University of Richmond receives U.S. Department of Education grant to expand offerings and establish minor in Middle Eastern studies
April 18, 2008
The University of Richmond will receive a two-year grant of $157,436 from the U.S. Department of Education to develop an interdisciplinary minor in Middle Eastern studies. The new program will reflect the cultural, political, philosophical and religious aspects of the Middle East and North African regions.
Kathrin Bower, associate professor of German studies and chair of the Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures, said the grant will support course development, faculty seminars, guest scholars, language expansion and related activities.
"Students enrolled in Arabic language classes have expressed interest in continuing beyond the intermediate level, so courses in advanced Arabic will be added, along with a series of self-directed study courses in Persian/Farsi, Modern Hebrew and Turkish," she said.
The expanded language offerings will complement and enhance new and existing courses that deal with the history, culture and politics of the Middle East and international relations, she said.
The program also will include study abroad opportunities in Jordan.