UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG 2003-2004
 Brigham Young University
Back International and Area Studies

   

International and Area Studies Advisement Center
Noelani Trettevik, Supervisor
273 HRCB, (801) 422-3548

International and Area Studies Program Coordinators


Asian Studies, George W. Perkins
International Relations, Raymond V. Christensen
Latin American Studies, George B. Handley
Middle East Studies/Arabic, Chad F. Emmett

Admission to Degree Program

All undergraduate international and area studies degree programs are open enrollment.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a bachelor's degree a student must fill three groups of requirements: (1) general education requirements; (2) university requirements; and (3) major requirements.

General Education Requirements

Students should contact the International and Area Studies Advisement Center for information about general education courses that will also fill major requirements.

Languages of Learning

Precollege Math (zero to one course)
(or Math ACT score of at least 22)
0–3.0 hours
First-Year Writing (one course) 3.0
Advanced Writing (one course) 3.0
Advanced Languages/Math/Music
(one to four courses)
3–20.0

Liberal Arts Core

Biological Science (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Physical Science (one to two courses) 3–7.0
American Heritage (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Wellness (one to three courses) 1.5–2.0
Civilization (two courses) 6.0

Arts and Sciences Electives

Arts and Letters (one course) 3.0
Natural Sciences (one course) 3–4.0
Social and Behavioral Sciences (one course) 3.0

Note 1: For a complete list of courses that will fill each GE category, see the General Education section of the current class schedule.

Note 2: Additional information about general education requirements can be found in the General Education section of the current class schedule or this catalog.

Minimum University Requirements

Religion 14.0
Residency 30.0
Hours needed to graduate 120.0

Cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0.

Note: See the Graduation section of this catalog for more information.

Major Requirements

Complete the major requirements listed under one of the following undergraduate degree programs.

Undergraduate Programs and Degrees

BA Asian Studies
BA International Relations
BA Latin American Studies
BA Middle East Studies/Arabic
Minors African Studies
Ancient Near Eastern Studies
Arab-Islamic Studies
Asian Studies
Chinese Studies
French Studies
German Studies
International Development
Italian Studies
Japanese Studies
Jewish Studies
Korean Studies
Latin American Studies
Modern Near Eastern Studies
Russian Studies
Spanish Studies
Western American Studies

Students should see the International and Area Studies Advisement Center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.



General Information

International Career Center

The International Career Center, located in 273 HRB (international_career@byu.edu), guides students of any manor with their preparation for an international career. The ICC hosts international career-oriented lectures and offers advisement, employment and graduate school information, and networking assistance.

International Study Programs.

International Study Programs (ISP) are open to students from all university majors. Students need not be formally admitted to BYU to participate in International Study and BYU credit may be transferred to their home institution.

Study Abroad: BYU's traditional off-campus study programs. In these programs students are able to further their general education; pursue specialized courses in languages, the social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and other fields; gain valuable insights into their own country; and further international understanding.
International Volunteers: A program similar to Study Abroad but with a more significant component of service learning at an international location and under the tutelage of faculty.
International Internships: Short-term, on-the-job apprentice training abroad under the direction of a firm, government agency, NGO, or other such institution.
Field Studies: A research experience abroad for small numbers of students directed by faculty, who generally do not accompany the students. For further information, see the Office of International and Area Study, 280 HRCB.



International and Area Studies (IAS)

Class Schedule
Fall Class Schedule Winter Class Schedule Spring Class Schedule Summer Class Schedule

Undergraduate Courses

100. Introduction to International Studies. (1:1:0)

Academic expectations in the major; career orientation; review of campus resources; faculty presentations.

199R. Academic Internship: International. (1–3:Arr.:Arr. ea.)

Nonsupervised undergraduate foreign internship.

201R. Cultural Survey. (1–4:2:2 ea.) Prerequisite: performing group or ISP participant status.

Multidisciplinary survey of various countries and regions in preparation for extended experience abroad.

220. Introduction to Development Studies. (3:3:0) F

Exploration of international development in nonformal education, micro-enterprises, community organizations; hunger, poverty, and other speciic problems in developing areas of the world.

