The Ohio State University offers a wide variety of classes related to the Middle East area (270, total), across 30 disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, arts, professional schools, and applied sciences. Many of these courses have the ability to fulfill various core requirements for undergraduates (GECs).
Languages
OSU also offers courses on less commonly taught languages such as:
- Ancient Semitic languages
- Arabic
- Biblical Hebrew
- Hebrew
- Hindi
- Pashto
- Persian/Dari
- Qur’anic Arabic
- Turkish
- Urdu
- Uzbek
The Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (NELC) offers 80 language courses, and 67 non-language courses.
Note: with the exception of higher-level language courses, listed separately, all of the area studies courses are taught in English.
Courses Offered Summer '24:
CLLC 3301.02S
Intercultural Competence for Global Citizenship Summer Camp
Students will participate as assistants and instructors in a one-week summer camp for middle school students.
Students will assist with the running of the camp, teach their area of expertise as it relates to intercultural competence and organize and teach an international game.
Prereq: 3301.01S. Not open to students with credit for 2302S or 3302S.
GE service learning course.
CLLC 3301.02S
Intercultural Competence for Global Citizenship Summer Camp
Students will participate as assistants and instructors in a one-week summer camp for middle school students.
Students will assist with the running of the camp, teach their area of expertise as it relates to intercultural competence and organize and teach an international game.
Prereq: 3301.01S. Not open to students with credit for 2302S or 3302S.
GE service learning course.
COMPSTD 1100
Intro to the Humanities: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
This introductory course is designed to survey some of the current preoccupations in the Humanities, especially as they relate to culture, power, and identity.
Instructors of 1100 seek to present relevant issues in comparative cultural study, employing a mix of cultural theory, current events, and literature, visual, and performing arts with a focus on race, ethnicity, and gender.
Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 1100H.
GE lit and diversity global studies course.
GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts and race, ethnicity and gender div course.
- Elizabeth Vu
- Umut Mert Gurses
- Deanna Faye Holroyd
HISTORY 2201
Ancient Greece and Rome
Comparative historical analysis of ancient Mediterranean civilizations of the Near East, Greece, and Rome from the Bronze Age to Fall of Rome.
Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, GE foundation writing and info literacy course, or permission of instructor.
Not open to students with credit for 1211. GE historical study course.
GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
HISTORY 2302
History of Modern Africa, 1800 - 1960s
Thematic survey of African history from 1800 to the 1960s.
Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or completion of GE Foundation Writing and Information Literacy Course, or permission of instructor.
Not open to students with credit for AfAmASt 2302.
GE historical study course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
Cross-listed in AfAmASt.
Ahmad Alawad Sikainga
HISTORY 3301
History of Modern West Africa, post-1800
History of Modern West Africa since 1800; examines West African history from the era of European conquests to the present.
Sometimes this course is offered in a distance-only format.
Prereq: English 1110.xx and any History 2000-level course, or permission of instructor.
GE historical study and diversity global studies course.
Ousman Kobo
HISTORY 3306
History of African Christianity
The development of Christianity in Africa from antiquity to the present; Christianity's interaction with Islam and indigenous religions; Mission Christianity and its aftermath.
Sometimes this course is offered in a distance-only format.
Prereq: English 1110.xx and any History 2000-level course, or permission of instructor.
GE historical study and diversity global studies course.
Ousman Kobo
HISTORY 3501
U.S. Diplomacy, 1920 - Present
The formulation of U.S. foreign policy and foreign relations around the world from the aftermath of World War I to the modern day.
Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, GE foundation writing and info literacy course, or permission of instructor.
GE historical study course. GE theme citizenship for div and just world course.
Joseph Parrott
HISTORY 3798.02
The U.S., Europe, and the Second World War: Intersections in 20th Century History
Study Tour in Europe exploring the history of World War II, the United States, and Europe.
Prereq: English 1110.xx, History 3015, 3570, 4795, and French 3801; or permission of instructor.
