The minor combines language study with the range of topical courses that treat the Middle East region from historical and contemporary perspectives. Current faculty members offer courses in Arabic literature, Turkish popular culture, Middle Eastern history (ancient and modern), religious cultures of the Middle East and North Africa, and the politics of the wider MENA region, in addition to other subjects. This minor is geared toward students who are interested in further graduate study on the Middle East, perhaps under the rubric of a specific discipline, such as history or political science, while also providing a strong background to students that are interested in relevant careers, such as journalism, foreign policy and international law.

The program of study for the minor includes the following required courses:

• Language Requirement: two semesters (eight credits) of Arabic, Hebrew, or Turkish (modern or Ottoman), studied at any level. This should be two semesters of the same language. A semester of Ottoman may be combined with a semester of any level of modern Turkish.
• Middle East and North Africa, pre-1800 (four credits)
• Middle East and North Africa, since 1800 (four credits)
• Electives: two courses in chosen areas of interest (eight credits)

Note: Minimum grade required for courses to be counted for the minor: C. No courses for the minor may be taken Pass/Fail. At least four courses (16 credits) must be taken at Binghamton University. At least two courses (eight credits) must be at the 300- or 400-level.