Minor Description

The Minor in Middle Eastern Studies allows students to explore and better understand the complex dynamics of the greater Middle East region from Morocco to Bahrain and beyond, and to acquire a deep insight into the global issues related to it. This knowledge covers the economies, governments, religions, histories, artistic culture, and languages of the region. The minor’s interdisciplinary curriculum expands and builds upon Wesleyan’s course offerings in Middle Eastern studies. Currently, there is a minimum of five (5) courses to fulfill the requirements: one from the courses listed under the Jewish and Israel Studies minor; one on the Muslim Middle East (including the Greater North Africa); two language courses in either Hebrew, Modern Standard Arabic, or any relevant language from the region; and one elective from a different discipline.

Admission to the Minor

Students may declare the minor at any point in their undergraduate career at Wesleyan by submitting the minor declaration form in Wesportal. For tracking, advising, and co-curricular purposes, they are encouraged to sign on early. 

Minor Requirements

The Middle Eastern Studies Minor requires five courses, of which at least one course must be from the courses listed under the Jewish and Israel Studies minor and one must be on the Muslim Middle East. Additionally, the five required courses include

• Two language courses in Hebrew, Modern Standard Arabic or any other relevant languages from the region.
• Three electives from at least two different disciplines.

With the approval of the director of the minor, one relevant tutorial and two relevant study-abroad courses may count toward the minor. Normally, no more than one elective may count towards another minor (this does not apply to language courses). Students who are already fluent in one of the languages are encouraged to take either advanced language courses, or to study another language from the region.