Languages:
The Department’s interdisciplinary study of Near and Middle Eastern civilizations encompasses a variety of languages that are essential for understanding the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. The languages offered are:
Ancient Languages
Akkadian
Ancient Egyptian
Aramaic
Coptic
Ge'ez
Hebrew (Biblical, Middle)
Persian (Old Persian, Avestan, Pahlavi)
Syriac
Modern Languages
Arabic
Hebrew
Persian
Turkish
These languages cover a broad historical range, from ancient times through the development of Islamic civilization, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious influences of the region. While many courses do not require prior language knowledge, studying these languages provides a deeper insight into the civilizations and cultures of the Near and Middle East, greatly enriching the academic experience.
Faculty of Arts & Science Language Citation
The Department of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations participates in the Faculty of Arts & Science’s language citation for Arabic, modern Hebrew, Persian, Turkish, Biblical Hebrew, and Ancient Egyptian. The study of languages is a demanding and intellectually rewarding educational experience that provides access to the varieties of human culture and expression. The language citation requires the completion of 3 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and recognizes a significant level of achievement in the advanced study of a language.
The citation in Arabic is available to students who, having completed the introductory course in Arabic (NML110Y1 or the equivalent prerequisite training), earn a grade of at least B- in two additional FCEs in Arabic language (NML210Y1, NML310Y1, or NML410Y1).
The citation in modern Hebrew is available to students who, having completed the introductory courses in modern Hebrew (NML155H1 and NML156H1 or the equivalent prerequisite training), earn a grade of at least B- in two additional FCEs in modern Hebrew language (NML255H1, NML256H1, NML355H1, and NML356H1).
The citation in Persian is available to students who, having completed the introductory Persian language course (NML260Y1 or the equivalent prerequisite training), earn a grade of at least B- in two additional FCEs in Persian language/literature (NML360Y1, NML460H1, NML461H1, NML462H1, NML463H1, NML466H1, NML467H1, or NML468H1).
The citation in Turkish is available to students who, having completed the introductory course in Turkish (NML270Y1 or the equivalent prerequisite training), earn a grade of at least B- in two additional credits in Turkish language (NML370Y1, NML371H1, and NML470Y1).
The citation in Biblical Hebrew is available to students who, having completed the introductory course in Biblical Hebrew (NML250Y1 or the equivalent prerequisite training), earn a grade of at least B- in two additional credits in Biblical Hebrew language (NML350H1, NML351H1, NML450H1, and NML459H1).
The citation in Ancient Egyptian is available to students who, having completed the introductory course in Ancient Egyptian (NML240Y1 or the equivalent prerequisite training), earn a grade of at least B- in two additional credits in Ancient Egyptian language/literature (NML340Y1, NML440H1, NML441H1, and NML442Y1).
Students should note that the language citation is not equivalent to an academic program for purposes of degree completion; however, language courses taken as part of the requirements for an NMC program of study may count towards a language citation in the relevant language(s).
To request the language citation on your degree, contact the NMC Undergraduate Office at nmc.undergrad@utoronto.ca if you have completed the required courses.