Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies

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A program of study focused on the world's most volatile and controversial region, this degree addresses the political, religious, military, economic, and social/cultural issues of the Middle East. From a wide variety of courses ranging from holy wars to a city-study on Jerusalem, students have the opportunity to choose areas and topics of the Middle East of most interest to them.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, the Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates.  Graduates in this degree program will be able to:

General Knowledge of Comparative Politics
  • Compare the concepts and theories of comparative analysis of different political regimes and economic markets.
  • Explain the role of international and transnational organizations in both a global and regional setting.
  • Compare and contrast the political, economic, social and military components of national and regional power.
  • Evaluate the role of civilization in relationships among nations.

Knowledge of the Middle East

  • Evaluate the historical conquests of the region and analyze the colonized peoples’ experiences and world views.
  • Determine how conflict and shifting alliances shaped the development of the region.
  • Understand the political, economic, security, diplomatic, and social challenges facing Middle Eastern countries individually and as a region.

Middle Eastern Culture

  • Compare and contrast the history, essential tenets, and central practices of different cultures within the Middle East.
  • Evaluate how the Islamic faith impacts all aspects of the lives of Muslims.
  • Characterize the sociological, political and religious ideologies that influence the literature of the region.
  • Distinguish between Islam as a religion and Islamic culture and history.
  • Arab-Israeli Relations
  • Evaluate the motivations of competing Arab-Israeli forces in defense of their respective positions in the ongoing dialogue and confrontation.
  • Assess the arguments on both sides of the foundational issues.
  • Consider other issues in the context of the wider regional influences that bear upon the future of the Israelis and Arabs in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

Degree Program Requirements

Required Course - 3 semester hours

General Education Requirements (34 semester hours)
English - 6 semester hours
Social Sciences - 6 semester hours
Science - 4 semester hours including the required 1 hour labs
Mathematics - 3 semester hours
History - 6 semester hours
Humanities - 3 semester hours
Literature - 3 semester hours
All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101 - Proficiency in Writing or ENGL102 - Effectiveness in Writing
Political Science - 3 semester hours
Core Courses (24 semester hours)
Major Courses (21 Semester hours)

Select 7 of the following courses:

Final Program Requirements (3 semester hours)
Electives (36 semester hours)
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill core or major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Total = 121 semester hours

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