MA in Middle East and Islamic Studies

Catalog Year: 2023-2024

Banner Code: LA-MA-MEIS

The Master of Arts in Middle East and Islamic Studies introduces students to the major methodological and theoretical issues and debates in the study of the Islamic tradition and of Middle Eastern societies. The program situates the study of the Middle East and Islam within a globalized world. The curriculum covers topics of recent scholarly significance including political Islam, the political economy of business-government networks, the relationship between "resource wars" and the "war on terrorism," new diasporas and transnational Muslim communities in the “West,” and the changed geopolitical environments of Muslim and Middle Eastern countries. The degree prepares students for a variety of post-graduate opportunities in academia, government, and an expanding job market for people with this expertise.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 30

Core Courses

MEIS 500 Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies 3
HIST 575 Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History 3
RELI 644 Islamic Texts and Contexts 3
GOVT 632 Politics and Societies of the Middle East 3
Select one methods course from the following: 3
Methods in Anthropology  
Interdisciplinary Research Methods  
The Scientific Method and Research Design  
The Study and Writing of History  
Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry  
Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion  
Total Credits 15

Language Proficiency

Prior to graduating, students must demonstrate professional competency in one of five major languages of the Middle East and Muslim world: Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Hebrew, or Urdu.

A waiver for this requirement may be received either through 1) documentation verifying primary language of instruction at either the high school or university level in respective foreign language; transcripts showing coursework at the advanced level in respective foreign language or 2) an examination with an appropriate faculty/examiner designated by the director in consultation with the program's steering committee.

Electives

In addition to the following list, electives may include special topics courses when relevant, directed readings and research, study abroad courses, internships, and other courses with the approval of the program director. Students who choose to complete a research project or write a thesis take 3 or 6 fewer elective credits. 

Select five electives from the following: 15
Regional Ethnography (when topic is Middle East and North Africa)  
Special Topics in Art History (when topic is Middle Eastern or Islamic art)  
Topics in Art History (when topic is Middle East or Islamic art)  
World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution  
Conflict and Religion  
Topics in Folklore Studies  
Seminar in Global Culture (when topic is Middle East or Muslim world)  
Special Topics (when topic is a language of the Middle East or Muslim world)  
Special Topics (when topic is a language of the Middle East or Muslim world)  
Issues in Regional Geography (when topic is Middle East)  
Advanced Seminar in Comparative Politics (when topic is the Middle East or a Muslim world region)  
Islam and Politics  
Problems in Global History  
Problems in Middle Eastern History  
Graduate Internship in Middle East and Islamic Studies  
Directed Readings in Middle East and Islamic Studies  
Issues in Middle East and Islamic Studies  
Special Topics in Religious Studies (when topic is Islam or Muslim communities)  
Muslim Comparative Theologies: Sunni-Shi`i Religious Thought  
Islam and Human Rights  
Islamic Biomedical Ethics  
Total Credits 15

Optional Research Project or Thesis

Research Project

Students choosing to complete a research project take one of the following courses, and one less elective.

Select one from the following: 3
Political Science Research Project  
Directed Research and Writing in History  
Independent Study  
Master's Research Project  
Research Project in Middle East and Islamic Studies  
Total Credits 3

Thesis

Students who choose to write a thesis should be aware of the policies governing theses as stated in AP.6.9.3 Master's Thesis. They must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and once enrolled in MEIS 799 Thesis Research and Writing in Middle East and Islamic Studies, maintain continuous enrollment.

Students choosing to complete a thesis take 6 fewer credits of electives.

Six credits of 6
Thesis Research and Writing in Middle East and Islamic Studies  
Total Credits 6