Middle Eastern Studies Major
Overview
Middle Eastern Area Studies allows students to combine their study of either Arabic or Hebrew with courses in the history, religions and cultures of the Middle East from Ancient to modern times. This program will provide the student with a basic understanding of the peoples and history of this diverse and culturally-rich region of the world and a firm foundation for further study. The cultural and language proficiency achieved will also serve as excellent preparation for a variety of job opportunities in teaching, business, government or foreign service.
Students should work with the IAS Academic Adviser as soon as possible to develop a coherent program of study.
Bachelor of Arts in International and Area Studies Major Area: Middle Eastern Studies
For the most up to date degree sheets, please click here.
General Education requirements: 40 semester hours, distributed in accordance with University requirements.
School of International and Area Studies requirements: Additional requirements set forth by the School of International and Area Studies.
Major requirements: (30 hours, 18 must be upper-division). In addition to the core requirements set forth by the School of International and Area Studies, students pursuing a degree in Middle Eastern Studies will develop a course of study with the IAS Academic Adviser and meets the following requirements:
Foreign Language and Literature (six hours): Two courses at the 3000-level or above beyond the 16-hour requirement in Arabic or Hebrew.
History and Ideas (six hours).
Politics and Society (six hours).
Arts and Culture (six hours).
Geography (three hours).
International Experience: A student is required to spend at least one summer or winter term (preferably one year) in an approved international experience. This may include (but is not limited to) OU Study Abroad, study abroad with another university, an approved foreign work experience, or experience through the US military, or a high school degree or equivalent from another country.
Senior Capstone Course (three hours): IAS 4013, Senior Capstone.
NOTES: Students may take other appropriate courses chosen in consultation with the IAS Academic Adviser. Acceptable substitutions are updated each semester and posted in the Undergraduate Studies section of the SIAS website.
To be eligible for study abroad at OU, students must maintain a minimum combined retention GPA of 2.5.
Major Support Requirements: Sixteen hours of one foreign language relevant to the geographical area of concentration.
Free Electives: Electives to bring total applicable hours to 120 including 48 upper-division hours.
Minor in Middle Eastern Studies
Students must successfully complete at least 15 hours of courses acceptable for major credit in Middle Eastern Studies, including at least 9 hours at the upper-division level.
Click here to download the minor check sheet to learn more about the specific requirements.
