The Middle East is the cradle of the three monotheistic religions. It also has some of the world's greatest archeological and religious sites. It is the locus of two thirds of the world's known oil reserves. Events in the Middle East affect our daily lives. The Middle Eastern studies curriculum enables students to gain insights into the cultural, religious, and political forces that motivate the inhabitants of this vital region of the world.
The Middle Eastern studies program trains students to develop an understanding of cultural institutions and their influence on contemporary world affairs; to explore the concepts of conflict, security, and peacemaking and to examine complex public issues vital to informed citizenship; and to develop informed beliefs and knowledge about other nations or cultures. The curriculum in Middle Eastern studies draws on a number of existing courses at UC. In addition, students will be strongly encouraged to take courses in Middle Eastern studies and languages offered at any of the many reputable American (for example, Georgetown University, Washington DC), European (for example, SOAS, London), and overseas institutions. Students will be assisted in (1) identifying and applying to institutions where courses are offered that fulfill and enrich the programmatic requirements of the Middle Eastern studies certificate and (2) seeking financial support available from a variety of sources, for example, the UC Office of International Programs, Taft Foundation, private organizations, and federal agencies to enroll in a study abroad program, for example, in Istanbul, Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus, Dubai, Beirut, Fez, Amman, or Sanaa.