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Middle Eastern and North African Studies Major

Effective Fall 2016

Exclusions:

Not open to those who elect a major in Near Eastern Studies.

Advising

Undergraduate Advisors at the International Institute are available to meet with undeclared students who would like to learn more about the program, and also with current majors and minors who would like to discuss course selection, degree requirements, major/minor releases, and other matters of concern. Appointments can be made through our online appointment calendar by clicking on: meet with an advisor. Information on all of our undergraduate programs and Walk-In Advising hours can also be found on our website: here. The International Institute’s Undergraduate Advising Office is currently located at 1080 South University Avenue, Suite 2660.

Prerequisites

One of the following first-year language sequences or the equivalent:

  • ARABIC 101 and 102
  • ARMENIAN 101 and 102
  • HEBREW 101 and 102
  • PERSIAN 101 and 102
  • TURKISH 101 and 102

Strongly recommended:

  • NEAREAST 200 (Introduction to the Middle East)
  • AAPTIS 204 (Introduction to Islam)

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 30

A minimum of 30 credits at the 200-level and above, chosen in consultation with and approved by the undergraduate department advisor. The courses chosen must include:

  1. Core Courses
    • MENAS 493
    • One 300 or 400-level, advisor approved, course in Anthropology, Sociology, or Women’s Studies
    • HISTORY 443 and one additional 300 or 400-level, advisor approved, course in pre-1800 Middle East history
    • Political Science, any one of the following: POLSCI 351, 352, 353.
  2. MENAS Language Requirement for the Major. One year of the following languages beyond the first year: Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish.
  3. Electives. Two approved electives, selected in consultation with the advisor, with appropriate Middle East content.

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the MENAS subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

Special arrangements are made for qualified students to elect an Honors major. Candidates for an Honors major undertake independent research which is reported in a senior Honors thesis. Prospective Honors majors should consult with the Honors department advisor before the end of the junior year and should enroll in one of the senior Honors thesis courses approved by the advisor.