About the Program
The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (MEIS) program offers courses in the languages, histories, religions, cultures, sociology and politics of Middle Eastern peoples. It also seeks to enhance students’ understanding of Islamic cultures and the Muslim communities both internationally and within the United States. In addition, MEIS provides an academic home for the study of the intellectual, cultural and material conditions that have shaped our current understandings of and relationships with the Middle East and Islamic societies. Among the primary beneficiaries of this program are students interested in becoming scholars, journalists, social workers, lawyers, policymakers, artists, humanitarian aid workers, grant makers, translators, interpreters, diplomats, businesspersons, negotiators, teachers, and personnel in foreign offices. Some of the courses in the program satisfy General Education (GE) requirements or may be used as electives in several majors. Through offering the minor, sponsoring courses, organizing conferences, film and lecture series, MEIS brings together interested students, faculty and Middle Eastern communities in larger Los Angeles.
Academic Advisement
The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Contact Director Khanum Shaikh to schedule an appointment. The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.
Careers
Graduates may seek careers as scholars, diplomats, social workers, lawyers, policymakers, artists, humanitarian aid workers, grant makers, translators, interpreters, diplomats, businesspersons, negotiators, teachers, personnel in foreign offices, and many more.
Program Committee
- Sumaya Bezrati (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures)
- Owen P. Doonan (Art)
- Homa Esfarjani (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures)
- Rachel T. Howes (History)
- Ali Akbar Mahdi (Sociology)
- Ahmad Motameni (Political Science)
- Mustafa Ruzgar (Religious Studies)
- Suzanne Scheld (Anthropology)
- Khanum Shaikh (Gender and Women’s Studies)
- Nayereh Tohidi (Gender and Women’s Studies)
- Melissa Wall (Journalism)
Contact
Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program
Director: Khanum Shaikh
Jerome Richfield (JR) 340L
(818) 677-7299