Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies - Cultural Specialization

The linguistic component of this major can be satisfied by the study of any of the 4 major languages spoken in the Middle East (Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew or Turkish). Since McDaniel College only offers Arabic at this time, we will only list courses we teach in Arabic. At the discretion of the Chair of the Department of World Languages, Literature, and Cultures and in consultation with the coordinator of Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies, the study of other languages will be accepted. Students must show proficiency in that language at the same level as the required courses in Arabic.

Required Courses (20hrs)

Study Abroad/Internship (8hrs)

All students pursuing a major in Middle Eastern Studies with a Cultural Specialization must (1) spend 6-8 weeks studying abroad in one of the countries of the Middle East where one of the languages mentioned above is spoken, (2) live two semesters in the Arabic House on campus, or (3) complete a 6-8 week summer internship (in the USA or Abroad) with an organization, agency or company dealing with the Middle East.

Six 4-credit courses (24hrs)

Two of the six courses must be at or above the 3000-level

Special Topics Courses

Special topics courses such as HIS 2265: The Arab-Israeli Conflict, REL 2265: Islam, REL 2265: Women in Islam and the Middle East, REL 2265: Art and Religion of Ancient Eygypt, REL 2265: Ancient Meditarian Tradition, SOC 2265: Growing up in Gaza and other courses approved by the Program Coordinator.

Capstone (4 hrs)

The Senior Capstone in Middle Eastern Studies is designed as an individual research project directed by a member of the Middle Eastern Studies Faculty and approved by the Program Coordinator. The research project or paper will reflect the depth, breadth, and focus of the student’s educational experience in Middle Eastern Studies, and will be shared with faculty and students in an oral presentation during the Spring Semester of the senior year. When appropriate, the capstone may also be done in the Program as an individual project under the supervision of the Program Coordinator.

Departmental Writing

The Departmental Writing requirement may be satisfied in the following ways:

An individually designed program, as approved by the Program Coordinator and the Curriculum Committee.
Completion of the approved Department Writing requirement in any of the participating departments, be it a single course or a program of courses.
Completion of both ARB 2212 – Intermediate Arabic and ARB 3365 – Media Arabic