Why a Middle East and Islamic Studies Minor at Le Moyne College?

The Middle East stands out as the cradle of civilizations, and indeed its influence now extends to 400 million people in 22 countries. With the three Abrahamic religions originating in the Middle East and the Islamic world now including over 1.8 billion people across the globe, interest in the study of the Middle East and North Africa and the Islamic world has grown on our campus, especially given the geo-political and strategic interests of the United States.

This exciting minor enables students to study the history, cultures, politics and religions of a fascinating part of our world. Students will also adventure into a year of learning Arabic at any of the three levels offered.

Program Highlights

Students

As an MEIS minor, you will take a year of Arabic (or demonstrate the equivalent of a year’s proficiency in any Middle Eastern language), study diverse cultures across the Arab world, and gain a better understanding of the Middle East and the Islamic world’s history, politics and societies through a diverse array of classes, guest lectures and cultural activities.

Le Moyne professors in the departments of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures, History, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Sociology have come together to offer an array of courses pertaining to the Middle East (ancient and contemporary), and the Islamic world that leads to a minor in Middle East and Islamic Studies.

Who can Benefit from this major?

Student researchers
  • Any student at Le Moyne College
  • Students interested in attending graduate school
  • Students interested in careers in cyber security, social or humanitarian work
  • Students interested in government jobs, intelligence careers, or joining the U.S. State Department
  • Students interested in intelligence careers
  • Students interested in taking the foreign service exam and joining the state department

"Having a Middle East and Islamic Studies minor compared to just having an Arabic minor shows that you have more of an understanding of not only the language but the culture of the Middle East. Having a Middle East and Islamic Studies minor fits with Le Moyne wanting students to take a language and learn more about a culture other than their own and will be beneficial in my field of studies as well as many others."

Learning Outcomes

This program focuses on key institutional and core curriculum learning outcomes:

  • Students will critique several approaches to cultural, religious, and political identity taken across the Middle East and Muslim World (Jesuit Identity; Disciplinary Inquiry);
  • Students will analyze competing power dynamics across and within diverse cultures, with attention to international history and politics (Diversity);
  • Students will analyze social, religious, and political issues in the context of social justice (Social Justice; Ethical Integrity; Critical Thinking);
  • Students will communicate effectively in diverse venues including public speaking and in studying a Middle Eastern language (Oral Communication).