Middle Eastern Studies

Undergraduate

One of four interdisciplinary majors within the Asian Studies program, the major in Middle Eastern studies allows you to specialize in the history, languages, cultures, and politics of the Middle East. The Five College Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies allows you to complement any disciplinary major with multidisciplinary studies and linguistic attainments.

Program Overview

Language study is the core component of the major. As a student, you are expected to incorporate the humanities and the social sciences fully into your studies with classes at Mount Holyoke and the other colleges in the Five College Consortium.

Complementing course work at Mount Holyoke are extracurricular activities and study abroad programs that broaden and deepen your understanding of this region.

On campus, you will experience regional culture at many levels, including language tables and clubs, guest lectures, performing and visual arts, film, festivals, and regional cuisine. These activities are often initiated by and benefit greatly from the diverse student population of Mount Holyoke.

Most of our students spend a semester or a summer in study abroad programs to gain a deeper understanding of this region. We offer many approved Middle Eastern study abroad programs.

Middle Eastern studies majors graduate to pursue graduate studies and careers in fields as varied as education, business, NGOs, journalism, the arts, and government service.

Community Voices

Spotlight on Middle Eastern Studies students and alums

Megan Brookman ’14 Graduate Student

Olivia Griffin ’13 Program Coordinator

Courses and Requirements

Learning Goals

By majoring in Middle Eastern Studies, students should:

  • Develop proficiency in Arabic, Hebrew, or another language widely spoken in the Middle East. By "proficiency" we mean: 
    • Ability to read newspapers, magazines, and popular literature.
    • Ability to converse with a native speaker on non-technical subjects.
    • Ability to write coherent paragraphs on non-technical subjects. 
  • Develop knowledge of the history of the premodern and modern Middle East. 
  • Develop knowledge of the arts, literature, religions, and philosophies of the Middle East. 
  • Develop knowledge of the geography, politics, economics, and societies of the Middle East.

Contact us

The Department of Asian Students helps students explore the rich and extremely diverse cultures of Asia, home to some 60 percent of humanity.

Denise Falk
  • Academic Department Coordinator

Next Steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of a liberal arts education and are driven by a love of learning. As a women's college that is gender diverse, we welcome applications from female, trans and non-binary students.

Financing your education

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we’re here to make sure cost does not get in the way of an exceptional education.