The Middle East and North African Studies major highlights the social, historical, political, cultural, and linguistic traditions of this varied region and illuminates the area’s centrality and relevance in today’s world. Transcending the simplistic paradigms which often saturate current news outlets, the major emphasizes and encourages a complex and multi-disciplinary approach towards the study of the region.

The major also draws upon and showcases the expertise of our diverse faculty from multiple departments and programs, whose research, publications, and teaching encapsulate the region’s geographic expanse.

As a Middle East and North African Studies major, you will be exposed to a rich array of disciplinary and intellectual perspectives. Our curriculum stresses the region’s foundational religious traditions; the historical rise of major Islamic empires; the promises and disruptions of modern colonialism and nationalism; current political conflicts and wars; disputes and negotiations over borders and natural resources; the rise of diasporic and refugee communities; and the region’s cultural richness in poetry, literature, linguistics, religious practices, and even food.

Finally, Middle East and North African Studies majors develop advanced proficiency in either Arabic or Hebrew through coursework at Middlebury College and at one of the Middlebury C.V. Starr Schools Abroad in the Middle East.

Track Director

Ata Anzali

Associate Professor of Religion

Office:
Munroe Hall 120
Office Hours:
Fall 2024: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45pm-4:45pm; Wednesdays, 12:30pm-2:30pm

Requirements

See general requirements and requirements by track.

Advising Wizard

To assist you in tracking the completion of your requirements, please meet with your advisor to complete and submit the advising wizard for your track.

Courses

See courses by track.

Student Theses

See Past Student Theses.