School of Advanced International Studies, Middle East Center records

Collection

Identifier: RG-07-130

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The records of the Middle East Center range in date from 1961 to 1980 and are subdivided as follows:

Subgroup 1:
Majid Khadduri, 1961-1979
Series 1: Correspondence and Memoranda, 1968-1979
Series 2: Middle East Language and Area Center, 1961-1977
Subgroup 2: General Office Records, 1966-1980
Series 1: Administrative Records, 1966-1980
Series 2: Curriculum Materials, 1969-1980

These records, composed primarily of correspondence and memoranda, document a wide variety of topics, including many aspects of the functioning of the Middle East Program. The records reflect both the administrative and academic responsibilities of the faculty.

Dates

1961-1980

Creator

School of Advanced International Studies. Middle East Center (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Administrative records in subgroup 1 (series 2) and subgroup 2 (series 1) are restricted for twenty-five years from their date of creation. Education records in subgroup 1 (series 1), as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, are also restricted.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

History

Middle East Studies has been part of the curriculum of the School of Advanced International Studies even before the incorporation of the School into the Johns Hopkins University. Professor Majid Khadduri was the only full-time faculty member in Middle East Studies at first, although the staff did expand gradually as the size of the student body increased. The number of full-time faculty members has varied over the years between two and three. Starting in 1960-1961, the department received federal support from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to establish an Arabic Language and Area Center, which was later called the Middle East Language and Area Center. The federal funding allowed a greater diversity of classes to be taught, more language instruction and the invitation of visiting lecturers. The department also participated in other research projects, including one to improve Arabic instruction and publish grammar books, and a joint International Studies Center in cooperation with other Washington, DC, area schools. Through the use of professorial lecturers, the department has been able to accommodate the changing interests of students by offering courses in regards to the changing situation in the Middle East.