301. Kennedy Center Lecture Series. (1:1:0)

Weekly lectures by national and international authorities on world affairs; designed as an introductory class for all IAS majors.

351R. Model United Nations (MUN) Preparation. (1–3:Arr.:0 ea.)

Preparation for participating in MUN projects: on campus, in public schools, and at the United Nations in New York.

353R. International Outreach Preparation. (1–3:Arr.:0 ea.) Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Developing abilities, through lectures and rigorous readings to prepare and share international understanding in public and private schools.

354R. Model Arab League Preparation. (0.5:1:0 ea.) F 1st blk, W 2nd blk.

Understanding Middle Eastern governments and foreign policies. Preparing for and attending the Model Arab League Conference.

360R. International Field Study Preparation. (1–9:Arr.:0 ea.) F 2nd blk, W, Sp

Cross-cultural field research and survival with a regional emphasis and application. For students preparing for International Field Studies, International Internships, or Study Abroad programs.

397R. Topics in International and Area Studies. (1–3:Arr.:Arr. ea.) Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Study relating to current world problems.

399R. Academic Internship: International. (1–9:Arr.:Arr. ea.) Prerequisite: acceptance into program.

Individualized work or volunteer experience in an international setting. Class must be coordinated through International Study Programs.

420. Senior Seminar in International Development. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: IAS 220.

Integration of knowledge and experience from previous course work and internship activity. Discussion and analysis of the learning experience, followed by completion of a major research paper.

421. Seminar on Japanese Workplace: Society and Culture. (3:3:0) F, Su Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Required seminar for interns in the Japan seminar and intern program (held only in Japan).



African Studies

The Discipline

The African Studies minor is designed to complement several majors. The minor features language competence, with options in several languages used in Africa, as well as courses in history and social sciences. Several options are available, and students interested in this minor are encouraged to consult with one of the coordinators of the program to find the best options to apply to their major.



Minor African Studies (18–21 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete one of the following language/humanities components:
    • French
      Fren 321, 341, 456R.

    • Swahili
      FLang 101R, 102R, 201R.

    • Afrikaans
      Afrik 101, 102, 201.

    • A combination of French, Swahili, Afrikanns, upper-division Portuguese, or other language component as approved by the program coordinator. (The coordinator is Professor Chantal Thompson.)

  2. Complete three courses from the following social science component (a maximum of two courses per discipline; some of these courses may be offered only once every other year):
    Anthr 330.
    EdLF 362.
    Engl 358R.
    Geog 485.
    Hist 249, 250.
    IAS 397R.
    PlSc 352.
      Other courses may or may not be applicable, depending on the amount of African content therein. Approval of the program coordinator, therefore, is required. Courses that may contain significant African content at times include the following:

      Anthr 390R, 430, 431, 432, 435, 490R.
      Geog. 493R.
      Hist 390R.
      OrgB 551.
      PlSc 472.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Asian Studies

The Discipline

The Asian Studies major is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers and advanced study in the specialized field of Asia not provided by a major in one department. In the program, students acquire working competence in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or another approved Asian language; a broad knowledge of Asian civilization; and a more specialized knowledge in an academic discipline.

Career Opportunities

The Asian Studies major is useful to those contemplating careers in academic areas, private industry, or government service. The import-export field and international services are particularly interested in persons who have a strong background in Asian Studies.



BA Asian Studies (50–71 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. Complete the GE foreign language requirement in an Asian language.

  2. There is a strong expectation that majors will do work in Asia via Study Abroad, Internships, etc.

  3. Complete the following core courses:
    Asian 200, 342, 495.
    Hist 231.
    PlSc 385.

  4. Complete one of the following focus history core courses options:
    • China: Hist 340, 341.
    • Japan: Hist 343, 344.
    • Korea plus China or Japan: Hist 346; 340 or 343.
    Note: courses should coincide with language choice.

  5. Complete the following focus language requirement:
    • Chin 301; 302 or 441.
    • Japan 301; 321 or 322.
    • Korea 301; 303 or 315.

