Overview

The B.A. in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures - Cultures and Societies of the Middle East and North Africa at the University of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive academic framework for exploring the diverse heritage of the region. This interdisciplinary programme allows students to examine the literary, visual, and social traditions of the Middle East and North Africa through a humanistic lens. By focusing on deep historical continuities, the curriculum bridges the ancient, medieval, and modern eras.

Students engage with a broad geographical scope that includes Arabia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, Iran, Egypt, and Asia Minor. The course of study is designed to expose undergraduates to current methodologies and the extensive breadth of scholarship available within the institution.

Why Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures - Cultures and Societies of the Middle East and North Africa at the University of Pennsylvania?

This programme stands out for its unique ability to promote the humanistic study of Middle Eastern societies across all historical periods, from antiquity to the present day. Students benefit from the university's specialised resources in Middle Eastern studies, gaining exposure to diverse methodologies in literary and visual analysis. The curriculum encourages a holistic view of the region, highlighting the close connections between various cultures and their adjacent areas.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 63204 per year
National fee: USD 63204 per year
Local fee: USD 63204 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Ancient Middle East
The Making of the Middle East
Origin and Culture of Cities
Myths and Religions of the Ancient World
Land of the Pharaohs
Great Books of Judaism
The Qur'an
The Middle East through Many Lenses
Iranian Cinema: Gender, Politics and Religion

Careers with Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures - Cultures and Societies at the University of Pennsylvania

The Middle Eastern Languages & Cultures programme with a concentration in Cultures and Societies of the Middle East and North Africa at the University of Pennsylvania offers an interdisciplinary study of the region’s societies, religions, histories, and cultural traditions across ancient, medieval, and modern periods. The programme develops strong analytical, interpretative, and research skills through engagement with literary, visual, and historical materials, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected cultures of the Middle East and North Africa.

Programme Structure

Course include:

Myths and Religions of the Ancient World
Ancient Civilizations of the World
Reading Ancient Mesopotamia
Land of the Pharaohs
Literary Legacy of Ancient Egypt
Art and Architecture in Ancient Egypt

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Middle Eastern studies View 144 other Bachelors in Middle Eastern studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application or Coalition Application & Penn-specific Essay

Official High School Transcript

School Report

Counselor Recommendation

Academic Teacher Evaluations (2)

Early Decision Agreement (only if applying for Early Decision)

Mid-Year Report

Final Report

SAT or ACT

English language proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

63204 USD / year

≈ 63204 USD / year
Out-of-State

63204 USD / year

≈ 63204 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

63204 USD / year

≈ 63204 USD / year

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

1313 - 2284 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures - Cultures and Societies of the Middle East and North Africa.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Philadelphia

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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