BA in Middle East/South Asia Studies in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Middle East/South Asia studies program offers a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to understanding two culturally rich and interconnected world regions. Spanning 44 nations, this academic discipline concentrates on key areas including the Arab Gulf states, Egypt, the Indian subcontinent, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, North Africa (Maghreb), Palestine, Syria, and Turkey. The curriculum integrates diverse perspectives through courses in anthropology, art history, Asian American studies, classical civilizations, comparative literature, film studies, gender studies, historical analysis, musicology, political science, and religious studies. Language acquisition forms a core component, with options to study Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi/Urdu, Persian, or Punjabi. Beyond classroom learning, students can engage in faculty-mentored research initiatives, specialized projects, and international study programs. This comparative field of study emphasizes the historical, cultural, and economic connections between these vital regions. The program mandates two years of language study in Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi/Urdu or other regional tongues, complemented by two foundational ME/SA courses that establish comparative frameworks. Additional requirements draw from various departments across the College of Letters and Science, providing comprehensive regional understanding.