Hebrew and Middle Eastern Studies

Hebrew and Middle Eastern Studies
(Islamic Culture, Sephardic and Israeli Culture)

Major programs are available in Hebrew and Middle Eastern Studies. Arabic and Hebrew may be studied for a minor in that language or as part of a major. Aramaic and Biblical Hebrew may be studied as part of a major in MES or Hebrew.

Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic Studies Site
Hebrew Major

Degree requirements for a BA in Hebrew

Required: 30 credits beyond HEBRW 101 and 102. Students must consult the advisor for placement in the language program and to determine the distribution of credits for the major. HEBRW 203 and 204 may be applied to the Hebrew major only if students have been placed into these courses by the department. All students are required to take a minimum of 18 credits in courses in Hebrew numbered above 300. The remaining credits may include additional courses in Hebrew, courses in Arabic or Yiddish, or courses in Hebrew, Jewish, Israeli, or Mideastern literature or culture given in English. At least 12 credits must be taken at Queens College. Students must attain an average of at least 2.0 in the courses composing their major. (30 credits)

Middle Eastern Studies Major

Degree requirements for a BA in Middle Eastern Studies

Foreign language:

  • Both A and B must be satisfied:
    • Two semesters of college-level Arabic (at an appropriate level depending on proficiency).
    • Two semesters of Hebrew, Farsi, Turkish, or two more semesters of Arabic.

Introductory courses:

  • MES 160 and MES 255; or, one of these two courses and one of the following history courses: HIST 146–149. (6 credits)

Core courses:

  • Four of the following: HIST 204, 256 or 298, MES 155, 240, 250 or 260, PSCI 240, or one more introductory course (listed above) not already taken. (12 credits)

Electives:

  • Three additional courses chosen in consultation with an advisor within the department’s offerings in Arabic, Hebrew, or Middle Eastern Studies, or college-wide courses relevant to the Middle East. (9 credits)

Senior Seminar:

  • Either A or B must be satisfied:
    • MES 380
    • With permission of an advisor, a 300-level course or seminar on a Middle Eastern topic in another department (for example, HIST 339). (3 credits)
Arabic Minor

Requirements for a Minor in Arabic

Required: A minimum of 18 credits. Three or four semesters of Arabic study (at an appropriate level) and two or three semesters in courses taught in English relevant to the history and civilization of Islam and the literature and culture of the Arab world, chosen in consultation with the Minor advisor. A cumulative 2.0 grade-point average must be maintained in all courses toward the minor and at least 9 of the 18 Credits must be at the 200 level or above.

Hebrew Minor

Requirements for a Minor in Hebrew

Required: 18 credits in Hebrew beyond HEBRW 102. For details, please consult the coordinator or the chair. At least three of these courses must be taken at Queens College. (18 credits)