The University of Houston is touted as one of the most diverse campuses in the nation. In addition to the students of all different backgrounds we attract from around the country, we are the first choice University for thousands of international students.
On a superficial level, the University accommodates this diversity and also portrays itself as “diverse” in thinking. For instance, UH offers nearly 320-degree programs in a number of different fields. Unfortunately, this diversification does not translate for one important concentration: Middle Eastern studies. This is surprising, given the fact that our country is embroiled in the Middle East economically, politically and culturally. It’s not like the region has lost its importance.
Unlike UT and Texas A&M, UH does not offer an Arabic major or minor. In fact, the Arabic course offerings have been drastically reduced in the past year since the great Dr. Tawhida El-Askary passed away, and the University has refused to hire a qualified candidate to take her place.
On the general University level, there is no “Middle Eastern studies” major. In the History department, the course offerings for studies in the Middle East are few and far between. There is only one adjunct professor teaching a few classes every semester. Likewise, in the Political Science department, the Middle East track in Comparative Politics is missing from the otherwise well-established program. As with the History department, there is only one adjunct professor teaching the Middle East-related classes, and said professor specializes in American politics.
So what kind of message does this University-wide omission send to our community and internationally?
The answer is very simple. To the rest of the country and to our own students, WE LOOK BAD.
Our University administration pursuing Tier One status can’t realistically attempt to be a competitive, fulfilling place of learning if our school lacks even the basic offerings in important and pertinent subjects.
As for our international students, many already think twice about attending a school that does nothing to help their future in their own countries. Middle Eastern students in many departments looking to expand their knowledge here and applying it at home are sorely disappointed at the lack of expertise and attention they receive from our University.
For American students like myself, the lack of attention this field of study has received is detrimental to our future success.
We cannot pursue our ambitions and passions when the University utterly disregards significant topics concerning the Middle East.
Most importantly, we cannot possibly compete in an increasingly connected world without having some basic understanding of its important regions.
If the administration is serious about improving our academic standards, a serious overhaul of Middle Eastern studies in all departments is undoubtedly vital.
Dana El Kurd is an economics and political science junior and can be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.
So what happens if we continue on without the major? Will we not get tier one? Come on now, this sounds like a reach of all reaches. Its ok to shed your opinion on what you think would be helpful, but don't say things like its "undoubtedly vital" or "it's detrimental" if we don't pursue this major. Give me a break here. And no i'm not racist, just logical about the real big picture here. But, no sense in arguing with biased agendas.
props!
Excellent post. I have seen the same frustrations with students interested in Chinese and Russian language and cultural programs.
People interested in the Middle East may want to check out New York Times best-selling author Joel C. Rosenberg as he talks about "What Will Happen Next In The Middle East?" and takes questions from the audience. He will also sign copies of his latest novel, The Twelfth Imam. Joel will be in town on Thursday, November 4, at 7 pm at Houston's First Baptist Church. Get details at http://www.HoustonsFirst.org/Rosenberg.
He's crazy. His work has nothing to do with the Middle East. All he talks about is millennialism B.S.
This is interesting, and may be symptomatic of a larger issue.
It reminds me of a recent article I read in the WSJ about how many universities are trying to cut back on humanities majors to emphasize "productivity" (in other words, money being brought into the school) on a major-by-major basis. (As you might guess, humanities majors probably bring in less $ than other majors and would have to fund the difference some other way.) They mentioned Texas universities as exemplifying the trend, and even interviewed some UH people.
Here's a link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703…
Part of the main problem with campus is the number of Hizballah-wannabes on campus, like Dana El Kurd. Yeesh.
for those who use hateful speech and make ridiculous accusations (i.e. the comment by UH ALUM) should know that the university administration has contacted this author about her ideas on expanding middle eastern studies, and will work with other interested students in making these ideas a reality. campus administration thus SUPPORTS these efforts, and the author's suggestions.
not to mention the fact that UH is ALREADY seeking partnerships with various middle eastern foundations to place expert professors on our campus and build connections with middle eastern universities.
so there you go, UH ALUM. your antiquated hate speech is unwanted on our campus.
Im fairly sure if I asked anyone from an Ivy-league school in the NE US about us not offering an Arabic major, they wouldn't know or care.
I reallyyy want to study how to shoot a firearm and defend myself. I think we should have Firearm Training 1300 at UH. If we don't we will look bad to other Universities on the country because we seem weak and unable to defend ourselves. Too bad I can't even bring my handgun on campus even though I have a CHL. I feel discriminated against and I am offended that the University would infringe on my 2nd amendment right.
you are an idiot. go stick a gun up your ass.