In response to the lack of Middle Eastern Studies classes offered at Tulane, students are working toward the formation of a major in the area.
Sophomore Cody Wild, disappointed with the shortage of Middle Eastern Studies classes, is leading the effort.
The process involved in forming a major is extensive. Applicants must draw up a list of 10 courses, five of which must be taken at Tulane, that all focus on a central theme. They then write up a proposal for the major, find a faculty adviser. Each department of the classes in the course proposal need to approve the curriculum. Applicants then present the proposal to a committee.
In addition to going through the major formation process, Wild has also started a Google Documents petition that allows students to sign their name and comment on why they think Tulane needs a Middle Eastern Studies program.
"We have 62 signatures so far," Wild said. "We started the petition midday Feb. 10, and our primary distribution has been through Facebook. I'm going to email clubs and email professors who have shown support for the program."
After Wild sees how many students are interested in a program or more courses in the subject, she plans to present the document to James MacLaren, dean of Newcomb-Tulane College.
"A logical next step forward [for Tulane] is providing classes that focus on this region, as well as areas like India and Pakistan," Wild said.
Freshman Maddalena Baker said she was disappointed that Tulane does not have a Middle Eastern Studies major.
"It would be a good idea for them to open up that path of study, and it's important for current affairs," Baker said. "There's a lot of demand for the people who know what's going on in the region, and there is a lack of understanding of Middle Eastern affairs in the United States. It would help if American college kids became educated about it, instead of listening to the propaganda."
The administration currently has no plans to create the major.
"If there is interest, it is definitely something to consider," MacLaren said. "I believe in the past students have done this as an individual studies major. I recommend that students scout the catalog and what kind of courses would make a major, and if not, they might want to propose a coordinate major. If there are faculty interested, they should develop a curriculum to the school of Liberal Arts and create the major. New majors can come, and some may go, depending on student interest."