Middle East Studies (M.A.)

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Consistent with the mission of the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Middle East Studies is an interdisciplinary 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, gender and women’s studies, history, law, 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.

Master of Arts

The master’s degree program in Middle East Studies is an interdisciplinary degree program. Applicants for admission should have an undergraduate degree of high standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher). Prerequisites are often assigned depending on the individual student’s academic background. The program is designed to meet the needs of aspiring professionals who need in-depth knowledge of the modern Middle East as well as those intending to pursue an academic career.

Admission

Students are normally admitted to the MA degree program in the fall only. The application deadline for fall 2011 is February 1 for application with a fellowship and April 1 for application without a fellowship. Students who are offered admission must indicate their intention to enroll by May 15 and pay a deposit to hold their place.

Language

To obtain the MA each candidate must demonstrate, in addition to the normal university requirements in English, proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic up to the completion of ALNG 2101-2102-2103 .

Proficiency is tested by an examination administered by the Arabic Language Institute. Students who have no background in Arabic are strongly advised to enroll in the summer intensive course (20 contact hours a week, 12 credits) of the Arabic Language Unit before beginning their MA program.

Courses

Ten courses are required for the MA degree (Eight for those who choose to write an MA thesis and enroll in MEST 5298 and MEST 5299 . The following two courses are required:

Students must choose three of the following eight courses:

An approved 400 or 500 level course in modern Arabic literature.

Note

The other five courses (or three for thesis writers) may be selected from 400 or 500 level courses related to the Middle East in Anthropology/Sociology, Arabic Studies, Economics, Gender and Women’s Studies, History, Law, Middle East Studies and Political Science. No more than two 400 level courses may be counted towards the degree and only one course originally at the 400 level but for which requirement are added to raise it to 500 level may be applied towards the degree. Students must consult with their advisor to ensure an adequate coverage of social science and history.

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.

Comprehensive Examination

Students not opting to do a thesis will, after the completion of all course requirements, take a comprehensive examination administered by an interdisciplinary examining board. An oral examination will be given following the written test.

AUC New Cairo Campus

AUC Tahrir Square Campus

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