Middle East/North Africa

Undergraduate Minor

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Make an impact with a minor in politics

This program gives students a deep understanding of the rich culture and history of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as how this area interacts with other regions across the globe.

Students choose between two tracks: Arabic language and culture or Middle East and North Africa studies. Both tracks are tailored to your individual interests and career goals, so they are a great complement to any international relations degree.

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This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Studies Minor

Prepare for your dream international career with the MENA studies minor. This program provides students with advanced Arabic classes, immersive study abroad programs and a comprehensive education on Middle Eastern culture, economics, politics and history.

 

All students may choose between two concentrations: Arabic language and culture or Middle East and North Africa Studies. These concentration options allow students to customize the minor to their interests and ideal career path. Arabic language students are prepared to converse and work in the Middle East, whereas students who choose the MENA studies concentration gain a deep understanding of the culture and politics of the area.

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This minor typically takes at least three academic years to complete, so students should begin considering the minor as a Freshman or Sophomore. However, if you already have knowledge of a Middle Eastern language, you may be able to complete the minor in two years.

 

Minor requirements include:

  • All students are encouraged to complete two semesters of a Middle Eastern language such as Arabic, Hebrew, Persian (Farsi) or Turkish. Alternatively, you may demonstrate basic proficiency at the one-year level.
  • Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to complete the minor.
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North Africa and Middle East Studies Program Highlights

Two Concentration Options

Arabic Language and Culture: You’ll spend six semesters developing a proficiency in the Arabic language. This level of knowledge enables grads to work in the Middle East in Arabic.

Middle East and North Africa Studies: This concentration educates students about the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as a distinct area of the world, including its cultural practices and history. You’ll also learn about the MENA region’s relationships with other countries and regions across the globe.

Curriculum & Courses

UW’s international studies faculty leads a variety of study abroad programs, including those that directly relate to the MENA studies minor. In recent years, our faculty have led programs in Turkey, Jordan, Israel and Palestine. These trips give students the opportunity to practice conversing with community members and learn about the politics and cultures within the region. UW additionally has a partnership with the Al-Akhawayn University in Morocco and the CIEE summer program in Jordan. Dozens of UW students have completed the CIEE program in Jordan, where they’ve gained the equivalent of two semesters of collegiate Arabic in just two and a half months.

Study Abroad

The School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies is home to many accomplished and dedicated faculty members.

  • Eric Nigh: Eric spent over 15 years working in the Middle East with the US Government. He teaches courses on foreign policy and government in the Middle East. 
  • Dr. Nicholas Crane: Dr. Crane’s work focuses on Turkey. He teaches courses and does research on Turkey’s role in Eurasian politics and its position in the southeastern periphery of Europe.
  • Dr. Ahmed Nadalizadeh: Dr. Nadalizadeh is originally from Iran and is an expert in Middle Eastern cinema.
  • Hamid Khan: Hamid is a legal expert with the American Bar Association. He specializes in international rule of law programs and teaches classes on Islamic Law. 
  • Dr. Tracey Eckersley: Dr. Eckersley is an expert on MENA archaeology, specializing in Byzantine artifacts and art history. She has worked on digs in Jordan and Tunisia.

Our People

Joining clubs and organizations is a great way to meet students with similar interests and network with professionals in your field.

Student Organizations

Every year, the Middle East and North Africa studies minor hosts a regional Model Arab League conference. Teams come from across Wyoming and surrounding states to participate. The conference hosts regional experts and panel discussions. Last year’s conference featured a panel consisting of both Israeli and Gazan individuals who spoke about prospects for peace. This discussion brought a great deal of awareness and education to our campus and community.

Model Arab League

The MENARA Center is a cultural center with a mission to educate our community and promote MENA culture. The center frequently hosts talks and events with students, faculty and visiting experts.

MENARA Center

Our students regularly accept prestigious internship offers, including those with government agencies, congressional delegations, private companies and non-governmental organizations.

 

Two Concentration Options

Select a Highlight

 

What can you do with a minor in North Africa and Middle East studies?

Students are prepared to work in a range of fields in the U.S. or in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. You’ll be ready for a meaningful career in government, nonprofit management, research or private industry.

The Arabic and Middle East/North African Studies Program is one of a Kind

Jumpstart your international career and deepen your cultural understanding of the MENA region with this minor

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Related Programs

Interested in a Middle East studies minor? These programs may also be of interest to you: