Nearly half a billion people call this region home, and yet the cultures and politics remain a mystery to the West. Enhance your knowledge of this integral part of the world. Middle East and North African Studies employs an interdisciplinary approach to learning about all aspects of this region. The Bachelor of Arts focuses on instruction in the principal languages of the area (Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Hebrew) and includes coursework in religion, political science, history, literature, geography, sociology, archaeology, linguistics and architecture. Students seek degrees in this department out of a genuine interest in this part of the world, often on a professional path to government service, academics, a position in international business or as preparation for advanced study in this or other fields. Students who earn a BA in MENAS will be able to identify the major historical periods, figures, and movements that have shaped the Middle East and North Africa from 600 C.E. to the present.. Students who earn a BA in MENAS will be able to compare and contrast the various social, cultural, religious, geographic and linguistic milieus of the Middle East and North Africa.. Students who earn a BA in MENAS will be able to critically evaluate popular, political and/or media discussions of the Middle East and North Africa.. Students who earn a BA in MENAS will be able to analyze and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources in order to develop and write a research paper.