Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Minor

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The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (MEIS) minor at Rutgers University-Newark is committed to several educational goals: (1) to provide our students with knowledge of the history and culture of Middle Eastern countries and Islamic civilization, with a strong global and interdisciplinary focus; (2) to provide our students with knowledge of the history and culture of Middle Eastern and/or Muslim populations in the United States, as well as their political and economic situation; (3) to provide rigorous liberal-arts training to students enrolled in the minor by honing critical thinking and writing skills; (4) to develop our students’ academic proficiency in languages of the Middle East; (5) to give students an introduction to the modes of inquiry of several academic disciplines through the lens of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.

Students may choose courses from an array of Departments and programs across the University including the Departments of Africana Studies, English, History, Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology, Spanish and Portuguese Studies. Therefore, students are offered the opportunity to acquire a broad knowledge of the Middle East and Islam, from the perspective of different disciplines.

Director: Mayte Green-Mercado

Minor Requirements

In consultation with the director of the Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (MEIS) minor, students can construct a personalized course of study according to their academic, professional, and personal interests. The minor requires that students complete 18 credits chosen from Core and Elective courses. At least three (3) courses in Core courses must be taken from at least two different departments. A grade of C or higher is required for each course applied to the minor.  A list of courses that can be used to satisfy the MEIS minor requirements can be obtained in the Department of History or by visiting history.newark.rutgers.edu.

The director will consider other classes with related content for minor credits. If you have a question about whether a particular class can count, be sure to consult the director of the minor in advance.

In order to declare the minor, complete a declaration of minor form and submit it for signature to the History Department via email  (history@newark.rutgers.edu) or in person (323 Conklin Hall). Forms will be submitted to the Office of the Registrar and the minor should be reflected on student records in approximately one week.