The School of Middle East and North African Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the Middle East and North Africa. In addition to instruction in the principal languages of the area (Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Hebrew), relevant courses are available in religion, political science, history, literature, geography, sociology, archeology, linguistics and architecture -- often in cooperation with the respective discipline department. Students seek degrees in this department out of general interest in this part of the world, often with a view to government service, an academic career, a position in international business, or preparation for advanced study in this or other fields. The department, in close cooperation with the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, facilitates opportunities for study in the Middle East.