Language Study
The Middle East Studies Program has a special emphasis on intensive language study, specifically in Middle Eastern languages (Arabic, Farsi/Persian, Hebrew, and Turkish). Achieving linguistic proficiency in these relevant languages is a core element of the program, and our students work with many excellent faculty to achieve their language goals. Moreover, many students receive FLAS fellowships (see below) which further supports this commitment to linguistic mastery.
Foreign Language Requirements
Students need to have a strong foundation in a foreign language before enrolling to be successful in completing the language requirement during the program. Academic coursework in an approved modern Middle Eastern language is required at the time of application. This can be demonstrated by:
- Study that is equal to four semesters of university-level coursework or equivalent, reaching at least the upper-intermediate level.
- Completion of formal language training as part of employment (e.g., Peace Corps).
- Growing up in a household where the language is spoken.
Approved languages for the M.A. in Middle East Studies are Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic), Persian, Hebrew, Kurdish, and Turkish. Students in the Middle East Studies Program are required to demonstrate a proficiency level of at least intermediate-high by passing a reading and speaking proficiency examination administered by the Elliott School in order to graduate.