Office & Contact Information

The Major Program

Are you interested in languages and culture? Do you want a global education? Middle East/South Asia Studies is a unique major where you can learn about the interconnected regions of South Asia, Central and West Asia, and North Africa. This area encompasses many countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Students can explore these regions through a variety of courses: anthropology, art history, art studio, Asian American Studies, cinema, classics, comparative literature, English, gender studies, history, music, political science, religious studies, and sociology. As a ME/SA major, you will be able to learn a regional language (Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi/Urdu, Persian or Punjabi). Beyond coursework, ME/SA majors also have the opportunity to get involved in research, special projects with faculty guidance, and study abroad.
 
The Middle East/South Asia Studies major focuses on the comparative study of these regions and their historically intertwined cultures and societies. Students will receive a strong foundation in one regional language, with two years required in Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi/Urdu, Persian, Punjabi, or another language of this area. The two required ME/SA Studies courses lay a comparative foundation, and options for remaining requirements include coursework from a wide range of departments/programs in the College of Letters and Science.

Language Courses

To enforce Davis Division Regulation 536¹, a student who has completed a second or more advanced year of high-school-level course work in a foreign language in tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade shall be awarded credit for Course 1 (or its equivalent) in that language only if he or she takes the course on a Passed or Not Passed basis. Enforcement of this regulation occurs in the sixth week of the quarter. For more information, contact the Office of the University Registrar. Please note this UC Davis policy applies to Arabic 001, Hebrew 001, Hindi/Urdu 001, Persian 001, and Punjabi 001/001V.

Major Advisor

Consult the Middle East/South Asia Studies Advisor in 1287 Social Science & Humanities, 530-752-3576, or at Middle East/South Asia Studies.

Programs, Internships, & Career Alternatives

Many internship opportunities are available for the Middle East/South Asia Studies major and minor, consult with your advisor.

Middle East/South Asia Studies Abroad Program

For information, see Global Learning Hub and UC Davis Summer Abroad.

¹ Davis Division Regulation 536

Davis Division Regulation 536

536. Grading in Beginning Language Courses.
A student who has completed a second or more advanced year of high-school-level course work in a foreign language in tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade shall be awarded credit for Course 1 (or its equivalent) in that language only if the student takes the course on a Passed or Not Passed basis under the option authorized by Davis Division Regulation A545(A), subject to the limits specified in Davis Division Regulation A545(B). (Am. and effective 2/14/78)

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Middle East/South Asia Studies Bachelor of Arts is 48.

¹

Restriction: No more than 6 units of MSA 092, MSA 098, MSA 099, MSA 192, MSA 198, MSA 199 may be offered in satisfaction of the major requirements. However, students must have completed at least 40 units of upper division course work in satisfaction of the major requirements.

Additional Electives