Minor in Middle East Studies

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Overview

The Middle East Studies minor focuses on a part of the world that has played a vital role in biblical and religious history, and continues to play a vital role in world politics today. The study of the history, languages, cultures, religions and politics of Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean world will prepare students to engage in the increasing international interest of this area.

Courses

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, visit Biola's academic catalog.

Note: This list is intended to give you a quick glimpse into the program's academic offerings, and should not be used as a guide for course selection or academic advising.

History Courses

HIST 430	History of the Jewish People
Post-biblical period to the present; social, political and cultural history of the Jew in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas; Anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, the State of Israel and Arab-Israeli tensions in the contemporary world. Grade Mode: A.
HIST 441	History of the Middle East and Islam I
Political, social and cultural history of the Middle East with an emphasis on Islamic civilization to 1453. Special emphasis on relationships of Muslim and non-Muslim peoples under Islamic rule. Grade Mode: A.
HIST 442	History of the Middle East and Islam II
Political, social and cultural history of the Middle East with an emphasis on Islamic civilization from 1453. Special emphasis on the development of the Middle Eastern state system following the First World War. Special emphasis on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Grade Mode: A.

Middle East Culture and Religion Courses

ANTH 365	Biblical Archaeology: Ancient Near East
The history of archaeology and literature of the Ancient Near East and the bearing of archaeological findings on the interpretation of the Old Testament. Grade Mode: A.
ANTH 366	Biblical Archaeology: Palestine
The history of the excavation, the history and geography of Palestine and how archaeological findings have bearing upon Biblical interpretations. Grade Mode: A.
ENGL 481	Studies in World Literature
Specialized studies of global literatures focusing on authors, periods, and/or movements from literary traditions other than the United States and Britain. Grade Mode: A.
HIST 304	Ancient Near East
A study of the culture of the Ancient Near East with emphasis on history, literature, religion and the modes of thought. Attention is given to cultural preparation for the biblical faith. Grade Mode: A.
HIST 453	The Islamic City
History of urbanization in the Islamic world. Uniqueness of Islamic cities in world history. Multidisciplinary approach to urban history and urban studies.
HIST 454	Arab-Israeli Conflict
Focusing on Jerusalem, students will study the diplomatic and political history of the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis. Emphasis on Christian Zionism, political Islam, and international relations. Depending on the students in the class, position papers will be used either in simulated negotiations or panel discussions. Grade Mode: A.
HIST 455	History of Israel and Zionism
Focusing on Jerusalem, students will study the diplomatic and political history of the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis. Emphasis on Christian Zionism, political Islam, and international relations. Depending on the students in the class, position papers will be used either in simulated negotiations or panel discussions. Grade Mode: A.
HIST 456	Muslim, Jewish and Christian Relations
History of Muslim, Jewish and Christian relations. Multidisciplinary approach. Questions of church and state, morality, Scripture. Grade Mode: A.
INCS 324	Introduction to Islam and Islamic Theology
An introductory survey of the Islamic world and its faith, and major themes in Muslim theology and doctrine from the Qur'an to contemporary Muslim thinkers. Topics include faith, practice, the daily life and spiritual world of Muslims; the systematic character of Muslim thought; theological, historical, political, social and cultural barriers and bridges between Muslims and Christians. Critical issues like contextualization, power encounter, church multiplication, the role of women, and contemporary Islamic thought including the emergence of Islamic fundamentalism and militant Islam. Grade Mode: A.
INCS 325	Popular Islam
Survey of varieties of 'folk' beliefs, practices and local expressions of the less orthodox, mystical and more syncretic/animistic components of Islam. This course equips students to understand the religious experience of everyday Islam (representing 80% of Muslims) from a biblical perspective in order to contextually communicate to the felt needs of ordinary Muslims. Grade Mode: A.
INCS 447	Approaches to the Islamic World
Exploration of historical and contemporary approaches to Muslim peoples, including an analysis of effective interactions and Muslim perceptions, and individual and organizational approaches like evangelism, apologetics, interfaith dialogue, evangelism, apologetics, education, development and compassion ministries, reconciliation, peace-building and the planting of transformational communities. This course will equip students with an understanding of the basic competencies needed to live and serve effectively among Muslim peoples in the name and spirit of Jesus. Grade Mode: A.
INCS 448	Topics in Islamic Studies
Studies in selected issues pertaining to Islam, such as Islamic Theology; The Qur'an and Muslim Tradition; The Life of Muhammad; Muslim-Christian Relations; Islam in the 21st Century; Islam and State; The Anthropology of Islam. Conflict and Change in Islamic World or an in-depth study of a particular aspect of Islamic thought, practice or history. Notes: May be taken multiple times with different content. Grade Mode: A.
POSC 480	Studies in Political Science
Specialized study in political science in such areas as American government, the U.S. Constitution, legislation, state and local government, foreign affairs, international relations, the Arab- Israel conflict, political theory, comparative governments, the American presidency, the citizen and the law, political parties, law and public administration. Notes: May be taken for a total of 12 credits with different content. Grade Mode: A.

Total Program Credits

Every program at Biola University features rigorous academics, biblically integrated curriculum and vocational preparation.

WSCUC

Accreditation

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.

Minor in Middle East Studies

Overview

Courses

History Courses

Middle East Culture and Religion Courses

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