GE historical study and diversity global studies and education abroad course.
Robin Judd
HISTORY 3798.06
Between France and Morocco: Inclusivity and Diversity in the Francophone World
This is a Study Abroad course offered in the 4-Week May Session that traces the evolution of plural (cultural, religious, political, and national) identities in France and North Africa, focusing on shared histories and tensions between the two countries.
GE historical study and diversity global studies course.
GE theme traditions, cultures, and transformations course.
Alice Conklin
HISTORY 4795
Seminar in History
Advanced research and readings on selected topics in History.
Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx or completion of GE Foundation Writing and Information Literacy Course, a grade of C or above in History 2800, and any 3000-level History course; or permission of instructor.
Yigit Akin
SOCIOL 3302
Technology and Global Society
Social aspects of technology, social change, and technological development; underdevelopment and the global economy.
Danielle Schoon
COMM 1100
Communication in Society
Role of communication in society; forms, strategies, theories and issues; interpersonal, group, organizations, public and mass communication.
Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 200. GE soc sci indivs and groups course.
GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.
COMM 2367
Persuasive Communication
This course is designed to increase your understanding of persuasive communication as it relates to citizenship and the American experience.
As an advanced level writing course, the course is specifically designed to improve your persuasive writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills as specific citizenship behaviors.
Prereq: Completion of GE Foundation Writing and Information Literacy course.
Not open to students with credit for 2367H.
GE writing and comm course: level 2. GE theme citizenship for div and just world course.
COMM 2850
Media and Citizenship
This course provides an overview of media's role in citizenship by learning about media industry operations, how media influence us, critical evaluation of media, media responsibility and literacy, and how our experiences and biases affect the current relationship between mass media and democracy.
We will learn how to engage with media to promote informed, active, and responsible citizenship.
GE theme citizenship for div and just world course.
COMM 3189
Freelance Journalism Experience
Practicing journalism as a freelance reporter.
Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 cr hrs or 9 completions.
This course is graded S/U.
COMM 3440
Mass Communication and Society
This course is designed to promote an understanding of basic mass communication practice.
Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 642.
COMM 3442
Violence in Society and Violence in the Media
This course examines the causes, consequences, and solutions to human aggression and violence.
It discusses how aggression and violence are defined and measured, aggression theories, individual risk factors, contextual risk factors, protective factors, and aggression targets.
It examines in detail violent media research. It also discusses how to reduce anger, aggression, and violent media effects.
GE soc sci indivs and groups course. GE theme health and well-being course.
COMM 3466
Communication and Popular Culture
Communication causes and impacts of changing technological environment where traditional differences between cultural products, folk, mass, popular, low, elite, high, knowledge, journalistic, and informational are disappearing.
COMM 3800
Career Development in Communication
This course overviews various career paths for students pursing degrees in Journalism and Communication by using career development theories to develop their career planning skills.
Strategies and ethical practices for career planning are applied to each major specialization for business and non-profit occupations.
Language Courses Offered Summer '24:
ARABIC 1101.02
Elementary Modern Standard Arabic I: Intensive
Developing the ability to use Arabic functionally and communicatively in context; intensive oral interaction with instructor and fellow students; the basics of the writing system. Intensive classroom track. Not open to native speakers of Arabic through regular course enrollment, transfer, or EM credit. Prereq: Permission of department. Concur: 1102.02. Not open to students with credit for 1101.01, 1101.02, or 4 credit hours of 1101.51. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
ARABIC 1102.02
Elementary Modern Standard Arabic II: Intensive
Developing further language ability through learning how to perform certain functions orally and using them with fellow students; reading and writing passages reflecting their abilities. Intensive classroom track. Not open to native speakers of Arabic through regular course enrollment, transfer, or EM credit. Prereq: Permission of department. Concur: 1101.02. Not open to students with credit for 1102.01 or 4 cr hrs of 1102.51. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
ARABIC 1103.02
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I: Intensive
Building on previously acquired functional abilities; using Arabic to express opinion and feelings; increased oral interaction in the classroom; reading simplified original texts. Intensive classroom track. Not open to native speakers of Arabic through regular course enrollment, transfer, or EM credit. Prereq: Permission of department. Concur: 2104.02. Not open to students with credit for 1103.01 or 4 cr hrs of 1103.51. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course
ARABIC 2104.02
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic II: Intensive
Initiating and sustaining communication; reading and understanding short original texts and passages; writing to express many language functions. Intensive classroom track. Not open to native speakers of Arabic. Prereq: Permission of department. Concur: 1103.02. Not open to students with credit for 2104.01.
