Mission Statement

The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies program (MEIS) is dedicated to bridging the cultural, linguistic, and historical divide between the peoples of the Middle East and Islamic world and the peoples of the United States. We seek to emphasize the common humanity of all people by providing Americans with opportunities to meet and learn about the diverse groups that make up the Middle East and Muslim world.

To accomplish this goal MEIS seeks to assist scholars at Indiana University (IU) and around the world in forming collaborative projects and in developing a common conversation about the Middle East and Muslim world that emphasizes the diversity of approaches, methods, and disciplines that typifies IU’s strengths in the study of the region.

MEIS also is dedicated to providing students at IU and around the world with innovative curricular offerings that address the emerging needs of students living in a global environment. MEIS is especially committed to drawing on the expertise of the many departments, centers, and programs on the IU–Bloomington campus in forming new curricular partnerships that will provide students in all areas of the University with training on the Middle East and Muslim world. MEIS is also devoted to developing curricular offers for non-traditional students who need training in Arabic and on the many diverse cultures of the region but whom, for many reasons, are unable to attend traditionally designed courses.

MEIS is also committed to creating a diverse outreach program that brings members of the IU and southern Indiana community together with the cultures and peoples of the Middle East and Muslim world. We are also dedicated to promoting awareness of the history, cultures, and conditions of the region on a national and international level through faculty exchanges, cultural activities, and informational presentations.