  6. Complete 24 hours from the following elective courses (no more than 12 hours may be selected from any one department):
    Anthr 343.
    Chin 327, 343, 344, 345, 347, 441, 442, 443, 444.
    Geog 272.
    Hist 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 346, 352.
    Hum 240.
    Japan 345, 350, 351, 352, 441, 443, 444.
    Korea 340, 344R, 345, 441, 443.
    PlSc 348, 353, 354, 386, 388.

    Other electives: If approved beforehand, up to 9 hours of 330R or 399R credit may be counted for overseas work done under one of the following: Study Abroad, internships, collaborative research, or independent field studies.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Asian Studies (24 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete two of the following core courses:
    Asian 342.
    Geog 272.
    Hist 230, 231, 340, 343, 352.
    Hum 240.
    PlSc 385.
    RelC 351.

  2. Complete 12 hours of a single Asian language.

  3. Complete 6 hours of electives from item 6 of the preceding BA Asian Studies major.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Chinese Studies (20 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following:
    Chin 301, 302, 321.

  2. Complete three courses from the following:
    Anthr 343.
    Chin 343, 344, 345 (choose only one).
    Hist 340, 341, 342.
    PlSc 353, 388.

    Note: Study Abroad/Internship credit is also applicable.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Japanese Studies (20 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following:
    Japan 221, 301, 321.

  2. Complete three courses from the following:
    Hist 343, 344.
    IAS 399R, 599R.
    Japan 345, 350, 351, 352 (choose only one); 390.
    PlSc 354.

    Note: Study Abroad/Internship credit is also applicable.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Korean Studies (19–20 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following:
    Korea 301, 303 or 315, 321 or 340.

  2. Complete three courses from the following:
    Hist 346.
    IAS 397R (Contemporary Korean Politics)
    Korea 344R, 345 (choose only one)
    PlSc 348.

    Note: Study Abroad/Internship credit is also applicable.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Asian Studies (Asian)

Class Schedule Major Academic Plan (MAP)
Fall Class Schedule Winter Class Schedule Spring Class Schedule Summer Class Schedule

Undergraduate Courses

200. Introduction to Asian Studies: Methods and Materials. (3:3:0) F, W

Sources, materials, and methods of research and writing; critical analysis of research project.

330R. Asian Studies Abroad. (1–5:Arr.:Arr. ea.)

Preparatory course approved for Asian Seminar (Study Abroad).

342. Asian Literary Traditions. (3:3:0)

Comparative analysis of Asian literary works spanning several traditions.

495. Senior Seminar. (1:1:0)

Learning research and writing skills necessary to prepare and present major senior research paper.



500-Level Graduate Course (available to advanced undergraduates)

501R. Intensive Introduction to Asian Studies for Teachers and Prospective Teachers. (1–3:Arr.:0 ea.)

Readings, lectures, individual study, and curriculum development; integration for school teachers of Asian Studies into the curriculum of social studies, world history, and geography.



European Studies

The European Studies major and minor were discontinued effective March 1, 2002. Students already enrolled in the major wishing to continue may do so. Further information is available at the IAS Advisement Center (273 HRCB, [801] 422-3548).
The minors listed below may be available. Please check with the IAS Advisement Center for the latest status and requirements.



Minor French Studies (18–33 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following prerequisite courses or equivalents:
    Fren 101, 102, 201, 202.

  2. Complete the following:
    Fren 340, 361, 362.

  3. Complete three courses from the following:
    ArtHC 330, 340.
    Fren-Ital 217.
    Geog 260.
    Hist 332, 307.

    Note: Study Abroad/Internship credit is also applicable.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor German Studies (18–34 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following prerequisite courses or equivalents:
    Germ 101, 102, 201, 202.

  2. Complete the following:
    Germ 330, 341, 342.

  3. Complete three courses from the following:
    ClCv 241.
    Geog 260.
    Hist 307, 328, 329.

    Note: Study Abroad/Internship credit is also applicable.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Italian Studies (18–33 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following prerequisite courses or equivalents:
    Ital 101, 102, 201, 202.

  2. Complete the following:
    Ital 340, 420, 421.

  3. Complete three courses from the following:
    ArtHC 320, 330.
    Fren-Ital 217.
    Geog 260.
    Hist 302, 306, 307, 327.

