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The Middle Eastern Studies minor at UNH offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the world's most culturally rich and strategically important regions. Here you'll be able to immerse yourself in the languages, history, politics and religions that shape the Middle East, while gaining opportunities to study abroad and participate in programs like Model UN.
This versatile minor enhances career preparation across fields from international business and diplomacy to journalism and healthcare, providing valuable cross-cultural insights that complement majors in business, political science, international affairs and beyond.
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In the Middle Eastern studies minor, you’ll develop an appreciation for the language, history, politics, religions, culture and geography of the region. Many students studying business, education, political science, history or international affairs find knowledge of the Middle East useful in their future careers or graduate studies.
Study abroad opportunities in the Middle East are among the many highlights of the Middle Eastern studies minor at UNH. Throughout the academic year, you’ll have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities that complement your studies, such as Model UN.
The minor in Middle Eastern studies introduces students to the many facets of Middle Eastern cultures and societies through the interdisciplinary study of languages, history, politics, geography, and anthropology. Minor coursework enables students' understanding of the Middle East as a dynamic region in a global and comparative context. This minor therefore encompasses not only the study of the region itself, but also the flows and circulation of migration, diasporas, refugees, ideas, literatures, social movements, war and natural resources that make the region pivotal to world history and the global economy. In addition, participation in the minor prepares students for study abroad experiences, helps them acquire skills and qualifications for graduate study, and enhances employment opportunities.
Students interested in the minor should contact the coordinator and/or affiliated faculty to discuss their program of study.
The Middle Eastern Studies minor requires five courses (20 credits) selected from the list of approved elective courses or from exceptional courses and opportunities approved by the affiliate faculty in respective disciplines. The five-course requirement must include one non-language course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select five courses from the following: | 20 | |
ANTH 500 | Peoples and Cultures of the World (only topic C) | |
ANTH 640 | Anthropology of Islam: Muslims' Everyday Lives in Contemporary Communities | |
ANTH 700 | Internship (only topic A: Preserving Cultural Heritage in Syria and Iraq) | |
ANTH 750 | Islam and Gender: Gendered Lives of Muslims | |
ARBC 401 | Elementary Arabic I | |
ARBC 402 | Elementary Arabic II | |
ARBC 503 | Intermediate Arabic | |
ARBC 504 | Intermediate Arabic | |
ARBC 631 | Advanced Arabic I | |
ARBC 632 | Advanced Arabic II | |
HIST 425 | Foreign Cultures | |
HIST 575 | Ancient Near East | |
HIST 585 | Medieval Islam | |
HUMA 444F | Travelers in the Premodern World | |
POLT 559 | Comparative Politics of the Middle East | |
POLT 740 | States and Societies in the Middle East | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Foreign Language Study
The study of a Middle Eastern language or language relevant to Middle Eastern studies is strongly encouraged but not required. Students are encouraged and permitted to count Arabic toward the five-course requirement. Students who have studied Hebrew, Turkish, Farsi, or other Middle Eastern languages at other institutions may apply for transfer of their credit toward the minor. Through petition to the minor coordinator and with support of affiliate faculty in the respective discipline, students may apply for European languages, such as French and Italian, to count toward minor requirements, provided these are relevant to their research and study interests in the region.
Transfer or Articulation Agreements with other Institutions
Transfer of credits may be approved by the coordinator to count toward the minor if the transfer is accepted by the University and fits within the scope of the minor.
Completion of Minor
Students interested in the minor should contact the coordinator and/or affiliated faculty to discuss their program of study. At the beginning of the final semester of study at UNH, students should fill out and submit a completion of minor form to their Dean's Office.
Middle East Studies Association (MESA)
International Studies Association (ISA)
Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP)
Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA)
Middlebury Language School, Middlebury College
For assistance in planning a study abroad program, visit UNH Global.
Egypt
Jordan
Morocco
Oman
Tunisia
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
India
Senegal
Spain
United Kingdom