Jewish, Islamic and Middle East studies (JIMES) illuminates the broad questions of the liberal arts and sciences through the perspectives of Jews, Muslims, and other peoples and communities of the Middle East. The program allows students interested in Judaism and Islam, as well as the history, politics, and cultures of the Middle East, to develop a deeper understanding of the roles these traditions and communities have played in the development of world civilizations. What distinguishes JIMES from similar programs nationally is its emphasis on the entangled and interconnected histories, cultures, and politics of Jews, Muslims, and other religious and cultural communities across different periods and contexts, while also examining both the affinities and conflicts among them. Furthermore, this program connects college-wide conversations about integration and diversity on campus with rigorous academic inquiry into the complex histories and contemporary realities of the region.
Academic Excellence
JIMES students learn from faculty who are active scholars and researchers whose work appears regularly in leading books and journals. Our faculty have received prestigious national awards and research fellowships and are invited to share their work at universities and conferences around the world.
Career Readiness
JIMES minors graduate with strong analytical, research, and communication skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers and graduate programs.
Impact & Purpose
Through research, discussion, and engagement with diverse perspectives, JIMES students learn to think critically about the world around them while developing empathy and an appreciation for its complexity.
Community & Support
JIMES offers a close-knit intellectual community where students and professors come together for public lectures, book talks, cultural events, and other opportunities to learn and connect beyond the classroom.
Why JIMES?
Where Can JIMES Take You?
A JIMES minor complements a wide range of majors by developing the cultural knowledge, global perspective, and critical-thinking skills valued in fields such as law, public service, international affairs, education, research, communications, and nonprofit work.
- International Experience
Study the region beyond the classroom through opportunities such as the Uzbekistan Maymester, Water on the Silk Road. - Competitive Fellowships
Prepare for international awards and postgraduate experiences. Islamic and Middle East Studies minor Molly O’Shea ’22 received a Fulbright U.S. Student Award to teach in Turkey. - Preparation for Law and Public Service
Examine questions of law, power, religion, conflict, and human rights while building a strong foundation for legal study and public-interest careers. - Research Across Disciplines
Explore complex questions through history, religious studies, international studies, philosophy, languages, and other fields. - Global Affairs and Policy
Develop the historical and cultural context needed to understand contemporary politics, diplomacy, migration, and international conflict. - Communication Across Cultures
Strengthen your ability to interpret different perspectives, evaluate evidence, and communicate thoughtfully about complicated issues. - Faculty Mentorship
Work with active scholars whose research spans Jewish history, Islamic thought, Middle Eastern politics, biblical studies, and interreligious relations. - Intellectual and Cultural Community
Connect with visiting scholars and the wider Rhodes community through lectures, book discussions, panels, and cultural events.
Explore JIMES at Rhodes
Discover how the study of Jewish and Islamic traditions and the Middle East can complement your interests, deepen your understanding of the world, and broaden your academic path.
The new Jewish, Islamic and Middle East Studies Program (JIMES) at Rhodes College hosted Dr. Leor Halevi for its first lecture. Halevi, associate professor of history at Vanderbilt University, spoke about his new book, Modern Things on Trial: Islam's Global and Material Reform in the Early 20th Century.
Learn more about recent publications and accomplishments of the JIMES faculty.
JIMES News
A book by Dr. Sarah Ifft Decker, assistant professor of history at Rhodes College, has been recognized with the La corónica International Book Award for best monograph on medieval Iberian literatures, languages, and cultures.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
Rhodes College faculty continuously explore topics in their areas of expertise and produce publishable work.
Faculty & Staff
Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Virginia Ballou McGehee Professor of Muslim and Christian Relations
