The MES Certificate introduces undergraduate and graduate students to a multi-disciplinary course of study that provides them with a well-grounded study of the history, civilizations, religions, politics, geographies, and economic factors that shape the cultural landscape of this dynamic and often volatile region.
MES Certificate provides an in-depth training in a special area that may be particularly useful as students pursue careers in such fields as Academia, Law, Public History, Education, Business, and even Medicine, where they will practice their profession abroad or use their international experience to expand their understanding of this region.
Students interested in declaring the undergraduate certificate should contact Lindsey Bliefernicht, the IRIS Assistant Director for Students and Curriculum, at lindsey.bliefernicht@wisc.edu.
For program information, you may contact the Middle East Studies Program director, Nevine El Nossery, at elnossery@wisc.edu.
The Undergraduate Certificate requires a total of eighteen (18) credits in courses chosen from an approved list. The coursework consists of:
- One Core course (3 credits)
IS 266 (or its equivalence): Introduction to the Middle East
- 2nd semester of a selected Middle Eastern language (a minimum of 3 credits)
- One course in History & Social Science (3 credits)
- One course in Religion & Culture (3 credits)
- Two additional courses (3 credits each)
These additional courses should come from History & Social Science, Religion & Culture, or other approved electives
To view our course offerings, click here.
1. Historical and Cultural Grounding
Understanding the historical, political, and cultural forces and conditions that have given rise to the unity and diversity in the region today.
2. Multi-disciplinarity
Analyzing contemporary political, economic, and cultural realities in the region from at least two disciplinary perspectives, ideally including humanities, social sciences and sometimes natural science approaches.
3. Depth of Knowledge
Mastering at the undergraduate generalist level a particular facet of life in the region by taking courses on a particular sub-region or country, or by studying a regional language, or by taking at least two courses on the region in one discipline
Advising for the Certificate is run by the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS).
The IRIS Assistant Director for Students and Curriculum can assist you in developing your plan of study for the Certificate, track progress towards your Certificate, explore study abroad and international internship options, and begin the career exploration process. IRIS offers walk-in advising, advising workshops, and scheduled appointments.
You can contact the undergraduate advisor, Lindsey Bliefernicht at lindsey.bliefernicht@wisc.edu.
We strongly encourage students to begin career exploration early on and to make use of the many resources available on campus.
Resources:
- Make a Career Advising Appointment
- L&S Career Services
- Language and International Directions Advising (Language Institute)
- International Internship Program
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit, targeted to first and second-year students)
- L&S Career Initiative
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Course Offerings per Term
Overview
The MES Certificate introduces undergraduate and graduate students to a multi-disciplinary course of study that provides them with a well-grounded study of the history, civilizations, religions, politics, geographies, and economic factors that shape the cultural landscape of this dynamic and often volatile region.
MES Certificate provides an in-depth training in a special area that may be particularly useful as students pursue careers in such fields as Academia, Law, Public History, Education, Business, and even Medicine, where they will practice their profession abroad or use their international experience to expand their understanding of this region.
How to get in
Students interested in declaring the undergraduate certificate should contact Lindsey Bliefernicht, the IRIS Assistant Director for Students and Curriculum, at lindsey.bliefernicht@wisc.edu.
For program information, you may contact the Middle East Studies Program director, Nevine El Nossery, at elnossery@wisc.edu.
Courses
- Fall 2016 Courses
- Fall 2017 Courses
- Fall 2018 Courses
- Fall 2019 Courses
- Fall 2020 Courses
- Fall 2021 Courses
- Fall 2023 Courses
- MESP International Conference poster
- Spring 2017 Courses
- Spring 2018 Courses
- Spring 2019 Courses
- Spring 2020 Courses
- Spring 2021 Courses
- Summer 2017 Courses
- Summer 2018 Courses
- Summer 2019 Courses
- Summer 2021 Courses
- Summer 2023 Course List