Graduate Courses

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 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.

To read the course descriptions or for more information, either press on the respective course links provided or navigate to the acorn buttons on the bottom of this page.

The degree requirements are as follows:

Core courses:

MEIS 500: Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies (3 Credits)
HIST 575: Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History (3 Credits)
RELI 644: Islamic Texts and Contexts (3 Credits)
GOVT 632: Politics and Societies of the Middle East (3 Credits)

Select one methods course from the list:

ANTH 650: Methods in Anthropology (3 Credits)
GLOA 605: Interdisciplinary Research Methods (3 Credits)
GOVT 500: The Scientific Method and Research Design (3 Credits)
SOCI 620: Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry (3 Credits)
RELI 630: Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion (3 Credits)
HIST 610: The Study and Writing of History (3 Credits)

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.

Foreign language courses offered:

Select five elective courses from the list:

Optional research project/ thesis:

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

GOVT 798, Political Science Research Project
HIST 798, Directed Research and Writing in History
SOCI 696, Independent Study
ANTH 796, Master's Research Project
MEIS 798, Research Project in Middle East and Islamic Studies

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

MEIS 799, Thesis Research and Writing in Middle East and Islamic Studies

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.

500-Level Courses

MEIS 500: Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Introduces the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East and the Islamic world through an examination of recent seminal works and debates in the field representing the disciplinary perspectives of history, religious studies, political science, and sociology.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May not be repeated for credit.

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 students with a major in Middle East & Islamic Studies.

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

Schedule Type: Seminar

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

GOVT 500: The Scientific Method and Research Design (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Grounds students in the principles of the scientific method as the framework for investigating all research questions in political science, whether qualitative or quantitative in character (or both). Focus is on sound and rigorous research design.Offered by Schar Govt/International Affrs. May not be repeated for credit.

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.

HIST 510: Approaches to Modern World History (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Introduces historical study of world beyond Europe and United States. Students read major theoretical works and case studies of particular regions. Examines imperialism, national identity, and various forms of popular resistance; familiarizes students with range of scholarly approaches, including world systems theory and subaltern studies. Offered by History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to graduate program in history.

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.

GOVT 530: Comparative Politics (3 Credits)

Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.

Examines fundamental issues in comparative politics and provides broad coverage of the central themes under study. Designed to help students think theoretically and critically about the study of comparative politics, its scientific objectives, and its epistemological assumptions. Within this context, students will look at concepts and approaches, as well as important theories and debates that characterize the subfield. Helps prepare students for qualifying exams in comparative politics.Offered by Schar Govt/International Affrs. May not be repeated for credit.

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.

HIST 535: Problems in Global History (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Investigates selected problems in global and comparative history, covering multiple countries or world regions. 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.

HIST 575: Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Introduces students to the central issues and debates surrounding the study of the Middle East, Islam, and Muslim societies. Covers key methodological issues including the role of area studies vis-a-vis disciplinary approaches and debates on the politics of knowledge production and historiography. Offered by History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.

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.

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.

RELI 591: Special Topics in Religious Studies (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Topics in religious studies selected by importance in the field and pertinent to the role of religion in society and culture. Emphasis on historical, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural issues. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different with permission of department. Offered by Religious Studies. 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: 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.

MEIS 599: Issues in Middle East and Islamic Studies (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

In-depth study of current issues and debates in Middle East and Islamic studies in theoretical and historical context.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 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.

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

Schedule Type: Seminar

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

600-Level Courses

HIST 610: The Study and Writing of History (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Methodology of the historian including techniques of research, use of documentation and other sources, development of bibliography, and synthesis of material. Offered by History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.

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.

SOCI 620: Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Emphasizes gathering, interpreting, and evaluating scientific evidence. Covers logic of scientific inquiry, including the application of various research designs and data collection methods. Develops critical-thinking skills by using set of rules and logical criteria for evaluation of social science research. Focuses both on how results are obtained and disseminated via research reports. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Undergraduate statistics and research methodology, or permission of instructor.

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 students with a major in Sociology.

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.

RELI 630: Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Examines study of religion as academic discipline. Evaluates various intellectual approaches and methods used in study of religious phenomena. Offered by Religious Studies. May not be repeated for credit.

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.

RELI 632: Interreligious Dialogue (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Examines the philosophical and theoretical foundation for religious pluralism and dialogue and different approaches to interreligious dialogue and understanding among leading interreligious thinkers. Offered by Religious Studies. May not be repeated for credit.

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.

RELI 635: World Religions in Transition and Transformation (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Explores transitions and transformations in selected world religions as they respond to and influence forces of cultural change, social values, and the crises of history. Fresh or modified constructions of the sacred and their relationship to world and humans will be examined. Offered by Religious Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

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.

