The anthropology and Near Eastern studies departments at The University of Arizona have begun the university’s first doctoral-level dual graduate program.
This program offers UA students the opportunity to simultaneously pursue two doctoral degrees in each discipline. Students who complete the program will be uniquely qualified to work in either field and to conduct research that spans both areas.
“This is a program whose time has come,” said Steven Kuhn, a UA professor of anthropology who works as an archaeologist in the Middle East. “We’re excited to be able to provide such a challenging and interesting opportunity for students. We think the program will prepare graduates to make an impact, both in academics and in the larger world.”
The dual doctoral program was designed specially to build upon the similar and often complementary nature of anthropology and Near Eastern studies.
The anthropology program will equip students with a conceptual and theoretical background in cultural studies, as well as practical knowledge and training in ethnographic fieldwork and comparative research.
The Near Eastern studies program will provide students with rigorous language training in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian and Turkish, as well as scholarly expertise in the history, literature, religions and popular culture of Middle Eastern societies.
“The departments of anthropology and Near Eastern studies have long cooperated in training student with a focus on the Middle East, and the dual Ph.D. program will enable graduate students to have an even stronger training and enriching experience,” said Michael Bonine, head of the department of Near Eastern studies. “Students’ opportunities for academic and other employment will be greatly enhanced by being a graduate of the dual Ph.D. in anthropology and Near Eastern studies.”
Students will have the flexibility within the curriculum to develop innovative trans-disciplinary projects on the Middle East and the world of Islam using a wide variety of research techniques and analytical approaches including fieldwork, textual analysis and archival research. It is expected that most students will conduct their fieldwork in the Middle East, where their language training will combine with their cultural anthropology training.
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both departments to qualify for the dual degree program. Students must have a master’s degree in anthropology, Near Eastern studies or a related field prior to enrollment in the dual degree program, and are expected to have an intermediate level of proficiency in one Middle Eastern language at the time of admission.
The new program is currently accepting applicants.
More information is available online at http://fp.arizona.edu/neareast/dual_ANTH_NES_PHD.htm or http://anthro.web.arizona.edu/news_events/news_story.php?id=139.
Michael Bonine
520-626-9140
Thomas Parks
520-621-2632