Middle East Studies (MEST)

MEST 20003. Introduction to Islam. 3 Hours.

This course introduces Islam as a global religion and world civilization, including study of the Qur'an, prophet Muhammad, ritual and community practices, metaphysics, mysticism, art, literature, and sacred and critical history. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MEST 200H3. Honors Introduction to Islam. 3 Hours.

This course introduces Islam as a global religion and world civilization, including study of the Qur'an, prophet Muhammad, ritual and community practices, metaphysics, mysticism, art, literature, and sacred and critical history. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is equivalent to MEST 20003.

MEST 20103. Introduction to Middle East Studies. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to provide students with fundamental building blocks for understanding the contemporary Middle East/Islamic World. Students will be introduced to a variety of disciplinary approaches to the study of the geo-cultural region, including history, politics, arts and literature, religions and cultures, social geography, and economics. (Typically offered: Fall)

MEST 20203. Persian Language and Culture. 3 Hours.

Introduction to basic language and cultural theories surrounding Persian society in modern time. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

MEST 30003. Islam: Beliefs and Practices. 3 Hours.

Explores the relationship between teachings, norms, customary practices and Muslim perception of Islam. Examines theoretical concepts and practices, such as war and peace, democracy, pluralism, modernity, human rights, environment, gender, Islamic law, nation-state, and citizenship in addition to the basic tenets of Islam. (Typically offered: Spring)

MEST 300H3. Honors Islam: Beliefs and Practices. 3 Hours.

Explores the relationship between teachings, norms, customary practices and Muslim perception of Islam. Examines theoretical concepts and practices, such as war and peace, democracy, pluralism, modernity, human rights, environment, gender, Islamic law, nation-state, and citizenship in addition to the basic tenets of Islam. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to MEST 30003.

MEST 3400V. MEST Independent Study. 1-3 Hour.

An exploration of varied topics related to the Middle East and North Africa studied independently with the supervision of a faculty member. Credit arranged with instructor. Prerequisite: Instructor consent and junior standing (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

MEST 340HV. Honors MEST Independent Study. 1-3 Hour.

An exploration of varied topics related to the Middle East and North Africa studied independently with the supervision of a faculty member. Credit arranged with instructor. Prerequisite: Instructor consent, junior standing and honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.
This course is equivalent to MEST 3400V.

MEST 399HV. MEST: Honors Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

Middle East Studies Honors research, readings and thesis. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

MEST 40003. Middle East Studies Colloquium. 3 Hours.

An interdepartmental colloquium with an annual change in subject required of all students in the Middle East studies program. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

MEST 400H3. Honors Middle East Studies Colloquium. 3 Hours.

Honors colloquium. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.
This course is equivalent to MEST 40003.

MEST 41003. Special Topics in Middle East Studies. 3 Hours.

Courses in lecture or seminar format to be offered in a variety of disciplines relating to the history, culture, politics, geography, languages, literature, arts, and religions of the Middle East, North Africa, and/or Islamic world. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.