ANTH 635: Regional Ethnography (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

In-depth study of peoples and cultures of a specific world region (e.g., East Asia, Latin America, South Asia) and critical scholarship on the region. Content may include cultures defined by diaspora, migration, and other global forces and processes. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 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.

RELI 644: Islamic Texts and Contexts (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Introduces foundational Islamic texts; scholarly traditions of commentary, criticism and analysis on these texts; and application and significance of these texts in contemporary Islamic discourses. Offered by Religious Studies. May not be repeated for credit.

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.

ANTH 650: Methods in Anthropology (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Reviews and examines major research methods commonly employed in cultural anthropological field study, with emphasis on ethnographic research design and the use of standard ethnographic techniques. Includes practice in designing ethnographic research project and using ethnographic methods and techniques in a field setting. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to ANTH 586.

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.

ENGH 665: Seminar in Global Culture (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Examines various cultural texts such as literature, drama, film, and folklore in terms of transnational circulation or production and reception in locations around the world other than Britain and United States. Engages with issues arising from globalization of English and interplay of global cultures. Notes: Texts studied in English or English translation. May be repeated with permission of department. Offered by English. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 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.

ARTH 699: Topics in Art History (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Research seminar on aspects of art history. Topics vary, but course entails extensive critical readings and discussion, development of bibliographies, and advanced-level research papers. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 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.

700-Level Courses

GOVT 731: Advanced Seminar in Comparative Politics (3 Credits)

Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.

Assumes basic proficiency in comparative analysis. Regionally based examination of key debates in the comparative politics field. Key theoretical and methodological debates are addressed through in depth examination of regional political processes. Regions include Latin America, Asia, Middle East, European Union, Africa, and Russia. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different with permission of department.Offered by Schar Govt/International Affrs. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: GOVT 530.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree 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.

GOVT 733: Islam and Politics (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Provides an overview and understanding of the multifaceted nature of political Islam in the contemporary world. Covers brief history of Islam, formation of modern states in the post-colonial Muslim world, nature of contemporary Islamic radicalism and militancy and the future of Islamism.Offered by Schar Govt/International Affrs. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree 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.

MEIS 794: Graduate Internship in Middle East and Islamic Studies (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Internship credit for completion of Middle East and/or Islamic studies related work at an approved government, nonprofit, or private institution.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: MEIS 500, HIST 575, RELI 644.

Registration Restrictions:

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

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

Schedule Type: Internship

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

MEIS 796: Directed Readings in Middle East and Islamic Studies (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Directed readings in the field of Middle East and Islamic Studies.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: MEIS 500, RELI 644, HIST 575.

Registration Restrictions:

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

Schedule Type: Independent Study

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

ANTH 798: Thesis or Project Proposal (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Work on research proposal that forms basis for master's thesis or project. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of 15 credits, including all other core courses.

Registration Restrictions:

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

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

Schedule Type: Thesis

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

GOVT 798: Political Science Research Project (3 Credits)

Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.

Research project related to student's concentration under supervision of a faculty advisor. Student produces substantial and original contribution to political science knowledge on model of article in scholarly journal.Offered by Schar Govt/International Affrs. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 12 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: 24 credits. Including the following courses: GOVT 500, GOVT 510, GOVT 520, GOVT 530, GOVT 540, and POGO 511.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

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

Schedule Type: Thesis

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

MEIS 798: Research Project in Middle East and Islamic Studies (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Research project related to Middle East and Islamic studies taken under supervision of faculty adviser.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of 21 credit hours toward MA in Middle East and Islamic Studies degree; satisfactory completion of a research methods course approved as a core course for the MA MEIS.

Registration Restrictions:

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

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

Schedule Type: Thesis

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

HIST 798: Directed Research and Writing in History (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Intended for students in department's predoctoral track who are not writing master's thesis. Goal is to produce substantial and original contribution to historical knowledge on model of article in scholarly journal. Offered by History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to MA program, HIST 610, and research seminar.

Registration Restrictions:

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

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

Schedule Type: Thesis

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Special scale.

MEIS 799: Thesis Research and Writing in Middle East and Islamic Studies (1-6 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Original research and thesis writing for students in the Middle East and Islamic Studies MA program.Offered by Middle East/Islamic Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of MEIS 500, HIST 535, GOVT 731, GOVT 733, RELI 644; and 27 credit hours toward MA in MEIS degree; permission of MEIS director.

Registration Restrictions:

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

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

Schedule Type: Thesis

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.