Middle Eastern Studies Minor

This minor provides a historical and anthropological view of the people, cultures and languages that make up the Middle East, as well as the region’s relationship with the wider global community from the Middle Ages to the present. You’ll develop a broad understanding of the social, economic and political structures of one of the world’s most ethnically and socially diverse regions.

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.

Program Contact: Nita Prasad 203-582-3729

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