Program Overview

Near Eastern Languages and Cultures Master of Arts

The MA program in the Department of Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures (NESA) offers study in some of the worlds richest languages, literatures, and cultural traditions, including Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish, as well as a number of ancient Near Eastern languages, among them Aramaic, Biblical Hebrew, and Ugaritic.

About the Program

The curriculum is rigorous but flexible, preparing students for professional employment in business, education, or government, or for the pursuit of doctoral work involving NESA languages in the study of the dynamically changing societies of the Near East and South Asia. Students may specialize in one NESA language or in two coherently combined NESA languages, in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Program Details

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the languages, literatures, and cultural traditions of the Near East and South Asia.
• The curriculum includes courses in language, literature, and culture, as well as electives in related fields.
• Students may choose to specialize in one or more of the following areas:
  • Arabic
  • Hebrew
  • Persian
  • Turkish
  • Ancient Near Eastern languages (including Aramaic, Biblical Hebrew, and Ugaritic)
• The program prepares students for a range of career paths, including:
  • Professional employment in business, education, or government
  • Pursuit of doctoral work involving NESA languages
  • Careers in research, teaching, or translation

Program Structure

• The program is designed to be completed in two years.
• Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits of coursework.
• The curriculum includes a combination of required and elective courses.
• Students may choose to write a thesis or complete a comprehensive exam as part of their degree requirements.

Admission Criteria

• Admission to the program is competitive and based on a range of factors, including:
  • Academic preparation and achievement
  • Language proficiency
  • Research experience and potential
  • Fit with the programs academic goals and objectives

Research Areas

• The program offers a range of research areas, including:
  • Language and literature
  • Cultural studies
  • History
  • Religion
  • Politics and international relations
• Students may work with faculty members who are experts in their field to develop a research project that aligns with their interests and goals.