SXU has recently provided a Middle Eastern Studies program to current and incoming students. The program director, Dr. Iman Saca, describes the Middle Eastern Studies Program as “an interdisciplinary program. It is devoted to studying the Middle East, with a focus on anthropology, language, history, sociology, religion, political science, literature, art, and gender studies.”
Saca continues, “The Middle Eastern Studies program contributes to the mission of the University and its core values by providing coursework, study abroad, community outreach and community partnerships and events that promote learning about and understanding of the Middle East, its various peoples, geographies, religions, languages, and cultures.”
Saca created the program because she felt “that there is little knowledge about the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as Arab culture, religion, and language.”
“The program wanted to create a curriculum, as well as public outreach events and activities that will help educate and enhance the knowledge about the MENA region and combat the negative stereotypes that affect the Middle Eastern community inside and outside our campus” said Saca.
Saca continued by “the Middle Eastern Studies Program provides an important educational opportunity not only to students but for faculty and staff at SXU. Middle Eastern and Arab-American students may find this program beneficial in learning more about their cultural heritage and immigrant experience. We also offer the opportunity to learn Arabic language, internship possibilities, and study abroad.”
“This program aims to make the unfamiliar more familiar and to provide a safe space to ask questions, interact with one another and develop a better understanding of the diverse MENA region culture” added Saca.
Saca “by SXU offering the opportunity to learn about the Middle Eastern and Arab American communities and to engage in their culture will lessen the ignorance people may have.”
Dr. Saca explained, “The Middle Eastern Studies Program’s main audience is our wonderful students and their families, as well as the Saint Xavier community, and of course, the larger community of the south side of Chicago.”
Hadeel Damra, a student interested in the Middle Eastern Studies Program, stated “I learned so much from the zoom information meeting and I am excited to learn more and be a part of this awesome program!”
Dr. Saca included, “April 14th at 12:30 the Middle Eastern Studies Program is hosting its second open session via Zoom. Information will be posted on the Den and the Portal. Please come and share your ideas!”
Dr. Saca concluded, “Students and the public can reach out to me, the director of the program, via email: saca@sxu.edu for any information about the minor and the program’s activities and events. Students interested in declaring a minor in Middle Eastern Studies can check the website (https://www.sxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/ans/mideast.asp), contact their academic advisor as well as the director of the MES program.”
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