The Minor in Middle East Studies (MES) consists of 30 credits, of which at least 18 credits must be at the 300-level or above.
Credits towards the MES minor can only be received from courses on the approved list or from other courses approved by the Program Chair (see https://mes.arts.ubc.ca/courses for further information).
The Program Chair is happy to provide advising services and help you plan your program.
Lower-level Requirements
A maximum of 12 credits at the 100 and 200-level. Please note:
- No more than 6 credits in lower-level language courses can count towards this Minor.
- Students are welcome to suggest alternative lower-level options. For example, certain intro courses in various disciplines (Poli, Anthro, History, etc.) might be applicable. Please contact the Program Chair to discuss and receive approval.
Upper-level Requirements
A minimum of 18 credits at the 300 and 400-level, including:
- MES 300 (3) The Middle East: Critical Questions and Debates (mandatory core course)
- No more than 9 upper-level credits in any one course code can count towards this Minor.
- No more than 6 credits of upper-level language courses can count towards this Minor.
Registration FAQ
When can I declare the minor?
Students can self-enroll in the minor on the SSC only during their registration window and if they have the requisite number of credits completed. If you missed your window and would like to declare your MES minor, please contact the Program Chair.
Can course credits acquired prior to the establishment of MES (May 2020) count towards the minor?
Yes, absolutely! Credits acquired from courses on the Approved List automatically count. In addition, other courses with MES content might count as well. Please contact the Program Chair to get these courses approved and/or to discuss any other issue related to previous credits you acquired.
Can I double-count credits for my major and minor?
Each department has rules on double-counting credits for a major and minor. Please consult your the department/program in charge of your major to find out how many credits can be double-counted (generally, 6 credits can be double-counted).
Can special topics courses count towards the MES minor?
Yes, each year departments offer a revolving selection of special topics courses that might count towards the MES minor. Please speak with the Program Chair if you would like a special topics course to count.
Can I declare for the MES minor if I am not in the Faculty of Arts?
Yes, please contact the Program Chair for further details on how to enroll if you are in a different faculty.