    Note: Study Abroad/Internship credit is also applicable.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Russian Studies (18–33 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following prerequisite courses or equivalents:
    Russ 101, 102, 201.

  2. Complete the following:
    Russ 202, 330, 340.
    Note: Contact the Russian section before registering for Russ 202.

  3. Complete three courses from the following:
    Geog 265.
    Hist 304, 307, 330, 331.

    Note: Study Abroad/Internship credit is also applicable.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Spanish Studies (18–33 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following prerequisite courses or equivalents:
    Span 101, 102, 201, 202.

  2. Complete the following:
    Span 321, 339, 441.

  3. Complete three courses from the following:
    ArtHC 330.
    Geog 260.
    Hist 306, 307, 314, 325.
    Span 345.

    Note: Study Abroad/Internship credit is also applicable.

* Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



European Studies (Europ)

Class Schedule Major Academic Plan (MAP)
Fall Class Schedule Spring Class Schedule Summer Class Schedule

Undergraduate Course

336R. European Studies. (1–6:Arr.:Arr.ea.)

Social sciences core course approved for Study Abroad programs in London, Vienna, Paris, and other locations.



International Development

The Discipline

International development is the study of basic social needs in developing areas or countries. It includes academic disciplines such as formal and nonformal education and literacy, economic development, primary health care, small business activities, water sanitation, agricultural productivity, nutrition, ecological preservation, etc. Development obviously implies raising the level and quality of life throughout the "underdeveloped" world.

Students should pursue solid preparation in an established major as well as classroom knowledge and experience in international development. This minor is designed to strengthen and expand the chosen major. Students will be assigned a faculty mentor in their major department who will help coordinate the minor with the major. In addition to a focused course of study, internship experience is highly encouraged. Internships provide valuable experience in applying development theory as well as allowing students to earn credit toward the minor (and in some cases the major as well).



Minor International Development (18 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following:
    IAS 220.

  2. After consulting with an advisor, complete 12 hours from the following (or other applicable approved courses):
    Anthr 312, 432, 433, 438, 447.
    Biol 150, 350.
    BusM 430, 431, 432, 471.
    Comms 382.
    Econ 230, 257, 410, 430, 440.
    EdLF 362, 363.
    Geog 310, 313, 331, 341, 410.
    Geol 404.
    Hlth 436, 451, 480.
    IAS 353R, 397R, 399R.
    InBio 450
    NDFS 424, 435.
    OrgB 531, 551.
    PlSc 372, 472, 535, 536.
    Soc 335, 345, 424, 429, 530.

  3. Complete 3 hours of the following:
    IAS 420.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.

International Relations

The Discipline

International relations is an interdisciplinary major emphasizing the systematic study of political and economic relations between governments and people in different states, as well as comparisons across different political and economic systems. Students majoring in international relations also come to understand the historical and geographic basis for current international relationships.

Career Opportunities

The international relations major gives students a strong liberal arts education along with useful technical skills. In addition to substantive knowledge, international relations majors will learn analytical concepts and ideas that allow them to organize, explain, and make sense of relations between states and comparisons among them. High proficiency in math and statistics, writing, and a foreign language will prepare for a wide variety of career paths—including, but not limited to, government, law, business, and international organizations. Many career paths will require graduate-level training. Therefore, the international relations degree should be seen as certifying fluency in the ideas and methods of multiple fields so that students can find and pursue their own specialized interests rather than as a terminal degree.

It is important to distinguish international relations as a field from a more general definition of “international,” which might include anything (people, language, culture, traditions, etc.) beyond the territorial boundaries of the United States. For students interested in the broad study of anything international and foreign, BYU’s international relations degree will not provide the best training. In fact, no reasonable degree can include the systematic study of everything international and foreign. It should be remembered that BYU students have a wealth of options through which to pursue their particular international and foreign interests. These include:



BA International Relations (56–76 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. Complete the following introductory core courses:
    Econ 110.
    Geog 120.
    PlSc 150, 170.

  2. Complete the following research foundations and methods courses:
    PlSc 200.

    And complete one course from the following:
    Math 112, 119
    Note: Math 119 must be completed with a B+ or better.

