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Important note about changes to the MES Program
The McGill calendar (from academic year 09-10 onwards) shows some changes to the requirements for the MES Program, the most significant of which is the introduction of a compulsory capstone research seminar (MEST 495). These changes only apply to students registering for MES from Fall 2009 onwards. Students registered in any of the MES programs before Fall 2009 can choose to continue in the old system and should follow this website (not the calendar) for the program requirements. This does not mean, however, that students registered in the program before Fall 2009 cannot take MEST 495 if they want to. It will be offered every Winter semester. It is restricted to students in the MES Program who are interested in writing a research paper on a subject of their choice in consultation with the professor leading the seminar. The seminar will provide a chance to workshop the papers and bring MES students together in the classroom. For honors students following the old program it can also count as the required upper-level seminar. If you have any questions please be in touch with setrag [dot] manoukian [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Prof. Setrag Manoukian) .
Minor Concentration in Middle East Studies
A total of 18 credits, consisting of:
- 6 credits in history core courses
- 6 credits in religion and philosophy (including at least 3 credits in core courses)
- 6 credits in social sciences.
Minor Concentration in Middle East Languages
Either:
- 18 credits in one Middle Eastern language (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Turkish), or
- 12 credits in one language and 6 in another.
While the requirements for this program can normally be met within the 18-credit limit, if the language selected is Arabic, it will involve 21 credits.
Major Concentration in Middle East Studies
A total of 36 credits, consisting of:
- 12-15 credits in one Middle East Language
- 6-9 credits in history (including at least 6 credits in core courses)
- 6-9 credits in religion and philosophy (including at least 6 credits in core courses)
- 6-9 credits in social sciences
Honours Program in Middle East Studies
A total of 60 credits, consisting of:
- 18-21 credits in one Middle East Language
- 9-15 credits in history (including at least 9 credits in core courses)
- 9-15 credits in religion and philosophy (including at least 6 credits in core courses)
- 9-15 credits in social sciences
- 3 credits in an honours seminar (MES 495), independent research course (MEST 496), or approved graduate seminar (such as POLI 615)
Honours students must maintain a CGPA of 3.30 in their Middle East Studies courses, and a minimum of 3.0 in their overall CGPA.
Joint Honours Program in Middle East Studies
The Middle East Studies portion of this consists of a total of 36 credits, plus an equivalent number of credits in the other discipline. Please consult an advisor. Honours students must maintain a CGPA of 3.30 in their Middle East Studies courses, and a minimum of 3.0 in their overall CGPA.