For Additional Information

Department of Politics and Government

401B Schroeder Hall

Campus Box 4600

(309) 438-8638

Department of Politics and Government

405 Schroeder Hall

Campus Box 4600

(309) 438-3709

Minor in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies

The Minor in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program that includes courses from seven departments: History, Politics and Government, Geography, English, Sociology, Economics and Foreign Languages.

The Minor is designed for students interested in exploring the politics, society, cultures and economics of countries in the Middle East and South Asia. The program provides an interdisciplinary approach for students to explore the socio-political-economic dynamics of countries in this region. The Minor also allows for examination of the impacts of global politics, especially the US foreign policies, on the socio-political-environment of this region.

Currently, the Middle East and South Asia is home to one-fifth of the global population. The nations in this region are facing enormous economic challenges, as well as political and military tensions. Recent changes in the global political arena make this region extremely significant for study. Cultural elements play an important role in developing the domestic policies of countries in this region, and will continue to do so in the future. Global powers, such as the United States, have been influenced by the roles countries in this region play in global politics. Actions of the countries in the Middle East and South Asia have impacted the policy decisions and actions of global powers; as well as global powers influencing the countries in this region. A mutual interdependence exists between the Middle East and South Asia, and global powers. Therefore, an understanding of the culture, politics, and economy of the region is necessary for recognizing its implications for our daily lives, and the implications of the policies pursued by the US administration.

This Minor will prepare students for a better understanding of one of the most volatile and influential regions of the world. Through this structured study of the Middle East and South Asia, students will increase their job prospects in the fields of research, public administration and non-governmental development organizations.

Required Courses

Students are required to take a core of four courses in history, politics, geography, and interdisciplinary studies. In addition, students may take elective courses in the social sciences (History, Sociology, Geography, and Politics and Government) and in the humanities (English, and Foreign Languages).

• 21 hours required
• Required core (12 hrs): POL 245, 247, or 345; HIS 104.4 or 104.5; IDS 203.20 or 203.25; GEO 235.03 or 235.04
• Choose 3 courses (9 hrs) from the following: ECO 205; ENG 206; FOR 206; GEO 255, 245: HIS 270, 271, 378; POL 225, 254, 349; SOC 268
• NOTE: No more than 9 hours may be selected from the student’s first or second major department.
• Other courses approved by the director may be counted toward the minor.

Study Abroad

Participation in Middle Eastern or South Asian universities through ISU or alternative study abroad programs, while not required, is strongly encouraged. Students can accumulate up to 6 credit hours of electives.

NOTE: Please refer to specific departments or schools for further course information including prerequisites.