Royal figures playing chess, from the Shahnama by Firdawsi. Persia, 10th century.

The Department of Near Eastern Studies offers courses in the history, civilization, archaeology, religion, languages, and literatures of the Near East, a region which has had an important impact on the development of our civilization and plays a vital role in today's world community. Encompassing the Near East from ancient times to the modern period, the Department's course offerings encourage students to take an interdisciplinary approach to the cultures of this region, and emphasize methods of historical and literary analysis. The department is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.