About Us

Founded in 1979, the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (NELC) offers instruction in a number of Near Eastern languages, literatures, and cultures, including Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish, as well as in basic Hindi, Urdu, and Uzbek language. In addition, a number of pre-modern and ancient Near Eastern languages are taught, among them Akkadian, Classical Arabic, Aramaic, Classical Egyptian, Biblical Hebrew, Phoenician, Syriac, Ottoman Turkish, and Ugaritic.

At present, the Department directs two undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Arabic and Hebrew. Minor programs are also available in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish. Advanced students are encouraged to apply for study abroad programs offered during the summer and/or academic year.

In addition to emphasizing the acquisition of linguistic skills and knowledge of some of the world's richest cultures, the Arabic and Hebrew majors are designed to prepare students for a variety of post-collegiate pursuits. These may include specialized graduate study in Arabic, Hebrew, linguistics, Judaic studies, or Near Eastern studies, or careers in government (e.g., foreign service, translation, etc.), journalism, business, or teaching.

The Department's graduate program offers both the M.A. and Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures.