As an undergraduate student at a small liberal arts university, I have passionately pursued my interests in Middle Eastern heritage and the anthropology of media through independent research, my Honours project, and coursework. In addition to my independent research experience in this field, I believe that my archaeology minor and coursework in computer and geospatial programs allow for unique insight into my area of interest. At the graduate level, I would like to advance this research further to examine the role of new media strategies like video media reporting on Middle Eastern cultural heritage destruction in shaping public engagement and debate around these issues. I believe that my undergraduate academic experience, together with the …show more content…
The research-driven style of the program, institutional strength in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, breadth of courses in Arabic, and the experience of Anthropology professor Diana Allan in the anthropology of media would provide exemplary support to my proposed project and foster an advanced, unique, and contemporary research project as well as develop my abilities as an academic to pursue doctoral work. In particular, the Institute for Islamic Studies and the InterUniversity Consortium for Arab and Middle Eastern studies would provide unique opportunities for developing and supporting this project and my development as a graduate student in this field. Moreover, I believe that the distinguished graduate students admitted by McGill will provide an environment for high-quality academic relationships and development. Consequently, my correspondence with Professor Allan has confirmed that her experience in politics of media in the Middle East and visual anthropology complement my research goals and interests. I believe that in addition to the stimulating academic atmosphere at McGill, she would provide the necessary mentoring for the completion of my research project in both theoretically and