Program Overview
Middle East Studies
Program Description
The Middle East Studies program offers students the opportunity to learn a new language, gain an appreciation for another culture, and become an active participant in today’s global world. Students may choose one of two languages and will also complete a wide spectrum of courses that approach the Middle East from many different perspectives. In addition to area-specific courses, the Middle East Center also coordinates with other University of Utah departments to offer interdisciplinary courses in the following fields: anthropology, economics, geography, history, languages and literature, linguistics, and political science.
The Student Experience
The culminating experience of the undergraduate BA in Middle East Studies is the Signature Experience: a study abroad, internship, Model Arab League (a role-playing program that allows students to develop leadership and debate skills), or other activity related to the Middle East. Other academic opportunities include independent research projects and faculty-guided research assistantships. Outside of the classroom, students can get involved by joining the Middle East Languages Club.
Career Opportunities
Having an international experience or understanding of other cultures and languages can set you apart from other job applicants. The skills gained from the Middle East Studies program can be applied to a number of professional fields, such as translation/interpretation, immigration, journalism, or international business ventures. Some of the U’s Middle East Studies graduates have pursued work as victim advocates, editors, community developers, or as commissioned officers in the military. Graduate work and employment in law, social work, public administration, or international relations is also well-suited to students of this program.
Catalog
- Middle East Studies BA
- Middle East Studies Minor
- Middle East Studies Minor - Arabic
- Middle East Studies Minor - Persian
Exploratory Classes
- MID E1545 - Middle Eastern History to 1800
- MID E1546 - Middle Eastern History since 1800
- MID E4510 - Intro to Islam
Related Programs
Peace & Conflict Studies
Peace and Conflict Studies is an interdisciplinary program that enables students to study the dynamics of peace and conflict and to contribute to peaceable conditions in the home, the work place, and the world.
Religious Studies
Students of Religious Studies learn about the sociological and psychological factors which shape belief and often inform global conflict.
Political Science
Political science is a broad area of study focused on the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, the uses and abuses of power, relations between nations, and many other important topics.
Social Justice Advocacy
If you want to become a more informed, aware individual who can be an advocate for action, consider the Social Justice Advocacy Certificate.