Program Overview

Middle East and Islamic Studies Graduate Certificate

Overview

This graduate certificate allows students to examine the complex issues involved in understanding the Middle East and the broader Islamic world from a variety of perspectives. Students study both contemporary and historical developments in these regions; they take core courses in various disciplines, including political science, history, and religious studies, and have the opportunity to take elective courses in an even broader set of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, literature, and art history.

Admissions

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the graduate certificate in Middle East and Islamic Studies, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.

Certificate Requirements

Total credits: 18

This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.

Core Courses

• MEIS 500: Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies (3 credits)
• HIST 575: Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History (3 credits)
• GOVT 632: Politics and Societies of the Middle East (3 credits)
• RELI 644: Islamic Texts and Contexts (3 credits)
• Total Credits: 12

Electives

• Select two electives from the following:
  • ANTH 635: Regional Ethnography (1)
  • ARTH 599: Special Topics in Art History (2)
  • ARTH 699: Topics in Art History (2)
  • CONF 653: World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution
  • CONF 722: Conflict and Religion
  • ENGH 665: Seminar in Global Culture (3)
  • FRLN 550: Special Topics (4)
  • FRLN 551: Special Topics (4)
  • GGS 533: Issues in Regional Geography (5)
  • GOVT 731: Advanced Seminar in Comparative Politics (6)
  • GOVT 733: Islam and Politics
  • HIST 585: Problems in Middle Eastern History
  • MEIS 794: Graduate Internship in Middle East and Islamic Studies
  • MEIS 796: Directed Readings in Middle East and Islamic Studies
  • RELI 591: Special Topics in Religious Studies (7)
  • RELI 645: Muslim Comparative Theologies: Sunni-Shi`i Religious Thought
  • RELI 646: Islam and Human Rights
  • RELI 660: Islamic Biomedical Ethics
  • Total Credits: 6

(1) When topic is Middle East and North Africa. (2) When topic is Middle Eastern or Islamic art. (3) When topic is Middle East or Muslim world. (4) When topic is a language of the Middle East or Muslim world. (5) When topic is Middle East. (6) When topic is the Middle East or a Muslim world region. (7) When topic is Islam or Muslim communities.