Middle East Studies is an academic program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the peoples, societies and economies of the region. The graduate program offers courses in Arabic language and literature, anthropology, economics, history, political science and sociology with the purpose of introducing students to a variety of methodologies for studying the Middle East. The graduate program focuses on the period from the 18th century onwards and addresses issues of religion, ecology, history, economy, society, polity, gender, and culture. Given the geographical location of Cairo, the program as a whole concentrates on the Arab region. The program is intended for students who wish to pursue a variety of careers such as academia, diplomacy, other government service, work with NGOs, development, business, finance, journalism, public relations and cultural affairs.

Language

In addition to normal university requirements in English, students must demonstrate proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic:

1. If the student chooses to take Comprehensive Examination, the level of proficiency would be equivalent to the AUC Arabic Language Institute's course ALNG 201.
2. If the student chooses to write a Thesis, the level of proficiency would be equivalent to the AUC Arabic Language Institute's course ALNG 311 (an advanced level specified by the guidelines of the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

In both the above cases, proficiency is tested by examination. Students who have no background in Arabic should enroll first in the Arabic Language Institute's full-time intensive Arabic program. Arabic language training is offered by AUC's Arabic Language Institute, which also administers proficiency tests. Students who choose a Thesis and whose proficiency is between low intermediate and advanced are encouraged to take Arabic language courses in addition to their academic courses until they fulfill the proficiency requirement. They are also encouraged to enroll in intensive Arabic language summer programs.

Comprehensive Examination

At the completion of all course requirements an examination is administered by an interdisciplinary examining board. An oral examination will be given immediately following the written test if further evidence of the candidate's knowledge is deemed necessary by the department.

Courses

Ten courses are required for the degree. Those choosing the thesis option are required to present a thesis and register for eight courses.  All students must take the following six courses:

Thesis

Students opting to do a thesis must complete a thesis in accordance with university regulations. Before commencing work on the thesis, the student must have a thesis proposal approved by three faculty members, one of whom is on the Middle East Studies Interdisciplinary Committee.

Admission

An applicant should have an undergraduate degree of high standing (a GPA of 3.0 or above). Prerequisites may be assigned depending on the applicant's academic background.

Language

To obtain the diploma each candidate must demonstrate, in addition to the normal university requirements in English, proficiency in classical Arabic up to the completion of ALNG 102.

Courses