The Middle Eastern Studies minor provides a broadly based program that focuses on important Middle Eastern topics in several departments. The United States has a long-term need for a critical mass of professionals in Middle Eastern languages, history, politics and culture, who understand the Middle East, to serve the nation's international relations, diplomatic, homeland security, military and economic needs. No other university in Northeast Ohio has such a program.

This baccalaureate minor provides courses that students can apply toward both the minor and several different majors (Classical and Medieval Studies, English, History, International Relations, Political Science, and Religious Studies). Students interested in the Minor in Middle Eastern Studies should contact the Interdisciplinary Programs Office by e-mail at d.shepherd@csuohio.edu, telephone at 216-687-3914, or visit Rhodes Tower 1644.

Required Courses

A student seeking a Middle Eastern Studies minor will need to complete one core course (4 credit hours) and demonstrate an intermediate-level skill of an identified and regionally appropriate foreign language. A maximum of 8 credit hours of the minor may come from language instruction. The student will also need to complete a minimum of two courses (8 credit hours) from the list of electives below. The student must complete a minimum of 20 credit hours to complete the minor in Middle Eastern Studies. New courses will be added to the elective offerings.

Credit Hours: 20 credit hours

1. Core Requirements:
   Minors in Middle Eastern Studies must complete one core course and demonstrate intermediate foreign-language skills.
   • Core course: ARB/HIS/PSC 274 Introduction to the Middle East (4 credit hours)
   • Language requirement: A student must demonstrate an intermediate-level language skill in a single programmatically appropriate language, including Arabic, Hebrew, Turkish or Persian. A maximum of 8 credit hours of language instruction may count toward the minor.
2. Electives:
   A student seeking a minor in Middle Eastern Studies must select a minimum of two elective courses from more than one discipline (Modern Languages, Art, History, Political Science, or Religious Studies) identified below:
   • Language and Culture Courses (Modern Languages)
     • ARB 371 Survey of Arabic Literature and Culture (4 credit hours)
     • ARB 393 Special Topics in Arabic: Writing (4 credit hours)
     • ARB 493 Special Topics^* in Arabic: Culture of al-Andalus (4 credit hours)
   • Art
     • ART 353 Islamic Art
   • History Courses:
     • HIS 377 History of Islamic Civilizations (4 credit hours)
     • HIS 386 History of the Middle East to 1798 (4 credit hours)
     • HIS 387 Modern Middle East (4 credit hours)
   • Political Science Courses:
     • PSC 332 Politics in the Middle East (4 credit hours)
     • PSC 339 Political Economy of the Middle East and North Africa (4 credit hours)
   • Religious Studies Courses:
     • REL 364 Islam (4 credit hours)
     • REL 366 Modern Islamic Movements (4 credit hours)
     • REL 367 Muslim Relations with Christians and Jews (4 credit hours) (Note: effective Spring 2008)
   • Study Abroad:
     • Students may receive credit toward the minor by engaging in a study-abroad program.
   • New elective courses may be added. Students should contact an adviser in one of the participating departments.

*Note: Special Topics courses in any of the disciplines will be considered as meeting the Middle Eastern Studies minor requirements if content is applicable and approved by the program director.