宾夕法尼亚大学

The major in Ancient Near East examines the languages, history, cultures, and archaeology of the Ancient Near East: from Prehistory through the early complex of civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Levant. Because of the interdependence of language and culture an emphasis of the major is gaining facility of one or more ancient languages, alongside courses in history, religion, and archaeology.

The requirements for majors in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations include Basic Requirements for all NELC majors and the requirements specific to a student’s chosen concentration. NELC offers concentrations in one of four areas:

Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations (ANE).

• Arabic & Islamic Studies (Arab/Islam)
• Arabic & Hebrew Studies - modern or medieval (Arab/Heb)
• Hebrew & Judaica (Heb/Jud

Ancient Near East (ANE):

This concentration explores the cultures of the ancient Near East, including Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Israelite, Hittite and Persian civilizations. As for the language requirement, 2 c.u. of the 6 c.u. may be fulfilled by appropriate courses in literature in translation such as NELC 061 (The Literary Legacy of Ancient Egypt) and NELC 342 (Introduction to Mesopotamian Literature).

Arabic & Islamic Studies (Arab/Islam):

This concentration explores Arabic, Persian and/or Turkish cultures in the context of Islamic civilization. For Persian and Turkish, the language requirement is 6 c.u. For students concentrating in Arabic, the Arabic language requirement is 7 c.u. and may only be fulfilled with ARAB 033 and above. In addition, the 7 c.u. in Arabic language must include three advanced readings courses (ARAB 333, ARAB 433, ARAB 436 or others chosen in consultation with the student's Adviser).

Arabic & Hebrew Studies (Arab/Heb):

This concentration explores the inter-relationships between Arabic and Hebrew cultures within the modern and/or medieval periods. The language requirement (6 c.u.) may be split between two years (4 c.u.) of one language (Arabic or Hebrew) and one year (2 c.u.) of the other. Students are encouraged, however, to study the second of the two languages for two years also, by using 2 of the elective courses for that purpose. The electives, to be chosen in conjunction with the major Adviser, as well as the concentration paper should promote the combined study of Arabic and Hebrew cultures.

Hebrew & Judaica (Heb/Jud):

This concentration explores Hebrew culture from the Biblical through the Rabbinic and Medieval periods and modern times. Students without previous knowledge of Hebrew are required to fulfill the language requirement (6 c.u.) with three years of basic Hebrew instruction (HEBR 051-054 and HEBR 151/152 and 153/154).