The interdisciplinary program in Middle East and Islamic Studies offers a distinctive and innovative approach to the study of the Middle East, of Islam, and of Muslim societies across the globe. The program seeks to situate the study of the Middle East and Islam within a globalized world. Students develop a broad understanding of the region, its history and its contemporary complexities with respect to society, politics, culture, and economy.
The Middle East and Islamic Studies Program comprises four distinct curricula; a master’s program in Middle East and Islamic studies (MEIS), a graduate certificate program, and two undergraduate minor programs (Middle East studies and Islamic studies). Because these programs are interdisciplinary, undergraduate and graduate students may take courses from a range of disciplines to fulfill minor, graduate degree or certificate requirements. Undergraduate students should consult the specific listing, Middle East Studies minor or Islamic Studies minor for more details. Graduate students should consult with the MEIS director.
Undergraduate Program
Minors
The Middle East and Islamic Studies Program offers two minors for undergraduates.
The Middle East Studies minor provides students with a firm grounding in the history, politics, and culture of this important region. Students develop an understanding of the diverse dynamics and complex forces that shape modern Middle East realities.
The Islamic Studies minor introduces students to the diverse and dynamic experience of Muslims globally and locally. Through interdisciplinary course offerings, students acquire an understanding of Islamic religious traditions, history, politics, society and culture.
Graduate Program
Master's Degree
The program offers a master’s degree in Middle East and Islamic studies. Students study historical and contemporary topics - as well as theory and methodology - from regional and global perspectives. The unique interdisciplinary nature of the program provides students with a thorough foundation in the major debates and issues in the study of the Middle East, of Islam, and of Muslim societies across the globe.
Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in Middle East and Islamic studies 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 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.
Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Program
Highly qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated master’s degree program in Middle East and Islamic studies. If accepted, students will be able to earn an undergraduate degree in their chosen major and a graduate degree in Middle East and Islamic studies after satisfactory completion of 138 credits, generally within five years. Credit limits and course requirements require advanced planning and consultation with the student’s undergraduate advisor and MEIS director.
AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies
web: islamicstudiescenter.gmu.edu
The AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies is an interdisciplinary research center whose goal is to provide a sound and nuanced understanding of Muslim societies and the Islamic faith, its role in world history and patterns of globalization. The center regularly sponsors lectures and conferences, runs major research projects and hosts international scholars. The center supports the academic curriculum through its on-campus and off-campus activities.
Middle East Studies
web: meis.gmu.edu
The interdisciplinary Middle East Studies program at George Mason provides students with a firm grounding in the history, politics, and culture of this important region. Under the guidance of internationally recognized faculty, students develop an understanding of the diverse dynamics and complex forces that shape modern Middle East realities. Students have the opportunity to examine new Middle East diasporas and transnational communities in the West, as well as the role of the Middle East in a changing geopolitical environment marked by the rise of China, India and the re-emergence of Russia.
Program Faculty
Professors
Robert D. DeCaroli
Susan Hirsch
Mark N Katz
Peter Mandaville
John N Paden
Aziz Sachedina
Emeritus Professors
Associate Professors
Amal Amireh
Ahsan Butt
Maria M Dakake
Leslie Dwyer
Nathaniel Greenberg
Bassam S. Haddad
Sumaiya A. Hamdani
Cortney Hughes Rinker
Eric McGlinchey
Huseyin Yilmaz
Assistant Professors
Middle East/Islamic Studies (MEIS)
500 Level Courses
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Middle East Islamic Studies.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
700 Level Courses
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.