Introduction to the Major
The Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures (MELC) major is the study of the languages, literature, history, and cultures of the Middle East from antiquity to modern times. MELC offers language programs in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish, and in the ancient languages of Egyptian, Sumerian, Akkadian, Aramaic, and Iranian. Students can explore the interconnected worlds of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and their neighbors, as well as the modern literature and diverse cultures of the modern Middle East. The major also offers study in pre-modern and modern Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Students will have an opportunity to participate in a discovery experience that is innovative, collaborative, transdisciplinary, and features digital research.
Major Specializations
The major in Middle Eastern Language and Cultures offers two specializations: 1) Languages and Literature and 2) Middle Eastern Worlds. Students in the Languages and Literaturespecialization study the modern Middle Eastern languages of Arabic, Persian, and Hebrew. The Middle Eastern Worlds specialization focuses on the material, intellectual, and religious histories and cultures of the region from ancient to modern times.
In addition to the major program, the department offers a minor in MELC, as well as minors in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish.
Amplify Your Major
- Pursue study abroad opportunities through Berkeley Study Abroad.
- Join a professional association such as the Middle East Studies Association.
- Support your language study with a FLAS award, Boren Scholarship or Critical Language Scholarship,and the Ambassador Stevens Scholars Project.
- Consider doing an honors thesis in Middle Eastern Languages and Culture.
First Year
Explore Your Major
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Review major and college requirements.
- Enroll in the lower division core courses—MELC 10: Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia and MELC 11: The Modern Middle East.
- Begin the study of a foreign language for the major or minor.
Connect and Build Community
- Get 1:1 mentoring with Berkeley Connect.
- Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center.
Discover Your Passions
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar, L&S 1, or a student-run DeCal course.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research and Scholarships Fair in October.
- Get inspired by the Phoebe Hearst Museum collection of ancient Egyptian objects.
- Get introduced to research via Undergraduate Laboratory at Berkeley.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
- Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center.
- Explore study, internship, and research abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad. See the major adviser for other study abroad opportunities.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library.
- Sign up for Handshake and CareerMail.
- Explore career fields in the Career Connections Networking Series or Cal Job Shadow Program.
- Explore career resources on the Arts and Humanities website.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
- Complete lower division prerequisites and declare the major.
- Review major guidelines for study abroad courses.
- Consider a summer course such as: Elementary and Intermediate Arabic Intensive (ARABIC 10 and 30) and Introduction to Ancient Egypt (MELC 18).
Connect and Build Community
- Follow the department on Facebook.
- Start attending department events.
- Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
Discover Your Passions
- Enroll in a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course or Discovery Course.
- Assist faculty in their research through URAP.
- Browse funding opportunities for research from the Center for Middle Eastern Studies.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Work with a community organization in an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course.
- Take a daytrip to the Legion of Honor museum and view their ancient art collection.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator.
- Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair.
- Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
- Reflect on your education so far and continue to set goals for yourself.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
- Focus on upper division language courses and electives.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Visit the library collections related to Middle Eastern Languages and Literatures.
- Ask your major advisor about the MELC honors program.
Connect and Build Community
- Check out events and activities at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES).
- Welcome new students to UC Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Support your study of Arabic by visiting the Arabic library collection.
Discover Your Passions
- Apply to the Undergraduate Research & Travel Grant for funding support.
- Curious about entrepreneurship? Enroll in HUM 120: Entrepreneurship for All.
- Planning a senior thesis or project? Apply to the Haas Scholars Program or SURF.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Get involved with the Center for Middle Eastern Studies Student Advisory Committee.
- Study and intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital.
- Apply to the Ambassador Stevens Scholars Project for travel and research support on Middle Eastern languages and topics.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Discuss post-graduate options with advisors and professors.
- Attend career and graduate school fairs.
- Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
- Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Complete any “bucket list” courses and remaining major, college, and campus requirements.
- Interested in graduate study? Challenge yourself with a graduate course in the department.
Connect and Build Community
- Join a professional association such as the Middle East Studies Association.
- Get support for your thesis project in the Townsend Honors Thesis Workshop.
- Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
- Teach your own DeCal course.
- Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent study and submit your work to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program.
- Interested in a public service career? Apply for the John Gardner Fellowship.
- Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Utilize job board tools in your job search.
- Meet employers at Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting.
- Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
The Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures major prepares students for a variety of fields, including archaeology, translation, international relations, diplomacy, journalism, law and legal studies, museum studies, and teaching, as well as further study for graduate programs in literary studies, linguistics, religion, philosophy, and history.
Jobs and Employers
- Actor & Comedian
- Administrative Coordinator, Freedom Education Project
- Asst. Program Coordinator, Bay Area Community Resources
- Copy Editor, Oxford Middle Eastern Review
- Director of Operations, SF Energy Cooperative
- Intern, City of Los Angeles
- Lieutenant Junior Grade, U.S. Navy
- Paralegal Specialist, US Dept of Justice
- Project Specialist, Cisco Systems
- Product Associate, Adecco Verily
- Program Coordinator, TechWomen
- Project Manager, Gott Advertising
- Senior Analyst, London Politica
- Training Coordinator, SF Mayor’s Office
Graduate Programs
Recent students have enrolled in graduate and professional programs at Oxford, Harvard, UCLA, Berkeley Law, Johns Hopkins, George Washington, and Georgetown.
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit melc.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
The Undergraduate Advisor is available to assist with declaring a major or minor, course planning and registration, study abroad, and other academic matters. Contact Rania Shah at rania.shah@berkeley.edu or in person at 250 Social Sciences Building.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
