While interest in the Middle East has risen drastically at universities across the country in recent weeks, Tufts' Department of Political Science does not plan to add classes dedicated to the region next semester. Members of the department say that course offerings have not been affected by the Sept. 11 attacks, but that some professors have altered their curriculum to address current events.
Professor Malik Mufti, a Middle Eastern expert who teaches the "Foreign Policy in the Arab World" seminar this semester, has altered his course since the terrorist attacks. "We talk much more about current events than we would have otherwise," Mufti said.
The political science department is also using the resources of its diverse faculty to offer weekly seminars and lectures open to the student body.
Over the past two weeks, the department has hosted lectures concerning the economy and how to deal with terrorism, as well as panels featuring Muslim students. This evening, three professors - Mufti, Tony Smith, and Robert Devigne - will speak at a forum on "US Policy Options in the War on Terrorism."
Other colleges have reported a rise in demand for classes related to the Middle East. Harvard reported an over-enrollment in Middle Eastern studies classes this semester, according to its daily newspaper, the Harvard Crimson. Because of the increased interest, professors were forced to enlarge significantly the number of students allowed in their classes.
According to Mufti, the political science department should be able to handle increased demand next semester. But he said he expects that lecture courses usually capped at 40 may now allow 50 or 60 students to enroll. "I won't turn anyone away unless there's no room to sit in the class," he said.
Mufti's course is the only political science class about the Middle East. It is capped at 15 students to maintain foster discussion in the seminar.
Next semester, the political science department will offer two lecture courses on the Middle East but likely not a seminar, because Mufti will be teaching Introduction to International Relations.
"To my knowledge, interest in courses in the Middle East have been consistently strong," said John Jenke, assistant director of the International Relations program. "What has declined at times is the number of courses offered due to faculty leaves."
Some students say they are satisfied by the recent panels and do not feel the need for added courses. "It's different to take a course than to go to a lecture. You can get questions answered and not necessarily have to do the work, and it's a lot less commitment," said senior Ben Altman after attending a recent Middle East panel.
"I feel like there are so many opportunities to learn about what's going on, just in having panels and discussion groups," said senior Molly Field said. "I don't really feel the need to take a class."
