Are you interested in languages and culture? Do you want a global education? Middle East/South Asia studies is a unique major where you can learn about two different, yet connected regions of the world. This region encompasses 44 countries, and the major focuses on the Arab Gulf, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, the Meghreb (North Africa), Palestine, Syria and Turkey. Students will explore these regions through a variety of courses: anthropology, art, Asian American and English studies, classics, comparative literature, film, gender, history, music, politics and religion. As a ME/SA major, you will be able to learn a regional language (Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi/Urdi, Persian or Punjabi). Beyond coursework, ME/SA majors also have the opportunity to get involved in research, special projects with faculty guidance, and study abroad.

Major Requirements

The Middle East/South Asia studies major focuses on the comparative study of these two critical regions and their historically intertwined cultures and economies. Students will receive a strong foundation in the regional languages, with at least two years required in Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi/Urdu or other regional languages. The two required Middle East/South Asia studies courses lay a comparative foundation, with remaining requirements offering coursework from a dozen different departments/programs within the College of Letters and Science.