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.
