Middle East Studies Minor
Why study the "Middle East"? The countries within and neighboring what is commonly referred to as the Middle East continue to play an important role in global affairs and dynamics. The economic and business elements of the region along with its political, cultural, and social realities factor heavily into contemporary world developments. KU combines education in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hebrew with a rich selection of courses on or related to the region, including courses in Islamic studies, language, culture and art, history, and contemporary social and political dynamics. The minor also complements many majors within the College as well as other degrees across the University. The area's languages and knowledge of cultures, society, and politics in the region can prepare students for careers in business and the private sector, foreign or civil service, or jobs with non-profit organizations.
Requirements for the Minor
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
REL 350/AAAS 349 | Islam | 3 |
or AAAS 102 | Arabic and Islamic Studies |
or GIST 205 | Muslim Lives: Politics, Culture, and Society |
or SLAV 205 | Muslim Lives: Politics, Culture, and Society |
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POLS 361 | Politics of the Middle East | 3 |
or HIST 328 | The Modern Middle East |
or ANTH 303 | Peoples and Cultures of North Africa and the Middle East |
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| Peoples and Cultures of North Africa and the Middle East | |
| Religion, Power, and Sexuality in Arab Societies | |
| Iran, Turkey, and the Kurds | |
| Social Movements in the Middle East | |
| Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: An Introduction | |
| Israel: From Idea to State | |
| Israel/Palestine: The War of 1948 | |
| Politics and Government in Israel | |
| Polls and Public Opinion in Israel | |
| International Relations of the Middle-East | |
| Regimes in the Middle-East and North Africa | |
| Politics of the Middle East | |
| United States Foreign Policy | |
| Islam and Politics | |
| Islam and Politics |
| Islam and Politics |
| Sociology of the Middle East | |
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| Arabic and Islamic Studies | |
| Women and Islam | |
| Islamic Literature | |
| Language and Culture in Arabic-Speaking Communities | |
| Muslim Lives: Politics, Culture, and Society | |
| Literature and Society in the Contemporary Middle East | |
| The Premodern Middle East | |
| The Modern Middle East | |
| Travelers' Tales of the Middle East | |
| From Harem to the Streets: Gender in the Middle East, 1900-Present | |
| The Middle East After World War II | |
| Practicing Religion in Muslim Societies | |
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Middle East Studies Minor Hours & GPA
While completing all required courses, minors must also meet each of the following hour and grade point average minimum standards:
Minor Hours
Satisfied by 18 hours of minor courses.
Minor Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 9 hours of junior/senior (300+) hours of KU resident credit in the minor.
Minor Junior/Senior (300+) Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the minor.
Minor Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in all departmental courses in the Minor. GPA calculations include all departmental courses in the field of study including Fs and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.