Students design a concentration that focuses on an Arabic or Hebrew language and culture. Students acquire knowledge of relationships among language, literature, politics, religion, arts and economics. The major consists of 33 credits and culminates in a senior thesis.

This program provides a two-track major, Arabic and Hebrew. In addition to the major's other requirements and electives, all students must take at least one course (language or content-based) in the track of the second language.

Arabic

The Arabic language is the key to understanding the culture and history of more than 22 nations and more than 206 million speakers. It is the language of an ancient civilization and today is spoken widely across North Africa, the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. Arabic is also the liturgical language of more than a billion Muslims, and it is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. The interdisciplinary major in Arabic language and culture enables students to develop an appreciation for the complexity of the many facets of the Arab world: its society, culture, history, arts, religions, and literary heritage. This major is therefore ideal for students considering careers in diplomacy, journalism, consulting, business, foreign service, translation, and academia. Future graduates would be in great demand for advanced studies in any of these fields.

Arabic Requirements

Electives

Three to six credits from courses with these prefixes

• ARA, ABT, REL (with reference to Islam or Judaism)
• AFH (with reference to North Africa) and
• CPO and WHO (with reference to the Middle East)

Hebrew

By assuming an interdisciplinary approach to Hebrew language and culture, students acquire knowledge of the close relationship between politics, history, religions, arts, and cultures in Israel. In addition to working toward proficiency in Hebrew, students will develop close reading and critical thinking skills. Students graduating with this major will find job opportunities in Jewish community organizations, the government and consulting. In addition, due to the interdisciplinary nature of the major, students will be well prepared for the rigor of graduate studies in the humanities.

Hebrew Requirements

33 credits

An intensive summer study abroad program in Fez, Morocco, is recommended for students at all levels from beginning to advanced. The six-week program earns six transferable credits or 10 credits for beginners.

The interdisciplinary studies major in middle eastern languages and cultures provides students with knowledge of political, cultural, literary, linguistic and historical issues of the Middle East. Students will be able to evaluate the significance, quality and veracity of information gathered in the literature and to apply it effectively. Students will also articulate research results clearly and effectively.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Satisfactorily complete IDS 4906 (capping 7-12 credits of thesis research), graded according to department rubric.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Identify, describe and explain political, cultural, literary, linguistic and historical issues of the Middle East.

Critical Thinking

2. Evaluate the significance, quality and veracity of information gathered in the literature and apply it effectively.

Communication

3. Articulate research results clearly and effectively in speech and in writing in an accepted style of presentation.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Direct assessment of research in the thesis