    And complete one course from the following:
    Econ 378.
    PlSc 328.

  3. Complete the following:
    Econ 380, 381.

  4. Complete one course from the following:
    Econ 430, 458, 459.

  5. Complete one course from the following:
    Hist 393.
    PlSc 350, 376.

  6. Complete one of the following international relations courses:
    PlSc 370, 372, 373, 375, 376, 377, 378.

  7. Complete one of the following comparative politics courses:
    PlSc 341, 344, 347, 350, 352, 353, 354, 355, 357, 358.

  8. Complete a foreign language proficiency:
    Students are to complete one language at a specified level with all attendant prerequisites. Some prerequisites may be waived depending upon previous language experience. The specific requirements for each language are listed on a separate sheet available from the International and Area Studies Advisement Office or the international relations coordinator.

  9. Specializations: Complete one of the following tracks (no double counting of major courses allowed):
    • International Politics
      Complete four courses from the following. At least one course must be from history and at least one course from political science.
      Anthr 432.
      Comms 382.
      Geog 341.
      Hist 307, 331, 376.
      PlSc 370, 371, 373, 375, 377, 378, 382, 471, 472, 473.

    • Political Economy
      Complete four courses from at least two disciplines. At least two courses must be from economics.
      Econ 382, 388, 430, 458, 459, 478.
      Geog 331.
      PlSc 344, 372, 444.

    • Asian Politics and History
      Complete four courses from the following. At least one course must be from political science and one course from history.
      Geog 272.
      Hist 341, 342, 344, 346, 350, 351.
      PlSc 348, 353, 354, 385, 386, 388.

    • Latin American Politics and History
      Complete four courses from the following. At least one course must be from political science and one course from history. Students cannot count both Hist 359 and PlSc 380.
      Geog 255.
      Hist 252, 353, 355, 356, 359.
      PlSc 358, 380.
      Soc 335.

    • Middle Eastern Politics and History.
      Complete four courses from at least two disciplines. At least one course must be from history.
      Anthr 340.
      Geog 271.
      Hist 240, 241, 244, 336.
      MESA 350.
      PlSc 357, 381, 452, 474.

      Note: Hist 242 and 243 do not substitute here.

    With the prior approval of the international relations coordinator, a maximum of 3 hours of IR 398R, 399R, or IAS 351R may be used toward meeting the four-course requirement of specialization. Only the second semester of IAS 351R would be allowed.

  10. Complete a capstone research experience in one of the following ways:
    Asian 495.
    IR 398R, 399R, 499R.
    LtAm 495.
    MESA 495R.
    PlSc 399R (3 hours required), 450, 470.
    Note: PlSc 450 or 470 can fill the GE Advanced Writing requirement.

Recommended

Either Hist 201, 202
Or PlSc 201, 202.

RelC 351.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



International Relations (IR)

Class Schedule Major Academic Plan (MAP)
Fall Class Schedule Winter Class Schedule Spring Class Schedule Summer Class Schedule

Undergraduate Courses

398R. Directed International Study. (1–3:Arr.:0 ea.) Prerequisite: instructor's consent; international relations major coordinator's consent.

Study and research in an international setting.

399R. Academic Internship: International. (1–3:0:0 ea.) Prerequisite: acceptance into program; international relations major coordinator's consent.

Individualized work or volunteer experience in an international setting. Must be coordinated through International Study Programs.

499R. Honors Thesis. (1–3:0:0 ea.) Prerequisite: International relations major core; methods requirements; international relations major coordinator's consent.

Latin American Studies

The Discipline

Designed to give a rich background in the languages, culture, and conditions of Latin America, the Latin American Studies program provides a multidisciplinary approach to university education. Courses from BYU's various academic departments (anthropology, Spanish and Portuguese, political science, geography, sociology, history, etc.) teach skills in perceptive reading, analytical thinking, and clear and forceful writing, as well as provide in-depth understanding of Latin American cultures, languages, and history.

Students are invited to consult with the director of undergraduate studies regarding selection of classes.

Career Opportunities

Excellent career opportunities exist for those who prepare well in Latin American Studies. The degree offers a broad, general background in the liberal arts, and graduates are well prepared for careers in government, private industry, nonprofit organizations, some domestic and foreign teaching opportunities, the Peace Corps, the military, and other professions in which an understanding and appreciation of Latin America are required. Many graduates go into law, medicine, business, journalism, editing, advertising, etc. Others have had success in government, such as working for the State Department, immigration, the FBI, and other agencies.

Students are encouraged to take a double major or at least a strong minor in a single academic discipline to enhance their career objectives. The combination of another discipline and Latin American Studies makes the student attractive to employers desiring specific job skills as well as cultural understanding and appreciation.

General Information

Foreign Experience. Latin American Studies students are strongly encouraged to participate in Study Abroad programs in Mexico or Chile, in an internship program somewhere in Latin America, or in department-sponsored research in the area.



BA Latin American Studies (36–51 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. Complete the following:
    LtAm 211.

  2. Complete the following prerequisite courses or equivalents:
    Either Port 101, 102, 201, 202.
    OrSpan 101, 102, 201, 202.

  3. Complete one of the following options:
    Either Port 321, 355.
    Or Span 321, 355.

  4. Complete three social science courses from the following:
    Geog 255.
    Hist 251 or 252.
    PlSc 358 or 380.
    Soc 335.

  5. Complete two humanities courses from the following:
    Hum 260.
    Port 439R, 451.
    Span 339 or Port 339.
    Span 365, 423, 451, 461R.

  6. Complete the following:
    LtAm 495.

  7. Complete at least 6 elective hours from an approved list (see advisement center).

  8. Complete 3 hours of an internship, service learning, or Study Abroad course. These must be approved in advance by the director of Latin American Studies.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Latin American Studies (18–34 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following prerequisite courses or equivalents:
    Either Port 101, 102, 201, 202.
    OrSpan 101, 102, 201, 202.

  2. Complete one of the following courses:
    Port 321.
    Span 321.

  3. Complete one of the following courses:
    Hum 260.
    Port 355.
    Span 355.

  4. Complete four courses from the following:
    Anthr 326, 355, 365.
    Geog 255.
    Hist 251, 252, 353, 356, 357, 359, 363.
    Hum 260.
    LtAm 211, 495.
    PlSc 358, 380.
    Port 339, 451.
    Soc 335.
    Span 339, 365, 423, 451, 461R.

  5. Students may receive up to 3 elective hours for service learning, an internship, of Study Abroad.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Latin American Studies (LtAm)

Class Schedule Major Academic Plan (MAP)
Fall Class Schedule Winter Class Schedule Spring Class Schedule Summer Class Schedule

Undergraduate Courses

211. Introduction to Latin American Studies. (3:3:0)

History, politics, sociology, geography, and culture of Latin America.

301. Preparation for Project Work in Latin America. (1:1:0) Prerequisite: Span 102 and instructor's consent.

Historical, political, and cultural background of the target country(ies); intensive training in individual service specialty.

302. Project Work in Latin America. (2:0:0) Prerequisite: LtAm 301.

Teaching literacy, health, nutrition, gardening, leadership development, construction, etc., in Latin America.

495. Senior Seminar in Latin American Studies. (3:3:0) Prerequisite: instructor's consent for minors.

Sources, materials, and methods of research and writing; critical analysis of a research project. Required for all Latin American Studies majors their senior year.



Middle and Near Eastern Studies

BA Middle East Studies/Arabic (50–65 hours*)

The Discipline

Middle East Studies examines the Arabic-, Turkish-, and Persian-speaking peoples and countries of the Middle East from a variety of perspectives. The region itself provides the focus, but historians, political scientists, anthropologists, economists, geographers, linguists, art historians, and literary and religious scholars all provide important insights into the area, each from the context of their own discipline. Undergirding all of these perspectives is linguistic skills in Arabic, through which access to original sources, press analyses, and native speakers is possible. Middle East Studies as a whole tries to integrate these insights and to provide analysis and understanding that go beyond any single discipline.

Career Opportunities

The Middle East Studies/Arabic major aims specifically to prepare students to work as analysts and experts on the Middle East for government agencies, businesses, and other organizations. Linguistic skill in Arabic, as well as a solid understanding of the history, politics, and culture of the region is vital to these agencies, many of them desperate for real expertise and language ability. With its integrated, interdisciplinary focus on a single region and a strong emphasis on acquiring a usable knowledge of Arabic, it is also a good liberal arts major for students planning a career in law, medicine, or business in general—in fact, any field where a broad understanding and finely honed analytical and writing skills are valued.

Major Requirements

  1. Complete the following prerequisite coursess (may be waived for students with appropriate language experience):
    Arab 101, 102.

  2. Complete the following language requirement:
    Arab 201, 211R, 301, 311R, 451, 452.

  3. Complete the following background skills course:
    MESA 201.

  4. Complete the following major courses:
    Geog 271.
    Hist 240, 241.
    Hum 242.
    MESA 350.
    PlSc 357.

  5. Complete the following capstone course:
    MESA 495R.

  6. Complete two of the following elective courses:
    Anthr 340.
    ArtHC 377.
    Heb 101, 102, 201.
    Hist 339R (Middle Eastern topics only).
    IAS 399R (with prior approval).
    MESA 467R.
    PlSc 381, 452, 457.
    Any other Arabic courses not already taken.

  7. Complete one semester's residence in the Arab world, when conditions permit. Most students will complete this requirement by taking part in the Arabic Study Abroad program (usually September to December), during which advanced Arabic courses required for the major may be completed.

Middle East/Government Service Track

Students interested in using their Arabic language expertise to work in government (Department of State, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, military services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, etc.) are strongly recommended to complete the following courses, some of which will count for general education credit.

Econ 110.
PlSc 110, 150, 200, 376.

Note: Econ 110 and PlSc 110 combined may fill the American Heritage general education requirement.

Other courses to consider:

Geog 341.
PlSc 313, 315, 321, 370, 371, 372, 373, 375, 377, 378, 471.

Students are strongly advised to complete an internship through the Washington Seminar or in the Middle East. The internship should enable the student to apply his or her Arabic language ability or interest in the Middle East or learn the workings of the U.S. Congress.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Ancient Near Eastern Studies (21 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following:
    Heb 131, 132.

  2. Complete one course from the following:
    Hist 238, 239.
  3. Complete one course from the following:
    Anthr 351, 378.
  4. Complete 6 hours from the following:
    RelA 301, 302.
    NeLg 340, 345.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Modern Near Eastern Studies (20 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete 8 hours in Arabic, modern Hebrew, or Turkish.

  2. Complete the following:
    Hist 240, 241.

  3. Complete one course from the following:
    Anthr 340.
    Geog 271.

  4. Complete two courses from the following:
    PlSc 357, 381, 474.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Jewish Studies (22 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete 12 hours of Hebrew courses.

  2. Complete the following:
    Hist 244.
    RelC 355.

  3. Complete two courses from the following:
    Hist 315.
    PlSc 454, 457.
    Phil 415 (when treating Jewish philosophy).

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Arab-Islamic Studies (25 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete 12 hours of Arabic courses.

  2. Complete the following:
    Hist 240, 241.
    Hum 242.
    RelC 356.

  3. Complete two courses from the following:
    Phil 415.
    PlSc 452, 454.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Middle East Studies/Arabic (MESA)

Class Schedule Major Academic Plan (MAP)
Fall Class Schedule Winter Class Schedule Spring Class Schedule Summer Class Schedule

Undergraduate Courses

201. Introduction to Middle East Studies. (3:3:0) F

Introduction to Middle East from historical, art/literary, and various social science perspectives, including introduction to disciplinary methodologies and writing research papers.

350. Islam in Contemporary Society. (3:3:0) W

Islam in modern society: doctrine, practices, institutions, approaches to the challenges of modern life; the rise of fundamentalism.

467R. Topics in Middle East Studies. (3:3:0 ea.)

Topics vary.

495R. Senior Seminar in Middle East Studies. (3:3:0 ea.) W Prerequisite: MESA 201; major status; senior status.

Capstone course, including major research paper demonstrating ability to integrate cross-disciplinary information and methodology.






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