Middle East & Islamic Studies (MEIS)

Explanation of Course Descriptions, Symbols, and Terms

MEIS 300 Foundations in Middle East and Islamic Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas 1A/A2*, 1B/A3*, 1C/A1*, and 2/B4* all with grades of C- or better or permission of the instructor.

Introductory, interdisciplinary study of the cultures, politics, and histories of the Middle East, North Africa, and other Muslim societies.

Course Attributes:

  • 4UD: Social/Behavioral Science
  • UD-D: Social Sciences
  • Global Perspectives

MEIS 301 Islam: Interpretation and Practice (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas 1A/A2*, 1B/A3*, 1C/A1*, and 2/B4* all with grades of C- or better or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to the origin, spread, and early writings of Islam, and an overview of the diversity of contemporary Islamic practice around the globe.

Course Attributes:

  • 3UD: Arts or Humanities
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives

MEIS 431 Constructing Kurdistan (Units: 4)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing or permission of the instructor.

Comparative study of Kurdish state- and nation-building projects in Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria. Overview of relevant theories on national movements, ethno-nationalism, state formation, governance, and ethnic conflict.
(This course is offered as PLSI 431 and MEIS 431. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

MEIS 685 Projects in Teaching MEIS (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisite: A current matriculated student in good standing, who has already completed the regular instructionally related class, or its equivalent, with a grade of B or better, for which the student will function as an aide.

Students work as teaching assistants to instructors and receive training in teaching Middle East and Islamic Studies. Responsibilities include working with supervising faculty, assisting in preparing course material, tutoring students, and conducting small group discussions in class. (Students may earn a maximum of 4 units toward the baccalaureate degree for any course(s) numbered 685 regardless of discipline.) (CR/NC grading only)

MEIS 699 Independent Study (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisites: Overall GPA of 3.0 or better and permission of the supervising faculty member and the Middle East and Islamic Studies director.

Study is planned, developed and completed under the direction of a member of the Middle East and Islamic Studies advisor.