Middle East Studies and History

[Atoraya88]

I'm currently a second semester 1L. However, I somewhat regret not going to pursue my MA and PhD in ME Studies after I graduated in 2012.

Is it advisable to withdraw from law school after this Spring, and begin applications and test prep for the Fall 2014? This essentially would mean I wouldn't do anything next year but try and find work to hold me over and wait on my applications.

If anyone has any other resources that'll help me weight these options, I'd appreciate.

Thanks!

[Bactrian]

I study modern middle eastern history but I don't really understand what you're asking for. Can you be more specific with what you hope to learn?

[Atoraya88]

Well, I am particularly interested in studying Christian minorities with a focus on identity and nationalism towards and just after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. My case study is the modern Assyrians of the Middle East.

What I'm asking though is whether or not I should just complete my JD, or spend between now and next Decemeber applying to ME Studies programs. This would mean I would not be attending any school the next fall and spring.

I'd like to complete my MA at the University of Arizona primarily because of proximity and cost.

[Bactrian]

Are you for sure not going to be pursuing the profession of law? Then it may make sense to withdraw to avoid racking up more debt. But I think there's something to be said for finishing your law degree. Do you want to do your research from a legal or political angle? Then it might help, especially if you can specialize in a kind of law that can be brought to bear on such topics.

I have no personal experience with law school but know that doing doctoral applications are a ton of work. To fit that around your 2L classes will be tough (but definitely doable). Also worth thinking about is that doctoral applications have become extremely competitive. I don't know you at all so this is in no way personal but you should bear in mind that you might not be accepted to any schools in the next admission cycle. What will you do then? If you withdraw from law school then you'll have to figure something out for two years.

I'm sorry I can't give better advice (or point you to better advice) but these kinds of questions hinge on such personal matters that it's very difficult. FWIW though, I left a lucrative profession to go back and get my MA and now I'm off to a great doctoral program in the fall. It can definitely be done.

[Atoraya88]

Thank so much for the response! I really appreciate it.

 

Otherwise, no, I am not really trying to approach the history of the ME in any legal point-of-view. I just feel that pursuing my passion, rather than what I think is safe is the main reason.

 

If all else fails getting into a good MA or PhD ME program, I feel that I can get into a good program say in Religious Studies, which is one of my interests and try and pursue doctoral work on History of the ME bringing some of my training in RS into play.

[Thumbelina]

Well, I am particularly interested in studying Christian minorities with a focus on identity and nationalism towards and just after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. My case study is the modern Assyrians of the Middle East.

What I'm asking though is whether or not I should just complete my JD, or spend between now and next Decemeber applying to ME Studies programs. This would mean I would not be attending any school the next fall and spring.

I'd like to complete my MA at the University of Arizona primarily because of proximity and cost.

Your research sounds very interesting. Have you ever considered examining the role of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire? They were also a Christian minority that (very surprisingly) sustained their racial identity despite many decades (even centuries!) under Ottoman rule and were adamantly against assimilation (evident in their religion and socio-cultural practices). 

[oceansize]

The legal job market is terrible.  Law is certainly not a "safe" option any longer.  If your heart/passion isn't in it, get out before you rack up more debt. 

[mayoush]

Is there a way, perhaps, to study international law at your law school? Then maybe you can work with the UN focusing on Middle Eastern cases. It's one way to compromise what you are doing now, with what you like...