Program Overview
Middle Eastern & North African Studies Minor
Develop a deeper understanding of one of the world's most historically and culturally significant regions through an interdisciplinary minor that complements a wide range of majors.
Interdisciplinary Perspective
Complement your major with coursework spanning history, religion, archaeology, art history, politics, and culture.
Historical Depth
Explore the region across ancient, medieval, and modern periods.
Global Learning
Enhance your studies through language learning and opportunities for off-campus study
Why add a Middle Eastern & North African Studies minor?
- Add a regional perspective to majors across the humanities and social sciences.
- Explore the Middle East and North Africa through an interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Study the region across ancient, medieval, and modern historical periods.
- Deepen your understanding through language study and immersive off-campus experiences.
- Develop cultural knowledge and global perspectives that complement a liberal arts education.
Featured Courses
The Middle Eastern & North African Studies Minor consists of six courses that provide both historical breadth and flexibility.
Students complete coursework representing each of three historical periods:
- Ancient
- Medieval
- Modern
Build an interdisciplinary understanding of the region.
Students then choose additional courses that align with their academic interests and career goals.
Students may also pursue language study in areas including Middle Egyptian, Ancient Greek, Classical Hebrew, Arabic, Aramaic, Farsi, Turkish, and Ugaritic. Wooster also encourages students to deepen their understanding through semester or summer study abroad programs in the region.
Ready to Explore the Middle East & North Africa?
Whether your interests include history, religion, archaeology, politics, languages, or culture, the Middle Eastern & North African Studies Minor provides an interdisciplinary framework for understanding one of the world's most influential regions.
Career Opportunities
The Middle Eastern & North African Studies Minor complements careers and graduate study in different areas.
The minor also strengthens students' global awareness, intercultural understanding, and analytical skills across many professions.
Key Areas
International affairs
Government and diplomacy
Archaeology
History
Religious studies
Museum and cultural heritage work
Education
Journalism
International nonprofit organizations
Sarah Mirza
Associate Professor of Religious Studies; Middle Eastern and North African Studies; South Asian Studies; Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
smirza@wooster.edu
Chan Sok Park
Associate Professor and Department Chair of Religious Studies, Classical Studies, Middle Eastern and North African Studies, and Director of Pre-Ministry Program
cpark@wooster.edu
Joan S. Friedman
Lincoln Professor of Religion and Professor of History; Middle Eastern and North African Studies
jfriedman@wooster.edu
Garrett Thomson
Elias Compton Professor of Philosophy; Middle Eastern & North African Studies
gthomson@wooster.edu
Hamed Goharipour
Assistant Professor of Urban Studies; Middle Eastern & North African Studies
hgoharipour@wooster.edu
Tracy Cosgriff
Associate Professor of Art and Art History, Middle Eastern & North African Studies
tcosgriff@wooster.edu