Because Hofstra is committed to offering its students cross-cultural courses to gain insights into diverse cultures and modes of thought, The Middle East and Central Asian (MECA) Minor complements existing area studies programs at Hofstra such as African, Asian, and Latin American Studies. Currently, the Departments of Anthropology and Sociology, Comparative Literature, History, Art History, Economics and Geography, Jewish Studies, and the program in Religious Studies offer introductory and advanced courses on Middle Eastern cultures. The minor will afford students in a wide range of majors the flexibility to pursue an interest in Middle Eastern Studies. By approaching the study of the Middle East and Central Asia from a range of disciplines and perspectives, students in this minor will form a more nuanced view of the area. An important part of the minor will be highlighting texts and perspectives from the standpoint of those who live in the area.