The Program in Near Eastern Studies provides students in any department of Princeton University the opportunity to study the languages, modern history, contemporary institutions, and problems of the Near East. Its purpose is to enhance a liberal education and to offer additional training for students who plan a career in that area. For this program, the Near East is defined as the entire Arab world plus the present-day states of Iran, Israel, and Turkey.
Comparing the Certificate in Near Eastern Languages and Culture and the Program in Near Eastern Studies Certificate
| Program Requirements | Certificate in Near Eastern Languages and Culture | Program in Near Eastern Studies Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility |
Available to all students regardless of concentration. Administered by the Department in Near Eastern Studies. Students may enroll via the Department in Near Eastern Studies beginning of junior year through March 1 of senior year. |
Designed for concentrators in Anthropology, History, Politics, Religion, Sociology, and the School of Public and International Affairs but others may enter with the Director’s approval. Administered by the Program in Near Eastern Studies. Students may enroll via the Program in Near Easter Studies at the beginning of senior year through March 1 of senior year. |
| Content courses |
Three NES courses in language, literature, or culture involving extensive use (beyond the second year level) of Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish.
|
One appropriate history course in NES. Department of History concentrators must take two. Two courses treating the Near East chosen from the offerings of Anthropology, Near Eastern Studies, Religion, Sociology and School of Public and International Affairs. |
| Language study |
Study Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish beyond the level required for completion of the University language requirement. |
Two years of Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, or Urdu. |
| Independent work |
Students complete independent research, usually a paper of 7,000 or more words, written in consultation with a member of the faculty |
Junior independent work is divided between the student’s home department and Near Eastern Studies. Senior thesis is written on a Near Eastern subject. A portion of the departmental exam deals with the Near Eastern fields studied. |
| Details |