Minor in Middle East and Islamic Studies
Program Overview
Degree Type
Interdisciplinary minor
Department Co-Chairs
Buket Oztas and Alfons Teipen
Table of Contents
What is a Middle East and Islamic studies minor?
The Middle East is crucial to world events in the past, the present and the future. It offers a wealth of topics that are important to understand in an interdisciplinary fashion within the context of a liberal arts and sciences education. Furman’s Middle East and Islamic studies minor is a secondary series of courses designed to introduce students to an increasingly complex and diverse part of the world. The student can complete this minor along with a chosen major area of study.
Why study Middle East and Islamic studies at Furman?
A rare option among schools of similar size, the Middle East and Islamic studies minor at Furman is rooted in the disciplinary methodologies of distinct fields of political science, history and religion. As a private liberal arts and sciences university, Furman provides an exceptional environment for multidisciplinary studies, allowing students to find connections between multiple areas of interest. Small class sizes mean that students benefit from individual attention from faculty who are among the best in their fields. Plan a visit or start your application today.
How will you learn?
Your Furman career will offer rich experiences both in and out of the classroom for a broad variety of study areas. Our focus on engaged learning leverages our strong undergraduate research, internship and study away opportunities. Small class sizes allow you to work closely with renowned professors with deep expertise in the specialized disciplines in the Middle East and Islamic studies course pool. Visit our campus or request information to learn more.
What can you do with a Middle East and Islamic studies minor?
Graduates with this minor will enter the next stage of their educational or professional career with a foundational understanding of the political, historical, religious and cultural context of the Middle East. They’ll be prepared for further study in graduate and professional schools, and they can demonstrate their seriousness and competence in understanding the region to potential employers or graduate schools. It will also prepare them to address the complex and vital issues facing the region and United States foreign policy.
It can mean an advantage in occupations such as:
- Translator
- Foreign diplomat
- Policymaker
- International businessperson
- Educator
- Government advisor
- Researcher
Middle East and Islamic studies courses
Middle East in the Modern World
Women, Gender, Islam
What our students say
“The MEIS minor helped me better understand my colleagues and my students who are Muslim or who immigrated from the Middle East. Also, my minor sparked a lifelong interest in MEIS topics and MEIS-related initiatives. I believe that if more students in the U.S. are better informed about the Middle East and Islam, harmful prejudice might stop impeding good work and progress.” – Evdokiya Kostadinova ’14
Meet the faculty
Your academic advisor will help you explore your passions, define your interests and achieve your goals. You’ll tap into a widespread network of community and alumni mentors to help you on your individual educational path – and to the opportunities at the end of it. Furman’s faculty represents decades of study and field expertise. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.
Like declaring a major, students meet with the minor (co-)chair to work out details.
There is no limit to the number of minors a student may declare.
A minor program is an excellent way to explore further interests, gain additional skills to attract future employers, and discover connections between different subjects that interest you. Many students find that taking on a minor makes for a more well-rounded and complete educational experience.