Note: these classes are taught as part of the Arabic Summer Intensive, which requires a separate application (deadline: April 10).
FRENCH 1101.61
Beginning French I: Individualized DL
Individualized introduction to French via distance learning; development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Taught in French. Course not open to native speakers, students with EM credit, or to students with two or more years of study in this language in high school. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 1101.01, 1101.21, or 4 cr hrs of 1101.51 or 1101.61. Repeatable to a maximum of 4 cr hrs or 4 completions. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course
FRENCH 1102.61
Beginning French II: Individualized DL
Continued individualized study of French via distance learning; development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills; readings based on contemporary French culture and literature. Taught in French. Prereq: 1101.01, 1101.21, or 4 cr hrs of 1101.51 or 1101.61, or French Placement Level 8. Not open to students with credit for 1102.01, 1102.21, or 4 cr hrs of 1102.51 or 1102.61. Repeatable to a maximum of 4 completions or 4 cr hrs. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
FRENCH 1103.61
Beginning French III: Individualized DL
Continued development of listening, speaking, reading and writing with an emphasis on oral and written skills; focus on functional topics and thematic vocabulary. Taught in French via distance learning. Prereq: 1102.01, 1102.21, 1155.01, 1155.21, or 4 cr hrs of 1102.51 or 1102.61, or French Placement Level 7. Not open to students with credit for 1103.01, 1103.02, 1103.21, or 4 cr hrs of 1103.51 or 1103.61. Repeatable to a maximum of 4 cr hrs or 4 completions. This course is available for EM credit.
FRENCH 1102.21
Beginning French II DL
Distance learning version of continued introduction to French; development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Taught in French. Course not open to native speakers, students with EM credit, or to students with two or more years of study in this language in high school. Prereq: 1101.01 or 1101.21, or completion of 4 cr hrs of 1101.51 or 1101.61, or French Placement Level 8. Not open to students with credit for 1102.01 or 4 credits of 1102.51 or 1102.61. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
FRENCH 1103.21
Beginning French III DL
Distance learning version of continued introduction to French; development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Taught in French. Course not open to native speakers, students with EM credit, or to students with two or more years of study in this language in high school. Prereq: 1102.01, 1102.21, 1155.01, or 1155.21, or 4 cr hrs of 1102.51 or 1102.61, or French Placement Level 7. Not open to students with credit for 1103.01, 1103.02, or 4 cr hrs of 1103.51 or 1103.61. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
FRENCH 2101.61
Introduction to French and Francophone Studies Individualized DL
Techniques for reading and interpreting different types of texts from the French-speaking world: stories, poetry, plays, films, music, and ads while building vocabulary, comprehension, speaking and writing skills. Prereq: 1103.01, 1103.21, or 4 cr hrs of 1103.51 or 1103.61, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 2101.01, 2101.01H, or 2101.51. Repeatable to a maximum of 3 cr hrs or 3 completions. This course is available for EM credit
FRENCH 2803.01
Paris
Exploration of the lived environment of the city of Paris through the study of its history, geography, population, and cultural production, including but not limited to art, architecture, cinema, literature, and fashion. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 1803.01 or 1803.03. GE cultures and ideas course. GE theme lived environments course.
