August 19, 2024
By Ahmed El Shamsy, Department Chair
Through the years, the interdisciplinary research carried out by members of the Division of the Humanities Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (NELC) has expanded to encompass not only philology, linguistics, and archaeology but also literature history, art history, and religious and legal studies, among others. Its name no longer reflects the wide range of disciplines found under the Department’s umbrella, nor what is today the most familiar name for this complex region of the world. As a result of this evolution, NELC has changed its name to the Department of Middle Eastern Studies.
The Department’s former name frequently led to misunderstandings. It contributed to the perception that our work focused primarily on language instruction. And the usage and meaning of the label “Near Eastern” have changed over the years, and the phrase no longer adequately or meaningfully describes the region.
During the past few years, UChicago faculty members and students held several discussions about changing the name and reached broad consensus on Middle Eastern Studies. This term is recognizable, fits the region geographically, and arises from a new understanding of its relevance and significance now and throughout its long history. The new name acknowledges the broad scope of what we as humanists do: We explore all aspects of the human experience in the Middle East, using a wide and evolving range of tools.
From its beginning more than 100 years ago, the history and mission of the Department has been intertwined with that of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, West Asia & North Africa (ISAC), and the deliberations over our new name unfolded in tandem with those of ISAC. The new name of Middle Eastern Studies also aligns better with the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. We will continue to work together to advance field-defining research and scholarship at UChicago.