Minor in Middle East Studies Courses

The Minor in Middle East Studies is an interdisciplinary program at George Mason that provides students with a firm grounding in the history, politics, and culture of this important region.

At George Mason University's Middle East Studies Program, students develop an understanding of the diverse dynamics and complex forces that shape modern Middle East realities. Going beyond security concerns, the program emphasizes the need for an understanding of the region’s history as a foundation for further in-depth inquiry.

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

The minor requirements are as follows:

Core courses:

HIST 282: Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (3 Credits)
GOVT 332: Politics of the Middle East and North Africa (3 Credits)

Select four electives from the following:

ARAB 325, ARAB 330, ARAB 331
ARTH 319, ARTH 320, ANTH 330
CONF 340
ENGH 362
GGS 325, GOVT 345, GOVT 445
HIST 281, HIST 387, HIST 461, HIST 462, HIST 465
RELI 211 , RELI 312, RELI 338, RELI 358

Foreign language courses offered:

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.

200-Level Courses

RELI 211: Introduction to Religions of the "West" (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Focuses on Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and other global and local religions of Europe, Asia Minor, north Africa, and the Americas from historical, comparative, and cross-cultural perspectives. May include modern developments of religions like Mormonism, Baha'ism, and Scientology as well as other religions of ancient Asia Minor like Zoroastrianism. Offered by Religious Studies. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Contexts, Global Understanding, Just Societies

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

HIST 281: Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Survey of Middle Eastern history from rise of Islam to present, emphasizing processes that led to emergence of economic, cultural, social, and political institutions that characterize region today. Surveys period from rise of Islam in 570 to medieval period (ca. 1258) Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

HIST 282: Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Survey of Middle Eastern history from rise of Islam to present, emphasizing processes that led to emergence of economic, cultural, social, and political institutions that characterize region today. Surveys medieval period to present. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

300-Level Courses

ANTH 308: Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Examines the anthropological literature on peoples and cultures of the Middle East, with particular attention to political and social change over the course of the 20th century. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

ENGH 309: Topics in Literature (1-3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Studies literature by topics, such as women in literature, science fiction, and literature of the avant garde. Notes: Topic varies. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by English. May be repeated within the term.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

ANTH 309: Peoples and Cultures of India (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Examination of South Asia, with emphasis on India. Includes general overview of prehistory and history; impact of colonialism; contemporary Indian culture, including the changing relations of caste and class, family organization, and the roles of women, religion, and ideology; and current trends in economic development and socioeconomic differences in different parts of the country. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Contexts, Global Understanding, Just Societies

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

ARTH 319: Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Investigates the art, archaeology, and culture of the ancient Near East with a focus on Mesopotamia between 3500 BCE and 331 BCE. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

ARTH 320: Art of the Islamic World (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Introduction to Islamic art, from the time of Muhammad to present. Cultural and regional approach, utilizing local museum collections. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Contexts, Global Understanding

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

ANTH 330: Peoples and Cultures of Selected Regions: Non-Western (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Examines cultures of a specific region such as Africa and the Middle East. Focuses primarily on non-Western cultures. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies, Non-Western Culture

Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 114, 60 credits, or permission of instructor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

GOVT 332: Politics of the Middle East and North Africa (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Examines political governance and socio-economic conditions of countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Topics include history and political systems; economic, social and political issues and challenges; and international relations of the countries in the MENA region.Offered by Schar Govt/International Affrs. Limited to three attempts.

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Recommended Prerequisite: GOVT 132, 133.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

GOVT 340: Central Asian Politics (3 Credits)

Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.

Comparative examination of political change in Central Asia with attention to national identity formation, political economy, political conflict, political Islam, and democratization.Offered by Schar Govt/International Affrs. Limited to three attempts.

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

GOVT 345: Islam and Politics (3 Credits)

Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.

Covers the politics of religion in Muslim societies; history, ideology, and practices of key individuals, movements, and institutions; case studies of political Islam in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the West; the plurality and diversity of political expression in Muslim world; the nature of democracy in political Islam and the characteristics of the Islamic state; link Islam and politics to the ongoing globalization and an increase in radicalism.Offered by Schar Govt/International Affrs. Limited to three attempts.

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

ENGH 362: Global Voices (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Studies two cultures other than contemporary British or American culture through exploration of several textual forms such as written literature, oral literature, film, folklore, or popular culture. Specific cultures vary, but at least one is non- Western. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by English. May be repeated within the degree.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

ARTH 382: Arts of India (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

History, culture, and arts of south Asia from earliest civilizations along the Indus River to onset of Western colonialism. Emphasizes role of material evidence in the creation of the South Asian history and how political, social, and religious developments affected the arts. Discusses monuments and artifacts in a variety of media in relation to historical contexts. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

HIST 387: Topics in Global History (3-6 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Study of historical topics or periods of special interest in global, Latin American, African, Asian, or Middle Eastern history. Notes: Topics announced in advance. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies, Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

400-Level Courses

ARAB 420: Survey of Arabic Literature (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

A survey of Arabic literature from its genesis to the present day. Offered by Modern & Classical Languages. Limited to three attempts.

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Recommended Prerequisite: Six credits of 300 level courses taught in Arabic or permission of instructor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

Additional Course Details: Taught in Arabic

ARAB 440: Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Survey of the religious and intellectual heritage of the Arab world. Notes: May be repeated when topic and texts are different. Offered by Modern & Classical Languages. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies, Non-Western Culture

Recommended Prerequisite: Six credits of 300 level Arabic or permission of instructor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

Additional Course Details: Taught in Arabic

GOVT 445: Human Rights (3 Credits)

Scheduled for Spring 2026

Explores philosophical, legal, and political issues at heart of modern international human rights movement. Examines historical background legal architecture of modern human rights movement.Offered by Schar Govt/International Affrs. Limited to three attempts.

Recommended Prerequisite: GOVT 132.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

HIST 461: Arab-Israeli Conflict (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Overview of history of Arab-Israeli conflict. Examines conflict from various perspectives: over land and between competing nationalisms and identities; in terms of national interests of various states, including Israelis and Palestinians as well as other Arab governments and great powers; and in terms of peace making and conflict resolution. Some knowledge of history of Middle East since World War I strongly advised. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

HIST 462: Women in Islamic Society (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Surveys history of women in Islamic society from rise of Islam to present day. Examines historical processes that affected role and status of women in society, and specific topics around which issues of gender status and identity coalesced, especially in modern period. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.

Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

HIST 465: The Middle East in the 20th Century (3 Credits)

No sections are currently scheduled.

Political, social, and cultural history of Middle East since World War I. Emergence of Israel, Arab nationalism, and political and economic influence of Middle East in world affairs. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.

Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture

Recommended Prerequisite: 6 hours of HIST or permission of Instructor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.