The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn or UPenn) is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of nine colonial colleges chartered prior to the U.S. Declaration of Independence when Benjamin Franklin, the university's founder and first president, advocated for an educational institution that trained leaders in academia, commerce, and public service. Penn identifies as the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, though this representation is challenged by other universities. Benjamin Franklin and other Philadelphians established the university in 1749, which would make it the fifth-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.
The Middle Eastern Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania provides an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to understanding this vital and complex region. Students delve into the history, politics, societies, cultures, languages, and religions of the Middle East, fostering critical thinking and in-depth analysis. The program offers a deep and nuanced exploration, equipping individuals with essential knowledge and language skills, including Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish. With options for undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate degrees, the program prepares students for diverse careers requiring expertise in the region's intricate dynamics and its place in the interconnected world.
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