MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES
FRESHMAN YEAR
Fall:
ARAB 101
PSCI 210
Core course (Aesthetic appreciation)
Spring:
ARAB 102
HIST 202
PSCI 215, if PSCI 210 was not elected in fall
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Fall:
ARAB 103
HIST 204 (if HIST 202 not completed)
Core course (Philosophical inquiry)
Spring:
ARAB 104
PSCI 305
Contact person: Dr. Donald Wright, Library 1015, at 301- 696-3890 or wright@hood.edu.
MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES MAJOR
REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING HOOD IN 2010-2011
The Middle Eastern Studies major is a multidisciplinary program that is unique in nature for a liberal arts college. It focuses on history, cultural, language and political thought. Students interested in democracy and culture, human rights, international affairs, literature and languages, and wish to explore from different perspectives the diverse region of the Middle East should consider this academic program. The primary focus of the program is to prepare students, through their contacts with faculty members from various disciplines, to lead the world of tomorrow through the political and cultural tensions of today. Students who choose to study the Middle East will graduate with a well-rounded and excellent knowledge of all aspects of the region. The study of Arabic is essential to the field; students will finish with a good knowledge of the language to be able to pursue further study at the American University of Cairo.
Given the proximity to the Washington, D.C., area, many students have internships at various associations, centers and organizations dedicated to the region. Students who are interested in issues involving the Middle East may consider working in outreach programs in Maryland or Washington, D.C. The Middle Eastern Studies Program sponsors many events and invites writers, activists, policy makers and film critics to enhance the knowledge and experience of the students in the program. A number of grants are available for students who intend to undertake research projects in the Middle East. Students have the opportunity to study one year or one semester at the American University in Cairo, the foremost institution in the Middle East for Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. Students will be prepared to work at international, governmental and private organizations dealing with the region or to continue graduate studies in the field.
Required Courses (20 credits):
____ ARAB 101 Elementary Arabic I
____ ARAB 102 Elementary Arabic II
____ ARAB 103 Intermediate Arabic I
____ ARAB 104 Intermediate Arabic II
____ ITLS 300 Cultures of the Middle East
____ REL 304 Islam
In addition, students take 12 credits from the following, at least 9 of which must be at the 300 level. (Some may be fulfilled during a semester or a year of study abroad.)
____ ANHS 299 Special Topics: Women in Developing Nations
____ ANTH 302 Cultural Anthropology
____ SOC 318 Global Social Problems
____ ARHN 319 Orientalism and Egyptomania
____ ARRL 330 Archaeology of Ancient Israel
____ ART 349 Art of Egypt and Mesopotamia
____ HIST 309 Islam and the Crusades
____ HIST 316 The Middle East in Modern Times
____ PSCI 200 Terrorism and Justice
____ PSCI 210 Comparative Politics
____ PSCI 215 International Relations
____ PSCI 305 US Foreign Policy
____ PSCI 323 Politics of the Developing World
____ REL 303 Judaism