Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
The Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures unites diverse cultural and linguistic studies spanning ancient to modern times into a dynamic interdisciplinary community. Through NELC, we breathe new life into history. Our programs connect Middle Eastern cultural studies to undergraduate education and the Los Angeles community while training future specialists in both ancient Near Eastern and contemporary Middle Eastern studies.
NELC's mission focuses on uncovering, analyzing, sharing, and preserving the rich heritage of the Near East - humanity's birthplace - with its 10,000+ years of continuous cultural development and global significance. Our academic work centers on West Asia and North Africa (commonly referred to as the Middle East for modern studies and the Near East for ancient studies). Certain cultural disciplines like Islamic, Jewish, and Iranian Studies may extend beyond these regional borders.