Middle Eastern Languages & Cultures, PhD: Middle Eastern Literatures & Societies
Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures (MELC). MELC’s PhD program in Middle Eastern Literatures and Societies offers advanced study of the languages, literatures and societies of Islamic civilizations, and also Islamic history and thought in their Middle Eastern context, in modern and pre-modern settings.
Students in the Middle Eastern Literatures and Societies program are expected to command Arabic or Persian as a primary research language and another (usually Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or Hebrew) as a secondary research language, as well as the general history and culture of the region. The specific distribution of courses varies by a student’s interests and specialization. Students are expected to work out the broad outlines of their programs in consultation with their faculty advisor when they begin their studies.
View the department's PhD general procedures.
For more information: https://nelc.sas.upenn.edu/middle-eastern-literatures-societies
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Eastern Language | 4 | |
Advanced Arabic: | ||
ARAB 4000-4080 | ||
Or Advanced Persian | ||
| Advanced Persian in the Media | ||
| Introduction to Kurdish | ||
| Secondary Research Language | 4 | |
| Courses chosen in consultation with advisor | ||
| Islamics | 4 | |
| Any course with Attribute HDNI | ||
| Arabic or Persian Literature | 2 | |
| Any course with Attribute HDAL | ||
| Arabic/Persian Lit and/or Islamics | 3 | |
| Any course at the 6000 level or above with Attribute HDNI | ||
| Or any course at the 6000 level or above with Attribute HDAL | ||
| Electives at the 5000 level or above | 3 | |
| Teaching Requirement | ||
| One semester of teaching is required. | ||
| Language Requirement | ||
| Students must demonstrate proficiency in two languages. | ||
| Total Course Units | 20 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
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Secondary Field in Middle Eastern Literatures and Societies
PhD students from other programs who wish to take a secondary field in Middle Eastern Literatures and Societies must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of modern standard Arabic or modern Persian equivalent to proficiency at the Advanced Intermediate level.
During Candidacy Exams, students taking a secondary field will be examined in two subjects:
- Arabic or Persian language and literature (history and criticism, based on sources in European languages)
- Islamics: the history of the Middle East in the Islamic era, and the institutions of Islam
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.