UVA’s BA in Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures (MESALC) introduces students to the linguistic, literary, religious, and visual traditions of two vibrant and interconnected world regions. Students choose to study Arabic, Persian, Hindi, or Urdu while exploring regional cinema, diaspora, politics, and cultural expression. The program promotes cross-cultural literacy and critical global engagement. It prepares graduates for international careers in diplomacy, business, academia, development, or translation through research, study abroad, and language immersion.
Translation and cultural annotation of modern Urdu poetry
Comparative film analysis on gender roles in Bollywood and Iranian cinema
Research on Islamic calligraphy as devotional and political expression
Digital archive project on the Arab Spring’s media narratives
Essay on Sufi philosophy in Persian and Punjabi literary traditions
Interactive map of ancient trade and pilgrimage routes across South Asia
Linguistic study of Hindi-Urdu code-switching in diaspora communities
Field interviews with heritage speakers about language maintenance
Capstone documentary on South Asian religious festivals in the U.S.
Translation project of Arabic short stories for English-speaking classrooms
Study of Indo-Persianate court poetry and visual culture
Podcast series on identity, migration, and music in the Arab diaspora
Archival project on UVA's Arabic manuscripts and rare books
Essay on Bollywood’s global influence and soft power diplomacy
Creating a website to teach Arabic script using historical design motifs
Comparative study of Hindu and Islamic environmental ethics
Analysis of Hindi and Urdu lyric poetry in contemporary music videos
Visual timeline of language reforms in 20th-century Iran and India
Creative retelling of South Asian epics for middle-grade readers
Interactive photo essay on Middle Eastern food traditions and migration
Explore language, literature, and heritage in UVA’s cross-cultural MESALC program.
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