The Middle East and South Asia are home to over one-third of humanity and some of the world’s
fastest growing economies. Today these regions are the focus of vital issues for global politics,
technology, business, and environmental policy. From the ancient Silk Road to the latest
Bollywood blockbuster, from the foodways of Tunisia to AI policy in the Gulf, our courses
connect cultures of the past and present in ways that matter to students today. Study MESAS and
understand the world regions that will shape your future.
Why Mesas
MESAS is an interdisciplinary program that integrates knowledge of politics, history, religion,
communication, linguistics, literature, and the arts. The program brings together over two dozen
faculty members from ten departments whose research and expertise focuses on the Middle East
and South Asia.
The MESAS Minor is open to students of all majors. It is designed to give you the tools to
engage with these regions critically, fluently, and confidently. Whether based in the US or
abroad, our graduates have gone on to careers in government, international development,
management and global entrepreneurship, medicine and public health, diplomacy, and
journalism. Students who study MESAS don’t just follow the news: they can explain it,
contextualize it, and navigate it. These are rare skills that are in high demand among employers.
Arabic and Hindi-Urdu Language Study
Engagement with language and culture is central to the MESAS program. Our core faculty offer
courses in three languages: Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu. Beginning language courses are designed
for new learners and assume no background in these languages, while intermediate and advanced
courses help students achieve professional level proficiency and communication skills. For
motivated students, we offer an Arabic Minor. Our language courses prioritize practical
communication and intercultural knowledge to prepare students to engage firsthand with the
languages and cultures of the MESAS regions.
MESAS faculty also regularly lead summer study abroad programs in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt,
and India. Whether you are interested in leveling up your language skills or exploring these
regions across departments, there is a path for you in MESAS.