Ancient Near Eastern Studies

Ancient Near Eastern Studies (ANES) deals with the history, literature, religions, and cultures of the ancient Near East from about 3000 B.C. to A.D. 640. It involves study in the humanities, social sciences, and ancient scripture. Geographically, the ancient Near East consists of the region currently designated the Middle East.

The Ancient Near Eastern Studies Major

The ANES major provides students with a broad understanding of the civilizations of the ancient Near East and emphasizes the study of the Hebrew Bible and related literature or the Greek New Testament and related literature in the broader ancient Near Eastern context.

Where can I learn more about majoring in Ancient Near Eastern Studies?

Interested students should meet with either the Ancient Near Eastern Studies faculty coordinator, Professor Cecilia Peek, or one of the counselors at the Kennedy Center Advisement Center (273 HRCB).

How do I declare a major in Ancient Near Eastern Studies?

Go to the Kennedy Center Advisement Center (273 HRCB), where the secretaries will assist you. Seniors must meet with an academic advisor before approval to switch to the major will be granted.

What are the major’s requirements?

See the Greek New Testament emphasis or the Hebrew Bible emphasis in the BYU Undergraduate Catalog

What knowledge and skills may I expect to gain as an Ancient Near Eastern Studies major?

For the expected Learning Outcomes for the Ancient Near Eastern Studies major Greek New Testament  click here. or Hebrew Bible click here.

The Ancient Near Eastern Studies Minor

The ANES minor allows students who have completed a mission, internship, or study abroad in the Near East—or simply have a love for Near East’s people and cultures—to expand their knowledge of the area and receive a formal credential signaling their international expertise. Requiring 21–23 hours beyond the GE language requirement, a minor in Ancient Near Eastern Studies is a perfect way to complement a degree in just about any field.

Faculty Coordinator

Cecilia M. Peek
Associate Professor of Classics and Ancient History
205 HRCB
(801) 422-4564

Office Hours: T 12:00–12:50 p.m., 205 HRCB; TH 12:00–12:50 p.m., 3035 JFSB; or by appointment

Governance

ANES faculty meet as a group of affiliated faculty at least once each year to assess the major and discuss changes that may need to be made. The ANES Executive Committee communicates regularly internally, and as needed with the affiliated faculty, concerning matters related to the major. ANES faculty are encouraged by the ANES coordinator to create clearly defined and rigorous learning outcomes and to continue to improve their courses.

Affiliated Faculty Directory

Clubs and Honor Societies

Students of the Ancient Near East (SANE), Model United Nations, International Society, foreign language clubs, choirs, and honor societies. See the clubs page.

Internships

Recent experience has proven that Ancient Near Eastern Studies majors and minors who have completed internships fare significantly better when applying for jobs or graduate school. The gold standard is spending a semester or summer interning in the Near East.

If finances or life circumstances make it impossible to leave Provo, you can still have an outstanding internship experience through local providers. Visit the Internships page for more information.

Career Opportunities

The ANES major prepares students to pursue graduate work and an academic career in all areas of biblical and ancient Near Eastern studies. Additionally, an Ancient Near Eastern Studies major offers relevant preparation for students interested in library science or Seminary and Institute in the Church Education System. Ancient Near Eastern Studies, with its emphasis on critical reading, thinking, and writing skills, also provides quality training for students entering “professional” programs.

These alumni notes appeared in past issues of Bridges, the Kennedy Center’s alumni magazine.