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EXPLORING THE LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND HISTORY
of ancient and modern Mediterranean civilizations.
Who We Are
The GW Department of Classical and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (CNELC) instills in students a deep understanding of the social, cultural and physical environments of the ancient and modern worlds.
We are one of the country’s only academic programs to offer both a major in Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies and a major in Arabic studies, in addition to a minor in Hebrew studies, courses in Uyghur and Persian, and a BA/MA in Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Museum Studies. Our award-winning faculty members specialize in a diverse range of research areas. Through rigorous courses, students become creative thinkers and explore the linguistic, cultural and historical roots of the rich and strategically important societies of the Mediterranean Basin.
Drawing on the resources of the Washington, D.C., area, we offer students in-class visits to local museums, foreign film screenings, lectures, cultural programs and internships at embassies and institutes. Many students apply their classical interests to study abroad programs and archaeological excavations around the world.
Our Focus Areas
CNELC’s wide-ranging classes support academic disciplines across the university, including Columbian College's History, Religion, Judaic Studies, Classical Archaeology, Art History, Anthropology and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies departments, as well as the Elliott School of International Affairs.
- Arabic
We offer a major and minor in Arabic and a minor in Arabic and Hebrew Languages and Cultures. Arabic language classes attract 300+ students from across the university each semester. - Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
Our language courses in Greek and Latin are open to all students, and we have major and minor options in Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies. - Modern Hebrew
In addition to the shared minor in Arabic and Hebrew Language and Cultures, the department offers modern Hebrew courses that enroll students from within and outside the department. - Modern Persian
Our Persian classes are popular with students from a broad range of disciplines, including the humanities, international affairs, business, law and more. - Uyghur
GW is one of very few U.S. universities to offer courses in the Uyghur language, with offerings at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Upcoming Events
Departmental Goals
The Department of Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations seeks to:
Foster high levels of proficiency in ancient and modern languages.
Cultivate greater cultural understanding by exploring the values, practices, and societal structures of ancient and modern civilizations.
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through interpretation of historical artifacts and texts.
Enhance communication abilities through the acquisition of ancient and modern languages.
Promote understanding of the social, political, and economic complexities of ancient and modern societies.
"As a student of the Persian program for the past three years, I gained valuable knowledge of the language and culture. This led me to serve as a Persian tutor for the department, be inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and co-found an Iranian cultural organization on campus. ... The meaningful experiences and mentorship I have received will continue to shape my future endeavors, especially as I pursue graduate studies in immigration policy."
Noora Samadi
BA ‘24, Political Science and International Affairs