Image
(434) 924-3488
bah7n@virginia.edu
The Department of Middle Eastern & South Asian Languages & Cultures offers two Language & Literature degrees for students wanting to achieve proficiency in a Middle Eastern or South Asian language and a deeper understanding of its literatures. Students studying Arabic, Hebrew, or Persian can declare a major in Middle Eastern Language & Literature; while students studying Hindi, Urdu, or Sanskrit can declare a major in South Asian Language & Literature. The core of these majors is a high level of competency in the language and a more focused set of concentration courses.
Prerequisites
To meet the prerequisites of the Language & Literature degree, the student must have completed at least one of the following options:
-
Option 1: Completion of an Intermediate level (2010/2020) Middle Eastern (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian) or South Asian (Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit) language with a grade of C or better in each semester.
-
For Hebrew, students may substitute Classical Hebrew (HEBR 2410/2420) instead of Modern Hebrew (HEBR 2010/2020).
-
For Sanskrit, any two 2000-level SANS courses will apply (instead of 2010/2020).
-
-
Option 2: Completion of an Accelerated (1060/2060) Middle Eastern (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian) or South Asian (Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit) language with a grade of C or better in each semester.
-
Option 3: At least Intermediate level proficiency in a Middle Eastern (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian) or South Asian (Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit) language as determined by the successful completion of a placement test. Contact the appropriate language program coordinator for details.
Expand content
Expand content
Requirements
A total of ten courses (30 Credits), based on one of the following options:
Option 1
- 4 courses (12 Credits) in one MESALC language above the 2020-level.
- For Arabic, at least one of these courses must be ARAB 2250: Conversational Arabic.
- 2 courses (6 Credits) in the same language at or above the 3000-level.
- For Arabic, at least one of these courses must be ARAB 3672: Review of Arabic Grammar.
- 4 courses (12 Credits) in MESALC or MESALC-related courses.
- At least two of these courses must be in regional concentration courses from at least two of the following departments: MESALC (non-grammar courses, usually numbered above 3000), Anthropology, Art History, History, Politics, and Religious Studies.
- See course listings by area: Middle East, South Asia for possible courses. See the Student Information System for current listings.
- For Middle Eastern Language & Literature, the remaining two courses must be selected from the following areas: Arabic (ARAB), Arabic in Translation (ARTR), Persian in Translation (PETR) or Middle East Studies (MEST).
- For South Asian Language & Literature, the remaining two courses must be determined in consultation with the student's advisor. These courses must be further regional concentration courses in MESALC or another department.
- At least two of these courses must be in regional concentration courses from at least two of the following departments: MESALC (non-grammar courses, usually numbered above 3000), Anthropology, Art History, History, Politics, and Religious Studies.
Option 2 (Advisor's Discretion Needed)
- 2 courses (6 Credits) in one MESALC language above the 2020-level.
- For Arabic, at least one of these courses must be ARAB 2250: Conversational Arabic.
- 2 courses (6 Credits) in one MESALC language at or above the 3000-level.
- For Arabic, at least one of these courses must be ARAB 3672: Review of Arabic Grammar.
- 2 courses (6 Credits) in a second MESALC language of any level.
- Biblical Hebrew may be used as a second language option for the Middle Eastern Language & Literature degree.
- Tibetan may be used as a second language option for the South Asian Language & Literature degree.
- 4 courses (12 Credits) in MESALC or MESALC-related courses.
- At least two of these courses must be in regional concentration courses from at least two of the following departments: MESALC (non-grammar courses, usually numbered above 3000), Anthropology, Art History, History, Politics, and Religious Studies.
- See course listings by area: Middle East, South Asia for possible courses. See the Student Information System for current listings.
- For Middle Eastern Language & Literature, the remaining two courses must be selected from the following areas: Arabic (ARAB), Arabic in Translation (ARTR), Persian in Translation (PETR) or Middle East Studies (MEST).
- For South Asian Language & Literature, the remaining two courses must be determined in consultation with the student's advisor. These courses must be further regional concentration courses in MESALC or another department.
- At least two of these courses must be in regional concentration courses from at least two of the following departments: MESALC (non-grammar courses, usually numbered above 3000), Anthropology, Art History, History, Politics, and Religious Studies.
Expand content
Other
- A maximum of 15 study abroad credits and domestic transfer credits are allowed with the permission of the major advisor.
- USEM credits do not count toward major requirements.
- Students may not declare a major in both the Language & Literature degree and the Studies degree.
Expand content
GPA Requirements
Students in this major must maintain a satisfactory grade point average in major and related courses each semester. Satisfactory is defined as an average of C (2.0). Students not maintaining this grade point are subject to discontinuation from the major.
Expand content
Declaring the Major
1. Select a region of concentration (Middle East or South Asia).
2. Review course listings by area (Middle East, South Asia) and the major requirements. The major requirements are described above or on the Declaration of Major Advising Form that you can download here, or obtain from the MESALC department bulletin board on the first floor of New Cabell Hall.
3. Obtain the following two forms: Declaration of Major Advising Form (from MESALC) and Declaration of Major Form (from The College of Arts & Sciences). You may download the Declaration of Major Advising Form here, or get a hard copy from the MESALC department bulletin board on the first floor of New Cabell Hall. You must pick up a hard copy of the Declaration of Major Form from 101 Monroe Hall.
4. Complete the top portion of both Declaration of Major Forms and make an advising appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Programs, listed above.
5. Bring the following items to your meeting with the DUP: Declaration of Major Advising Form, College of Arts & Sciences Declaration of Major Form, and a list of courses you anticipate taking to complete the major.
6. Submit all forms and copies to the appropriate parties (as indicated on the bottom of the forms).