The Major

Middle Eastern Studies at the University is an innovative, interdisciplinary major. The major consists of a wide range of introductory and upper-level courses in Arabic language, the history and archeology of the Middle East and North Africa, and offerings in Islamic culture, art, law, and political theory.

Degree Requirements

1. HISTORY 130 and 131 (or approved 100 or 200-level Middle Eastern Studies courses)
2. Two years of a language of the region, normally fulfilled by two-year Modern Standard Arabic classroom sequence at UMass (101, 102, 201 and 202 OR 126, 146, 226 and 246)
3. 24 upper-level credits in Middle Eastern Studies courses offered by the Five College consortium. Approved 200-level courses, 300-level courses and above count towards this requirement. Students may take eight 3-credit courses OR six 4-credit courses OR any combination of the two to fulfill this requirement. See Middle Eastern Studies Courses.
4. Junior Year Writing requirement (minimum 3 credits). MIDEAST 389, OR topically relevant HIST 450 sections (4 credits), or approved JYW courses in other departments. Does not fulfill 24 upper-level credit requirement.
5. Integrative Experience seminar (minimum 3 credits). Relevant JNE courses or approved IE courses in other departments. This class may fulfill 24 upper-level credit requirement.

Notes:

• The major in Middle Eastern Studies requires at least a C grade in courses taken towards the major.
• No course with a Pass grade can be accepted for major credit.
• Departmental Honors require an Honors project undertaken during a student’s final year.