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.