Major and minor
The major in Middle East/South Asia Studies (MESA) offers comparative studies of regions that have been integrally linked for centuries by trade, migration and the exchange of scientific, mathematical, political, and philosophical ideas. This region encompasses 44 countries, and the MESA major focuses on the Arab Gulf, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, the Maghreb (North Africa), Palestine, Syria and Turkey. Students will explore the culture, history, politics, and economies of these regions through courses from a variety of disciplines: anthropology, art, comparative literature, film, gender relations, music, and religion. As a MESA major, students will be able to gain proficiency in a regional language (Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi/Urdi, Persian or Punjabi). For students interested in international business in any sector, MESA majors also have the opportunity to get involved in research, special projects with faculty guidance, and study abroad.
Real World Outcomes
Graduates are well qualified to pursue careers or post-baccalaureate study in a variety of fields, as represented by the interdisciplinary nature of the Middle East/South Asia studies program. This major provides an excellent background for careers in business, government agencies and international development, teaching and translation.
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.
