region.

Overview

Explore the Middle East through a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including history, politics, literature, and religion. This minor helps you develop a nuanced understanding of the cultures and societies of the Middle East, including diasporic and displaced communities, and the important role the region continues to play in the world today.

The Middle East Studies minor is an exceptional choice for students aiming to stand out in fields like law, government, public policy, or international relations. Whether you plan to pursue graduate school in literature, history, anthropology, or a related field, this minor will equip you with a deep understanding of one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Its flexibility allows it to be seamlessly paired with any of Centre’s major programs, giving you a unique interdisciplinary edge that will enhance your global perspective and career prospects. The minor also enables you to better recognize problematic and dangerous misrepresentations of the region and equips you with the tools to question discriminatory practices that impact communities within and from the Middle East.

Your Minor Took You Where?

Middle East Studies minors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

Diplomat
Policy Analyst
Humanitarian Worker
Lawyer
International Business

Postgraduate Study

Literature
History
Anthropology
Law
International Relations

Curriculum

Curriculum for the Middle East Studies minor at Centre provides a strong background in the history and politics of the region, while allowing flexibility in tailoring the program to your interests. The minor requires seven courses, one of which must be IST 344: Politics of the Middle East. Students also need to complete a year of college-level coursework in a Middle Eastern language, typically Arabic – a U.S. State Department designated “critical language.” The remaining four courses can be selected from a range of classes in other disciplines. Although enrollment in Arabic is recommended as soon as possible, courses can be taken in any order.

Minor Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

With a minor in Middle East Studies, you can look forward to immersive experiences studying abroad in places like Turkey, Israel/Palestine, Egypt and Morocco, with opportunities to participate in a summer language immersion program. On campus, you will often collaborate with faculty on research and present work at undergraduate conferences.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

If you are seeking an internship related to a Middle East Studies minor, you may consider roles in language immersion programs, government agencies, humanitarian organizations, archeological excavations, and cultural museums.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Graduates with a Middle East Studies minor have found successful and diverse careers in areas of law, government, or public policy, while others have pursued graduate degrees in fields such as literature, history, or anthropology.