Midwest studies growing

Since Sept. 11, 2001, American students have continued to show an increasing interest in foreign cultures and languages. The IU Department of Central Eurasian Studies, founded in 1943, has seen a phenomenal boost in student applications and Web site hits since Sept. 11. \nThe department teaches Middle Eastern cultures and languages, such as Kazakh, Uzbek and Persian, which are all spoken in and around Iraq. During the summer, the department teaches Pashto, a major language of Afghanistan.\nExplanations for the rise in interest range from the War in Iraq to concerns over the situation in Afghanistan, each of which has caused "an increase in funding, applications and enrollment," said Toivo Raun, acting chair of the Central Eurasian Studies department.\n"Five years ago, our graduate enrollment would have been in the single digits. ... in 2003 to 2004, we accepted 21 students," Raun said. \nThe department, which once received four or five fellowships per year, now receives between 10 and 13 from the state. These fellowships are worth $14,000 each and are given to students in the program to help with tuition costs. \n"This rise in interest is totally unprecedented at this University," said Professor Nazif Shahrani, who teaches Middle Eastern anthropology. \nShahrani said the rise in admissions in his department has forced the University to hire new professors. In response, the department has now added classes on the politics and history of the Middle East.\nThe boost in interest is spreading throughout the country, as well. At California State University San Bernardino, university President Al Karnig said he intends to raise $15 million in order to start a center for Islamic and Middle Eastern studies by 2006. \n"I think the Middle East is the key linchpin in promoting peace for the future because it is the place where so much of the conflict is taking form," Karnig said in a statement.\nCal State will join many other institutions in adding a program specifically devoted to Middle Eastern studies. Other schools with such programs include Harvard and the University of California Los Angeles. \nThe enrollment boost goes much further than just general interest in culture. Many students want to use skills learned in Middle Eastern language classes to find jobs with the government.\nAccording to the CIA's Web site, the government has high demand for American students who can speak Middle Eastern languages, including Pashto.\nAnother major reason for the upswing in applications and enrollment is the intelligence needed by the CIA as well as the FBI, according to the Web site. \nIn addition, government officials have been active in intelligence gathering in the Middle East for years and the operation has recently expanded significantly under President Bush. \nRaun said the Department of Central Eurasian Studies expects the rise in applications and enrollment to continue at IU as well as all over the country. \n-- Contact staff writer Robert Schmitt at rsschmit@indiana.edu.