Santa Clara University

ARABIC, ISLAMIC, AND MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES

The interdisciplinary minor in Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern studies (AIMES) provides an introduction to the various cultures, peoples, and religions—Muslim, Jewish, and Christian—of the Middle East, as well as the diverse forms of Islamic practice in Muslim societies throughout the world. This program also encourages the study of diaspora and immigrant communities where Islamic and Middle Eastern populations constitute a religious or ethnic minority.

Students enrolled in this minor have the opportunity to sample a variety of methodologies and academic disciplines—including anthropology, art history, literary criticism, history, political science, and religious studies—that address the Middle East in particular and the Islamic world at large.

The AIMES interdisciplinary minor is ideal for students who want to develop the intellectual resources for thoughtful and informed engagement with current issues in the Middle East and the Islamic world. AIMES is also well suited for students considering work with overseas aid organizations, government service, international business or graduate programs in international studies.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR

Students must complete the following requirements for a minor in Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern studies:

Culture Courses
Students must take a total of six culture courses relating to AIMES (two lower-level and four upper-level) from at least three different departments. No more than two courses may be counted for AIMES credit from the department in which a student majors. A maximum of three courses for AIMES credit may be taken from any one department.

Arabic Language
Three quarters of Arabic are required. Students with prior knowledge of a relevant language may take a test that certifies that they have fulfilled this requirement.

Senior Project
In lieu of one of the six required courses in Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures, students may elect to do an independent study/reading course on a project in consultation with a member of the AIMES Faculty Advisory Council. This project may entail fieldwork with local Islamic and diaspora Middle Eastern communities in the Bay area.

Students enrolled in the AIMES minor are strongly encouraged to participate in SCU-approved study abroad programs that pertain to Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern studies. Before enrolling in any such program, students should check with the director and faculty members of the AIMES minor as well as the International Programs Office.

ANTHROPOLOGY COURSES

• ANTH 88. Women and Gender in the Middle East
• ANTH 156. Anthropology of Muslim Peoples and Practices
• ANTH 188. People, Culture, and Change in the Middle East

ART HISTORY COURSES

• ARTH 121. Venice and the Other in the Renaissance
• ARTH 164. Islamic Art, 600-1350 CE

ENGLISH COURSES

• ENGL 128. Literature of the Middle East and the Islamic World

HISTORY COURSES

• HIST 57. Rajas and Sultans in Medieval India
• HIST 142. The Modern Middle East and North Africa
• HIST 154B. State, Religion, and Gender in Medieval India
• HIST 154C. Colonial India
• HIST 158. Islam in the Modern World
• HIST 193. Seminar on Africa and the Middle East

MODERN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

• ARAB 1. Elementary Arabic I
• ARAB 2. Elementary Arabic II
• ARAB 3. Elementary Arabic III
• ARAB 21. Intermediate Arabic I
• ARAB 22. Intermediate Arabic II
• ARAB 23. Intermediate Arabic III
• ARAB 50. Intermediate Arabic Conversation
• ARAB 137. Arabic Culture and Identity
• ARAB 164. The Art of Arabic Calligraphy

POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES

• POLI 139. Religion and Politics in the Developing World
• POLI 142. Politics in the Middle East

RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSES

• RSOC 18. Religion and Culture: Egypt
• RSOC 71. Women in Contemporary Middle Eastern Muslim Societies
• RSOC 81. Islam
• RSOC 82. Shia Islam
• RSOC 154. The Islamic Jesus
• RSOC 190. Islam: Reformation and Modernity
• RSOC 190R. Contemporary Islam
• SCTR 19. Religions of the Book
• SCTR 125. Quran Interpretation
• SCTR 126. Sufi Mysticism