Minor in Middle East Studies

The Minor in Middle East Studies seeks to develop students’ understanding of the complex and interconnected political, economic, cultural, environmental, linguistic, historical, and religious issues in the region by fostering critical, interdisciplinary and global approaches to the study of the Middle East and its diasporas.

To this end, the Minor in Middle East Studies (MMES) requires completion of a minimum of 12 credits (4 courses). In addition, students are encouraged to fulfill the college language requirement through study of a regional language. However, there is no language requirement for the MMES.

No grade below B- shall be considered to fulfill these requirements.

Admission to the Minor

Students who have completed at least 3 credits of relevant coursework in Middle East Studies (including regional languages) with an average GPA of 3.0 may apply for admission to the Minor. To declare the Minor, students will complete the Minor Declaration form and meet with the Director. For advising purposes students are encouraged to apply early in their academic careers. Any Middle East Studies related courses taken prior to declaring the Minor shall count toward the 12 credit minimum for the Minor in Middle East Studies.

Credits earned toward the Minor in Middle East Studies shall not also count toward the fulfillment of Major or other Minor requirements.

Introductory survey course: 3 cr

All students will take one survey course in Middle East Studies chosen from among the following, or another general survey course subject to approval by the Director:

ANTHC 20100 - The Middle East: Societies and Cultures
HIST 27650 - Middle Eastern History from the Beginning of Islam to 1800
HIST 27651 - The Modern Middle East from 1800 to the Present
MUSHL 24300 - Music of the Middle East
POLSC 26300 - Government and Politics in the Middle East (W)
Additional courses may be developed to fulfill this requirement

Electives: 9 cr

In addition, students will take a minimum of 9 credits in electives, and must choose at least one class focusing on the Middle East from each of the following three areas of concentration:

I) Historical Formations

II) Society and Politics

III) Arts, Literatures, and Cultures

Students may petition for other courses to fulfill the elective requirement.

Click here for a list of currently offered courses that meet these requirements:

List of Selected Approved Courses for the Minor in Middle East Studies

Students may fulfill 3 of the 9 credit hour elective requirement with advanced language and literature classes (3rd year and beyond), for Area of Concentration III) Arts, Literatures and Cultures. With the approval of the Director, students may take an independent study and one course from outside Hunter College to satisfy the requirements for the Minor.