Near Eastern History

Requirements for Joint Concentration in Near Eastern History

Students whose interest in Near Eastern civilization is primarily historical in character should consider concentrating in Near Eastern History, a joint honors concentration co-sponsored by the History Department and the Near Eastern Languages and Civilzations concentration (NELC).

The goal of the program is to introduce students to the craft of historical study—the ways historians make sense of the past, and the skills of historical analysis, writing, and research—as well as to promote a critical understanding of the historical experience of Near Eastern societies. In addition to in-depth language study and substantial course work in the history of the Near East, students enrolling in this concentration will do one-half of their tutorial work in the History Department and the other half in the NELC concentration.The sophomore tutorial in History introduces students to the analysis of historical writing in various genres, while the NELC sophomore tutorial introduces the history, literature and intellectual traditions of Near Eastern civilizations. By taking a History Seminar in the sophomore or junior year, students are introduced to methods of historical research and writing and have the opportunity to conduct in-depth research projects. In the senior year, joint concentrators write an honors thesis, an original work in some aspect of Near Eastern history.

For more information on the Joint Concentration, students should contact NELC or the Undergraduate Office in History.