The Asian and Middle East Studies Department (AMES) and UNC-CH’s Department of Religious Studies in coordination with the Duke University Middle East Studies Center (DUMESC) and the Carolina Center for the Study of the Middle East and Muslim Societies announce the launching of a joint graduate certificate in Middle East studies. It is the country’s first fully integrated cross-campus graduate program in Middle East studies. The certificate allows graduate students in departments across both universities to develop expertise in Middle East studies in the context of an organized program of study that would complement their home degree program.
CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
Students need to accomplish the following tasks in order to receive the certificate:
- Complete four graduate courses on a topic related to the Middle East. One of the four courses is the required “Critical Genealogies of Middle East Studies” (in-depth investigation into the many different theoretical traditions that inform interdisciplinary Middle East studies; specific foci include literary and cultural theory, Islamic feminism, postcolonial theory, visual studies, deconstruction, etc). Of the remaining three courses one may be an advanced Middle East language (Third year and above in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Turkish, or Urdu). For all other courses, students must demonstrate to the Certificate program director that any comparative and theoretical courses to be counted toward the certificate contain at least 50% Middle East content.
- Participate in a bi-weekly workshop organized each spring by the Consortium in Middle East Studies. This workshop is tailored to the interests of enrolled students who suggest readings for discussion and present their own work. There is no grade or credit associated with this workshop. To enroll, submit an application form to the Consortium in Middle East Studies prior to the beginning of the spring workshop.
- Submit to the Consortium in Middle East Studies a thesis, or dissertation, or chapter of a dissertation--or a major seminar paper--on a topic related to Middle East studies. It may be selected for posting online. Students will meet this requirement through the completion of one of the requirements for the student’s primary degree (usually a master’s thesis, PhD dissertation, or PhD dissertation chapter). Students who are in programs that do not require a master’s thesis must submit an equivalent research project (usually a major seminar paper) that is appropriate to their discipline. A member of the Faculty Steering Committee will read the written research work to judge whether it is suitable to complete the research requirement of the certificate, or, if appropriate, request that a Duke or UNC faculty member who specializes in the research area covered by the work make this judgment.
- Demonstrate relevant language skills, or international experience, or training. Language competency in a Middle Eastern language (Arabic, modern Hebrew, Persian, Turkish, or Urdu) may be demonstrated by taking a placement test or an advanced language class or by using primary language texts in the major research project. International experience and training should include research, fieldwork, or study in a Middle Eastern country.
