Middle Eastern Studies Program
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.
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
November 21, 2024
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
¡Vamos a practicar Español juntos!
Join us every Thursday at the Lehman Language Center for a fun and relaxed Spanish Conversation Table. Whether you’re a beginner or just want to brush up on your skills, this is a perfect opportunity to improve your fluency!
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December 6, 2024
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Theatre and Dance programs are holding auditions for Ti-Jean and His Brothers, by Derek Walcott Friday December 6, 2024 from 12-5pm in the Apex on Lehman College Campus, Room M18 for dance, singing, and acting auditions Ti-Jean and His Brothers by Derek Walcott, music by Andre Tanker directed by Rick DesRochers, choreography by Michael Manswell A dance/theatre collaboration from the Nobel Prize-winning playwright/poet and founder of the Trinidad Theatre Workshop, Derek Walcott.
December 8, 2024
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Winter Concert: Chorus and Orchestra
Master works for chorus and orchestra including Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, additional works by Mendelssohn, Rutter, Handel, as well as multicultural seasonal selections and a holiday sing-along for the audience.
December 10, 2024
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
The Lehman Latin Jazz Ensemble presents a thrilling journey through the music of legendary Cuban-American percussionist Mongo Santamaria, whose groundbreaking fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz revolutionized the music world.
December 13, 2024
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Auditions for the 2025 Spring Dance Concert are coming!
Spring Dance Concert Auditions Friday, December 13th, 4:00, APEX Room M18 Come audition for the Spring Dance Concert! No need to prepare anything, just come ready to dance! Contact amy.larimer@lehman.cuny.edu for more information.
