Middle Eastern Studies Minor

Yüksel Sezgin
mes@maxwell.syr.edu
315-443-4431

Faculty:

Eliana Abu-Hamdi, Hossein Bashiriyeh, Çağlayan Başer, Ekrem Başer, Zachary J. Braiterman, Erella Brown, Omar Cheta, Michal Downie, Ken Frieden, Rania Habib, Timur Hammond, Susan Henderson, Catherine Herrold, Violette Humsi, Tazim R. Kassam, Fethi Keles, Osamah F. Khalil, Amos Kiewe, Natalie Koch, Jaklin Kornfilt, Sandra D. Lane, Kara Richardson, Robert A. Rubinstein, Yüksel Sezgin, Sevinç Türkkan, James W. Watts, Yael Zeira

This interdisciplinary minor examines the history, culture, languages, religions, and politics of the Middle East. Faculty research and teaching focus on ancient source texts, the art, literature, history, and culture of the Middle East; conflict resolution; gender issues; and contemporary political issues. Students may study these and other aspects of the Middle East.

Requirements

The minor requires 20 credits in Middle Eastern Studies, consisting of:

Language Category (two consecutive courses, 8 credits):

Two consecutive semesters in one of the regional languages (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish):

Elective Courses (12 credits):

Students must take 12 credits of elective MES content courses (numbered 300 or above) that concentrate on the history, politics, society, and culture of the area including Iran, Turkey, Israel, and the Arab world. Other regions, which have been influenced by Middle Eastern societies and cultures, are also included. These courses must be drawn from at least 2 different departments (3x4=12 credits).

Sample courses include, but not limited to those listed below (students may petition the Program Director to substitute other courses with at least 1/3 MES content).