From the Program Director, Dr. Dina Le Gall



Drawing on faculty from a number of departments, the Interdisciplinary Program in Middle Eastern Studies seeks to provide students with an introduction to an area of the world that is as historically and culturally rich as it is critical to today’s geopolitics. The double purpose is to introduce students to a variety of topics and issues in the history, politics, languages, societies, and cultures of the Middle East and to give them the opportunity to study the Middle East using the tools of diverse disciplines. We define the Middle East broadly to include the whole area from North Africa to Afghanistan.

The program is offered as a minor field that complements a wide array of majors. It is particularly valuable for students who wish to combine an interest in the Middle East with majors such as History, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, or Languages and Literatures in preparation for graduate work in Middle Eastern Studies or for professional careers in education, business, media, government, human rights, diplomacy, and law, among others.

Middle Eastern Studies Main Photo

Learning Goals and Objectives


Field Competency:
Students will gain an introduction to the Middle East and develop a grasp of central issues in the history, politics, literatures and/or societies of the region. They will approach the Middle East from at least two disciplinary perspectives, including anthropology, history, literature, or political science.

Analytical Skills: Students will hone their reading and analytical skills, and will know how to access information and how to summarize and evaluate scholarly arguments and media opinions based on evidence.

Writing Skills: Students will be able to produce well-argued and carefully supported written assignments in which they synthesize information from different sources, advance and sustain arguments, use citations according to accepted academic standards, and avoid plagiarism.

Cultural/Political Awareness: Students will be aware of the diversity of Middle Eastern societies, will learn to approach these societies with empathy, and will be able to participate productively and dispassionately in discussions of complex and contested issues.

Upcoming Events

March 21, 2024 - March 21, 2024

12:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Lehman College Majors and Minors Fair

Set the direction for your future! Explore all of Lehman's majors and minors, connect with faculty and staff, and take advantage of other great opportunities!

March 21, 2024 - March 21, 2024

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Candela Film Screening and Q&A

​Please join us for an exciting evening of film and conversation in The Lovinger Theater!

March 21, 2024 - March 21, 2024

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

"I Dream A World" A Performance by Tyrone Birkett/Emancipation!

Please join us in viewing a transcendent musical performance by Tyrone Birkett/Emancipation!

March 22, 2024 - March 22, 2024

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Aubrey Powell: The Sara Little Turnbull Visiting Designer Speaker Series

Aubrey Powell presents "Hipgnosis: Album Cover Design and Beyond".

April 2, 2024 - April 2, 2024

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Workshop with Indigenous Maya Rock Band Sak Tzevul

Indigenous Maya Rock Band Sak Tzevul will do a workshop and pocket show at Lehman!

April 10, 2024 - April 10, 2024

3:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Dead Poets Rise Tournament

April is National Poetry Month and we’re inviting all poetry and gaming enthusiasts to join us for the Dead Poets Rise Tournament at Lehman College, proudly sponsored by the English Department and co-hosted with the Art Department and the Student Gaming Club!