Courses Offered Autumn Semester 2024:
ARTSSCI First Year Seminar
Career Paths in Middle East Studies
Career Paths in Middle East Studies is a dynamic seminar designed to guide students through the myriad of career opportunities within the realm of Middle East Studies. Led by Professor Joy McCorriston and Dr. Melinda McClimans, the course offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse career opportunities available to students with an interest in Middle East Studies. Through a combination of guest lectures, readings, discussions, and reflective exercises, this seminar equips students with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to navigate their career paths successfully. Led by experienced instructors and featuring insights from industry professionals and successful alumni, the course aims to assist students in charting their own course toward fulfilling and impactful careers.
Melinda McClimans and Joy McCorriston
ARABIC 2241
Contemporary Arab Cultures: Arts, Mass Media, Society
This course explores the intersecting political, artistic, and intellectual currents and practices that have shaped contemporary Arab cultures. It is organized as a survey of different cultural phenomena in Arab societies and diasporas including: the Arabic language and its varieties, music, poetry, law, television & cinema, and more. GE culture and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies and race, ethnicity and gender div course.
Hekmat Dirbas
ARABIC 2701
Classical and Medieval Arabic Literature in Translation
Reading and analysis of major works of Arabic literature from the 6th to the 17th centuries including classical poetry, the Qur'an, and the Arabian Nights. Prereq: English 1110, or completion of GE Foundation Writing and Information Literacy course. GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts course.
Ahmad Al-Jallad
ARABIC 3702
Place, Space, and Migration in Modern Arabic Literature and Film
This course on modern Arabic literature and culture in translation focuses on questions of belonging, relationship to space, and migration. It examines how Arabic literary narratives, films, documentaries, and other arts have imagined modes of belonging to spaces such as cities and nations, the natural world (and even the universe!) from the early postcolonial period to the present. Prereq: English 1110, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE theme lived environments course.
Johanna Sellman
ISLAM 5701
The Qur'an in Translation
An introduction, in English, to the literary, religious, and cultural implications of the fundamental book of Islam. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Arabic 5701.
Ahmad Al-Jallad
HEBREW 2241H
Culture of Contemporary Israel
An introduction to the culture of modern Israel: historical roots, socio-political institutions and developments, and literary and artistic creations reflecting the realities of contemporary Israeli society. Prereq: Honors standing, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 2241 (241), 241H, JewshSt 2242, or 2242H. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course. Cross-listed in JewshSt 2242H.
Adena V. Tanenbaum
HEBREW 2700
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Reading and analysis of selected chapters from the Hebrew scriptures and post-biblical Hebrew writings representative of major historical, cultural, and literary trends. Prereq: English 1110.xx, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. Not open to students with credit for 2700H, JewshSt 2700, or 2700H. GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
James D. Moore
HEBREW 3705
Israeli Society and the Holocaust
The State of Israel was established soon after the Holocaust. This course examines the effects of the Nazi genocide on Israeli society, including political debates, public trials, films, museums and literature, while also reflecting on larger themes of genocide, trauma, memory, and commemoration. Taught in English. Prereq: English 1110. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.
