Course Planning

Please be sure to also have a look at the NELC Degree Options page for specific information on our Undergraduate Program.

Double Majors

Many NELC students take a second major in another field. Double majors can be very beneficial. However, keep in mind that double majors demand extra time and sometimes involve extra expense. Before embarking on a double major, be sure to take into account the time necessary to complete both degrees, potential additional expenses, possible schedule conflicts, and the impact that requirements may have on your grades. Note that in our Department, only 15 credits will overlap between two majors. NELC strongly advises against taking more than two majors.

(IMPORTANT: Please note that the University of Washington limits how many credits students can take beyond their degree requirements. For the NELC degree, students are limited to 210 credits and this should be taken into account when seeking a double major. For more information on the "210-credit rule," please click here.)

Double Degrees

Second bachelor's degrees (as opposed to second majors) require 45 credits beyond the usual 180 credits of undergraduate work (a minimum of 225 credits). This option is primarily sought by students who hold a bachelor's but wish to undertake studies in a very different field. If your majors have two different degree names (e.g., B.A., B.F.A., B.S., etc.), then you must complete a second degree.

Degree Requirements

Please note that students are responsible for meeting their degree and college requirements in a timely manner. A Bachelor of Arts will not be granted unless students have fulfilled their General Education and NELC degree requirements in addition to meeting the 180 overall credit requirement. For detailed information on university policies, such as registration, declaring majors, and the graduation process, please refer to the Student Guide.

Student Learning Goals

The Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilization provides a liberal arts education in new global realities and their connections specifically to history of culture in the Near East and Central Asia. A detailed and critical knowledge of ancient and modern languages of these regions is of utmost importance for a better understanding of their rich cultural heritages, and development of language skills requires cultural-historical knowledge. This includes the following:

• Development of language skills, including proficiency in ancient languages of the Near East, and proficiency in modern foreign languages of the Near East and Central Asia, involving all four language skills (speaking, writing, reading, and listening).
• Expansion of student understanding of cultural diversity through study of languages, literature, religious, and other cultural aspects of the ancient and modern Near East and Central Asia:
  • Close textual and hermeneutic studies of ancient languages and texts.
  • Classical and modern literature.
  • History of culture.

Additionally, NELC focuses on the development of student abilities in:

• Critical analyses of texts.
• Thorough understanding of historical and cultural contexts.
• Integrative and critical thinking.
• Analytical writing.
• Research procedures and strategies.

UW Student Guide

Use this portal for academics, housing, finances, extracurricular activities, career planning, etc.

General Education Requirements

For an explanation of the requirements and policies for the General Education Requirements, please click here.