Frequently Asked Questions

Can I major in Arabic (or Persian, Turkish, Hebrew, or Central Asian languages) in the MELC Department?

Yes. The MELC major requires two years of one language and then other advanced courses or courses in English that focus on the culture of the primary language. The major is not titled "Arabic, "Persian," etc., but the MELC major is the equivalent of such a title.

What languages does the Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures department teach?

We teach Arabic, Biblical and Modern Hebrew, Persian, Turkish, Uighur, and Uzbek regularly. We also offer Akkadian, Aramaic, Egyptian (hieroglyphics), Ugaritic, Kazakh, and Tajik at various times. For a current listing of courses please consult the course listing.

What degree programs are offered within Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures?

How can I declare MELC as my major?

The Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures major has an open declaration for anyone in good university standing (not on probation). Students must meet with the MELC Advisor to fill out the Change of Major form. The advisor can explain the various degree tracks offered within MELC or the student can explore the four options here.

If I took language courses elsewhere, how can I enroll in a course mid-sequence?

All students must be evaluated before they are allowed to enroll in language courses beyond the first quarter, introductory level course. Each language has a different evaluation process, which may include meeting with a professor for evaluation or taking a placement test. Please see the Course Restrictions page and/or contact Humanities Academic Services for details about a specific language’s evaluation process.

How are the language programs in MELC structured?

Language courses are taught at the elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels, depending on the language. Each level is a made up of a three-quarter course sequence. The first course for each level is taught Autumn quarter. Students with no prior knowledge of the language must begin in the Autumn quarter. All MELC language courses are 400-level courses. The 41x-level elementary language courses are designed for students without any prior knowledge of the language. Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to begin language courses early to move through the sequences in a timely manner.

How do I get an add code for a MELC course?

Please contact the instructor teaching the course.

How do I take a placement exam?

The placement exams are conducted and administered by MELC faculty. Please review the placement exam procedures here for more information.

If I am a native speaker in a MELC language, may I enroll in and receive credit for language courses in my native tongue?

Native speakers are never allowed to enroll in language courses at the beginning or intermediate levels. Students should meet with the language professor to determine if they may enroll in advanced language courses as each language and situation varies. Native speakers are permitted to enroll in advanced literature courses for their native language.

If I am a native speaker in a MELC language, may I enroll in MELC’s M.A. program and use my native tongue as my primary language of study?

Yes. Native speakers are still required to take an M.A. exam in that language, and the advisory committee will decide what the nature of that exam will be. The exam may involve knowledge of grammar and/or an ability to translate from English into the native language. It also may serve to examine that language in a specific historical period and/or may involve other aspects of language study to be determined by a student’s committee. You will be expected to demonstrate more sophisticated skills and responses for the specialization exam.

Can I audit a MELC class?

Auditing of MELC classes is based on the consent of the instructor and space availability. If you wish to audit in MELC, you must have written agreement from the instructor on file in the Department. Please be advised that at this time Arabic language classes (first, second and third-year Arabic) are not accepting auditors. For more information on UW policies regarding auditing, click here.

May I take a class for an S/NS grade?

It is UW policy that students taking courses S/NS (satisfactory/not satisfactory) must achieve the following minimum grade to pass:

UNDERGRADUATES:  2.0 
GRADUATE STUDENTS :  2.7

Students sign up for S/NS at the time of registration. Note that credits earned with S/NS grades will not fulfill degree or major requirements. For a full explanation on the UW policies regarding S/NS grades click here
MELC graduate students who wish to receive S/NS must receive approval to do so from the Graduate Program Advisor or the Supervisory Committee Chairperson. The MELC faculty strongly discourages the S/NS option for graduate students.

Does MELC offer tutoring?

The MELC department does not offer tutoring. Please consult Center for Learning and Undergraduate Enrichment for information on language tutoring at the University of Washington. CLUE currently offers tutoring sessions in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish. We also recommend checking message boards around campus for tutoring opportunities.

Does MELC offer translation services?

The MELC Department does not offer translation services. However, we would be happy to forward opportunities for paid translation work to graduate students with the appropriate language skills.

 

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