Naomi Brenner
HISTORY 2201
Ancient Greece and Rome
Comparative historical analysis of ancient Mediterranean civilizations of the Near East, Greece, and Rome from the Bronze Age to Fall of Rome. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, GE foundation writing and info literacy course, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 1211. GE historical study course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
Peter Joel Vanderpuy
HISTORY 2213
The Ancient Mediterranean City
Cities in the ancient Near East, Greece, and Rome, with an emphasis on their physical form and historical importance. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx. Not open to students with credit for 504.02. GE historical study course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
Kristina Marie Sessa
HISTORY 2353
The Middle East Since 1914
An introductory study of the political, social and cultural history and evolution of Islamic civilization since 1914. The course will examine the impact of outside power on the Middle East, as well as the region's responses to modernity; political, socioeconomic and cultural change; ideological strategy; Islamic identity and globalization; and changes in media of communication. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 3358. GE historical study course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
Yigit Akin
HISTORY 2453
History of Zionism and Modern Israel
The history of Zionist movement and the modern state of Israel from beginnings to present. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for JewshSt 2453. GE historical study course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
Ori Yehudai
HISTORY 2455
Jews in American Film
A study of how modern Jews appear in film compared with historical reality. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for JewshSt 2455. GE historical study course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies and race, ethnicity and gender div course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
Matt Goldish
HISTORY 2675
The Indian Ocean: Communities and Commodities in Motion
This course examines the history of the Indian Ocean world, a dynamic inter-regional arena that touches three continents. The course will explore historical processes as they cross traditional boundaries between geographic regions. With its focus on communities and commodities, this course will expose students to the continuities and change that have created the modern Indian Ocean world. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or completion of GE Foundation Writing and Information Literacy course, or permission of instructor. GE historical study and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
Thomas F. McDow
HISTORY 2700
Global Environmental History
Global overview of the ecology of the human condition in past time, stressing climate change, earth systems, technology, energy, demography, and human cultural-economic revolutions. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, GE foundation writing and info literacy course, or permission of instructor. GE historical study and soc sci human, nat, and econ resources and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies and social and behavioral sci course.
Henry Misa
HISTORY 3355
The Early Islamic Conquests (CE 630-750)
Utilizing new historical methods for reading and interpreting the sparse contemporary and near contemporary testimonies for this historical period, this course explores how these testimonies, both Muslim and non-Muslim, continue to challenge historians to revise the history of the Islamic conquests. In this course a strong focus is placed on reading primary source materials in translation. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Islam 3355. GE historical study and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course. Cross-listed in Islam.
Sean W Anthony
HISTORY 3375
Mongol World Empire: Central Eurasia, 1000-1500
This course will address the social, cultural, and political history of medieval Central Eurasia, focusing on the Mongol Empire and its legacy. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or completion of GE Foundation Writing and Information Literacy Course, or permission of instructor. GE historical study and diversity global studies course. GE theme traditions, cultures, and transformations course.
Scott Cameron Levi
HISTORY 3480
Israel/Palestine: History of the Present
The course will enable students to reflect on the ways in which the past informs interpretations of the present and the ways in which the present informs interpretations of the past. The course will adopt a broad definition of the "present", investigating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict primarily against the background of the collapse of the Oslo peace process in the early 2000s. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for JewshSt 3480. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course. Cross-listed with JewshSt.
Ori Yehudai
HISTART 3605
East West Photography
Investigation of social relations and how they are constructed by photographs with a particular focus on interactions between North America, Asia, and Europe. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 3605H, EthnStd 3605 or EthnStd 3605H. GE VPA course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts and race, ethnicity and gender div course. Cross-listed in EthnStd.
Namiko Kunimoto
HISTORY 7305
Studies in African Religions
Selected topics in any African religion (including Christianity, Islam and indigenous religions). Prereq: Grad standing. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 cr hrs.
Ousman M Kobo
ISLAM 2350
Islam, Politics, and Society in History
Introduction to the manner in which Islam has interacted with politics in the Middle East and vicinity from the rise of Islam through the present. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, GE foundation writing and info literacy course, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for History 2350. GE historical study course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course. Cross-listed in History.
Mehrak Kamali Sarvestani
ISLAM 3201
Muslims in America and Europe: Citizenship and Living Between Worlds
What does it mean to live as modern Muslims in Western societies? How do they cope with prejudice, Islamophobia, traditions, integration, war, migration, and new opportunities? We explore the experiences of religious minorities in the U.S. and Europe for Muslims whose families are originally from the Arab world, Iran, South Asia, Turkey, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for NELC 3201. GE soc sci indivs and groups and diversity soc div in the US course. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.
