Graduate Core/Elective Courses

Check the course schedule for more details. Note course details are subject to change. For questions, reach out at meis@gmu.edu. 

Core Course Options

  • MEIS 500: Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies (override required, reach out at meis@gmu.edu) 
  • HIST 575: Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History 
  • GOVT 632: Politics and Societies of the Middle East

Methods Course Options 

  • ANTH 650: Ethnographic Research Methods
  • GLOA 605: Interdisciplinary Research Methods
  • GOVT 500: The Scientific Method and Research Design
  • HIST 610: The Study and Writing of History

Elective Course Options

  • HIST 585: Modern Middle East 
  • GOVT 733: Islam and Politics
  • POGO 550-003: Israel and Palestine
  • RELI 591/MEIS 599: Qur’an and Hadith (override required, reach out at meis@gmu.edu) 

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on 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.

HIST 585: Problems in Middle Eastern History (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026 

Analyzes selected problem. Emphasizes reading and discussion of historical interpretations, and development of bibliography. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

GLOA 599: Issues in Global Affairs (1-6 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026 

Studies current issues and debates in global affairs. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different.Offered by Global Affairs. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

POGO 750: Topics in Policy and Government (1-3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026 

Focuses on selected topics in policy and government not covered in fixed-content Schar school courses.Offered by Schar Public Policy/Admin. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.