Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MENAS)

Engage in the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East and North Africa and their relationships to the broader world.

The so-called cradle of civilizations has a fascinating past, present, and future. Birthplace of the earliest cities, states and empires, religions, writing systems, and scientific traditions, what we have come to call the “Middle East” offers far more than what we are accustomed to seeing on the news. In this concentration, you study the history, languages and literatures, philosophy, religions, arts, and modern politics of the greater Middle East and North Africa with scholars producing cutting-edge research. Going beyond hackneyed stereotypes, students learn about the region’s multifaceted and diverse realities within a sensible and intellectually rigorous framework.

Why study the cultures and histories of the Middle East and North Africa at Macalester?

Our students and faculty approach the topics related to the Middle East and North Africa from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives including but not limited to anthropology, religion, art history, languages and literature, and international relations. Students may also have the opportunity to study abroad and they are encouraged to learn a language spoken in the region.  

In the MENAS concentration, our goal is for our students to go beyond assumptions and misinformation plaguing the public discourse. To facilitate this, we promote  coursework across several departments which will help students: 

• develop an appreciation for the region’s social, political, and cultural diversity and complexity;
• gain a working knowledge of the major theoretical and methodological approaches in the field;
• build an informed understanding of the worldviews and perspectives different from their own;
• engage thoughtfully and constructively in potentially difficult conversations  affecting the region and the wider world.

Join our community

• Arabic House. Students who wish to extend their Arabic language learning can apply to live in the Arabic House, located just steps away from campus.
• Omrit. Macalester frequently offers opportunities to practice archaeological excavation, reconstruction, and conservation in Israel, including at an ancient temple at Omrit, and elsewhere.

Taking it Slow: Archaeology in Omrit

Discovering and preserving the past isn’t easy, but the rewards are great for Macalester students.

• Read more