Middle Eastern Studies, Minor

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES)

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) is a multidisciplinary program that aims to enrich the understanding of a broadly conceived “Asia” in relation to other parts of the world. The AMES curriculum includes the study of history, politics, religion, literature, fine and media arts, performance, expressive and ritual culture, and the major languages of the region. Its curriculum consists of course offerings encompassing a diverse range of topics that involve East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific. Students select a track in either East Asian Studies or Middle Eastern Studies. The AMES curriculum includes four minor programs of study including minors in East Asian Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, South Asian Studies and Comparative and Diaspora Studies of Asia and the Middle East. AMES concentrators and AMES minors are encouraged to combine their academic study with service learning, study away, or study abroad.

AMES concentrators are required to complete 38 credit hours, including AMES 250 Approaches to Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (core course) and AMES 493 Senior Research in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (capstone course).  AMES students are encouraged to look into allied programs such as Global Studies for complementary courses and intellectual exchange. Students are encouraged to pursue advanced research through AMES 495 Senior Honors in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies-AMES 496 Senior Honors in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies  (Senior Honors). Please consult with a faculty member in AMES if you are interested in the program.

Required Credit Hours: 18

Core Requirements

A minor in Middle Eastern Studies requires 18 semester credit hours in the interdisciplinary field of Middle Eastern Studies.  No more than 50 percent of the credit hours can be taken in any one academic department and at least 9 of the 18 semester credit hours should be taken at the 300-400 level. Courses taken while participating in William and Mary’s approved study-abroad programs can count towards the minor. Minors are encouraged to take AMES 250 Approaches to Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Courses for this minor can be selected from the list for Middle Eastern Studies.  Students are required to take any two courses from the following: