Middle Eastern Studies term papers

What is Middle Eastern Studies?

Middle Eastern Studies, also referred to as Arabic Studies or Near Eastern Studies, is the interdisciplinary study of the culture, geography, politics, history, and economies of the Middle East.  According to the University of Washington Middle East Center, Middle Eastern Studies programs focus “on the contemporary Middle East, and depending on the students’ own interests, may include North Africa, Turkey, the Levant, the Gulf States, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan.”  Interdisciplinary fields commonly studied during a Middle Eastern Studies major include Anthropology, History, Political Science, Sociology, Law, Near Eastern Language, and Ethnomusicology.   

 

Majoring or Minoring in Middle Eastern Studies

Depending of the educational institution, Middle Eastern Studies is available to students as an undergraduate program granting a Bachelor’s Degree, or as a graduate program granting a Master’s Degree or a Ph.D.  Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to declare Middle Eastern Studies as a minor while working towards a Bachelor’s Degree with a different major.  Similarly, Latin-American Studies is also available by some educational institutions as a certificate granting study for those students seeking a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in another area of study.  Middle Eastern Studies majors are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs offered through their respective universities.  The study abroad programs offer the student with the opportunity to experience firsthand Middle Eastern lifestyles, food, and culture, as well as the ability to study Middle Eastern history and language in various Middle Eastern countries with native speakers and Middle Eastern university professors.     

Career Opportunities for Middle Eastern Studies Majors

Rutgers notes, “Students in Middle Eastern Studies [programs] develop skills that are versatile and useful in a variety of settings.  Many careers do not require a specific major, but are chosen on the basis of personal interests, skills, preferences, and ambitions.  Graduates can pursue careers in business, government, education, and the nonprofit sector.  Regardless of your career plans, it is important to develop your marketability through internships, responsible work experience, good grades, and participation.”  Some common careers for Middle Eastern Studies majors include: Journalist, Admissions Counselor, Attorney, Community Action Specialist, Human Resources Specialist, Import/Export Specialist, Consumer Advocate, Politician, Teacher or University Professor, Public Policy Specialist, Consultant, Cultural Affairs Officer, Foreign Services Officer, Historic Preservation Specialist, Museum Curator, Historic Site Administrator, International Banker, International Trade Specialist, Translator, or Customs or Immigrations Officer just to name a few.  

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