Middle East Peace Studies Minor
Make Peace, Not War
Over the last century, devastating wars and violence have plagued mankind. The threat of total annihilation remains a real possibility in an age when nuclear weapons have spread to new parts of the world. Thus, in the face of continued war and heightened militarism, Loyola University in line with its Jesuit mission of social justice aims to make a meaningful contribution to world peace by adding Middle East Peace Studies to its interdisciplinary programs.
About Middle East Peace Studies
Mission: Middle East Peace Studies (MEPS) seeks to provide a practical, intellectual response to the spread of war in the Middle East and to the intensification of militarism throughout the world. In line with the goals of a Jesuit university, the Middle East Peace Program seeks to graduate leaders concerned about society and the world in which they live.
Middle East Peace Studies is interdisciplinary by nature and open to all students. MEPS curriculum exposes students to the history, politics and culture of the Middle East and to the impact of religious, philosophical, and cultural discourses on war and peace in a global context. It combines studies of historical memory and institutional practices to promote ideals of peace and stability. In addition to courses, and seminars, MEPS offers cultural events, student conferences, public lectures, and personal contacts with internationally known scholars and conflict resolution experts.
While Peace Studies and Middle East Studies programs exist in a number of institutions, Loyola is unique in combining these two areas into a single academic program. Building on the Jesuit tradition of engaging the world by promoting a value-based education, the Middle East Peace Studies program seeks to provide an intellectual and practical response to the spread of war in the Middle East and to increased militarism throughout the world. Middle East Peace Studies courses encourage inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue in a non-partisan fashion.
Course Offerings Information
Students can use the course section search (LORA) system to find courses that are eligible for the Middle East Peace Studies Program. Before declaring a Middle East Peace Studies minor, please contact the program director.
Contact Information for Middle East Peace Studies
The Middle East Peace Studies program is directed by Benan Grams, Patrick G. O'Keefe Distinguished Professor of History.
Participating faculty also include:
Patricia Boyett
Catherine Wessinger
Mark Yakich
Adil Khan
Resources
The program will do its utmost to place students with internships at local, regional, national or international NGO's. Underlying MEPS mission is a desire to change our world for the better. MEPS is an excellent choice for students who wish pursue a graduate degree in a number of fields, including Middle East Studies, Peace Studies, History, Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, and Mass Communications. It also provides an exemplary framework for a career in law, NGOs or a diverse range of international organizations.