The minor in Middle Eastern studies facilitates the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East, offering insights into the language, history, culture, politics and religions of this ethnically diverse geographical region. The program recognizes the interconnectedness of the peoples of the Middle East, and emphasizes the interactions between the Middle East and the wider global community, in both the past and present.
Courses included in the minor encompass the Arab World, Turkey, Israel, Iran and North Africa. While current political and military conflicts are covered, no single topic, academic discipline or political ideology dominates the programming; students are able to engage with a number of approaches and disciplines, ranging from ancient Middle Eastern religions to contemporary political economies of Middle Eastern countries.
Course structure
A minor in Middle Eastern studies consists of six courses (18 credits) to be selected from the list below after consultation with the program director:
| Course | Title | Credits |
| ARB 101 | Elementary Arabic I | 3 |
| ARB 102 | Elementary Arabic II | 3 |
| HBR 101 | Elementary Modern Hebrew I | 3 |
| HBR 102 | Elementary Modern Hebrew II | 3 |
| HS 307 | The Holocaust | 3 |
| HS 328 | Jewish History | 3 |
| HS 333 | The Middle East, 1300-1919 | 3 |
| PL 265 | Living Religions of the World | 3 |
| PO 333 | Middle Eastern History & Politics | 3 |
Special topics courses relevant to the minor are offered on a rotating basis to supplement the courses listed above. Examples include Introduction to Judaism or The Anthropology of Morocco: Gender and Indigeneity.