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Engaging Complexity

Middle East Studies

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Middle East Studies

Middle East studies at Dickinson draws upon a broad-based curriculum to enable a sophisticated exploration of the region's history, diverse cultures and complex politics.

Our program offers a wide range of courses that explore the Middle East's historical and cultural roots and its role in global affairs today. Through the study of Arabic, Hebrew, history, political science, religion and sociology, students acquire a  robust understanding of the forces that shape the Middle East.

Our majors frequently study in the region during the junior year to further language proficiency and develop research projects. The program also includes a minor in Arabic, one of the six official languages of the United Nations—one spoken by more than 300 million people worldwide—and the official language of the 22 countries of the Arab League.

Contact Info

Chair

Mireille RebeizAssociate Professor of French and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Department Coordinator

Madeline Brown

Phone

717-245-1521

Fax

717-245-1479

Location

219B, Denny Hall Mailing Address

Department Features


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Study Abroad
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Current Courses

Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs:

  • U.S. House of Representatives
  • U.S. Congress
  • U.S. Department of State,
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • AmeriCares
  • Amideast
  • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
  • Council on Foreign Relations
  • Dev Technology Group
  • International SOS Assistance, Inc.
  • Peace Corps
  • Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Graduate Schools:

  • U.S. Naval Academy
  • U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute
  • Drexel University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • London School of Economics
  • University of Maryland Law School
  • Boston University
  • University of Maine
Where Our Students Have Interned
  • Advantus Strategies
  • National Endowment for Democracy
  • Naval History and Heritage Command
  • U.S. Army War College, Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute
  • U.S. Army War College, Center for Strategic Studies
  • U.S. Army War College, L2KM Division
  • United Nations Association of Rochester

Student Perspective

"I love Middle Eastern and North African cultures, and everything from the language to the history of the region captivates me. I love how interconnected the Middle East studies curriculum is. Whether you are taking a class on modern Egyptian culture, Hebrew texts, public diplomacy in the Arab world, or an Arabic class on Islamic art, all of the classes overlap in some way and together, they provide a thorough understanding of the Middle East. "

— Xenia Makosky ’24


Middle East Studies News

All News Department News
Beneath the News Cycle

Beneath the News Cycle

Professor of History David Commins brings nuanced views of the Middle East to his Dickinson classroom, deepening understanding and empathy.

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Dickinson College Faculty Recognizes Interdisciplinary Professor with Highest Teaching Honor

Dickinson College Faculty Recognizes Interdisciplinary Professor with Highest Teaching Honor

Dickinson College’s faculty recently selected Chair of Middle East Studies Mireille Rebeiz for this year's Dickinson Award for Distinguished Teaching.

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Understanding the Israel-Gaza War: Dickinson to Host Teach-In and Workshop

Understanding the Israel-Gaza War: Dickinson to Host Teach-In and Workshop

Attendees can also register to participate in a companion workshop on information and media literacy in times of conflict.

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Student Snapshot: Xenia Makosky ’24

Student Snapshot: Xenia Makosky ’24

Xenia Makosky '24 has participated in research through the Writing Center, completed an internship at the Smithsonian’s National Gallery of Asian Art, and studied abroad in Jordan and Morocco.

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Student Snapshot: Alexander Rojek

Student Snapshot: Alexander Rojek '25

As a philosophy major, Alexander Rojek ’25 revels in life’s big questions. He puts what he's learning into action as a Community Engagement Fellow and tutor.

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Student Snapshot: Caitlyn Longest ’23

Student Snapshot: Caitlyn Longest ’23

Studio art major Caitlyn Longest ’23 has interned in NYC and Italy, and she's created art in Jordan. "I've learned to adapt to different places quickly and make the most of my time," she says.

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