ISLAM 3355
The Early Islamic Conquests (CE 630-750)
Utilizing new historical methods for reading and interpreting the sparse contemporary and near-contemporary testimonies for this historical period, this course explores how these testimonies, both Muslim and non-Muslim, continue to challenge historians to revise the history of the Islamic conquests. In this course a strong focus is placed on reading primary source materials in translation. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for History 3355. GE historical study and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course. Cross-listed in History.
Sean W Anthony
ISLAM 5701
The Qur'an in Translation
An introduction, in English, to the literary, religious, and cultural implications of the fundamental book of Islam. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Arabic 5701.
Ahmad Al-Jallad
JEWSHST 2201
Introduction to Jewish Culture, Thought, and Practice
An introduction to the historical, ideological, and cultural growth of Judaism examined from a variety of methodological perspectives. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 201. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
Adena V. Tanenbaum
JEWSHST 2241
Yiddish Culture
Introductory survey of political, social, ideological, and religious trends as reflected in Yiddish culture, especially folklore and literature. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Yiddish 2241 (241). GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course. Cross-listed in Yiddish.
Matthew Johnson
JEWSHST 2242H
Culture of Contemporary Israel
An introduction to the culture of modern Israel: historical roots, socio-political institutions and developments, and literary and artistic creations reflecting the realities of contemporary Israeli society. Prereq: Honors standing, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 2242, Hebrew 2241 (241), or 2241H (241H). GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course. Cross-listed in Hebrew 2241H.
Adena V. Tanenbaum
JEWSHST 2700
The Hebrew Bible in Translation
Reading and analysis of selected chapters from the Hebrew scriptures and post-biblical Hebrew writings representative of major historical, cultural, and literary trends. Prereq: English 1110.xx, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. Not open to students with credit for 2700H, Hebrew 2700, or 2700H. GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts course. Cross-listed in Hebrew.
James D. Moore
NELC 3102
Lost Languages Lost Cultures
This class will examine 6 great decipherments, how scholars were able to crack the code, the nature of these writing systems, and the languages, cultures, and history unlocked. We will look in detail at what methods epigraphists and linguists used to accomplish this and what gaps remain in our understanding. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Ling 3102. GE theme traditions, cultures, and transformations course. Cross-listed in Ling.
Ahmad Al-Jallad
LING 4602
Language and Belonging in the U.S.
Relationships between language and social diversity in the general American speech community; discussion of how individuals and social groups distinguish themselves on the basis of language. Prereq: 2000, 2000H, 2367.01, 2367.01H, 3601, 3606, or English 3271. Not open to students with credit for 3602 or 3602H. GE soc sci indivs and groups and diversity soc div in the US course. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.
Julia Kay Porter Papke
NELC 1125
Stories of Belonging and Difference in the Middle East and South Asia
This course will read and analyze a variety of short stories to illuminate different cultures of the Middle East and South Asia. The goal of the course is to introduce students to diverse cultures through literature. Students will be become familiar with a variety of literary representations, social structures and religious, ethnic and racial diversity after the completion of this course. GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation race, ethnicity and gender div course.
Ila Nagar
NELC 3102
Lost Languages Lost Cultures
This class will examine 6 great decipherments, how scholars were able to crack the code, the nature of these writing systems, and the languages, cultures, and history unlocked. We will look in detail at what methods epigraphists and linguists used to accomplish this and what gaps remain in our understanding. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Ling 3102. GE theme traditions, cultures, and transformations course. Cross-listed in Ling.
Ahmad Al-Jallad
NELC 3667
Messages from Beyond: Divination, Prophecy, and the Occult in Religion and Culture
In this course, we will explore how people from antiquity to our time have sought to find meaning in the complexity and uncertainty around their physical and social environment to access what they perceived as hidden realms as sources of meaning. Students will learn how messages from beyond guide their daily lives, provide them with sources of authority or companionship for their art of philosophy. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for RelStds 3667. GE theme lived environments course. Cross-listed in RelStds.
Daniel Frank
NELC 3689
Words Across the World
Language, at the heart of our social life, drives much of what humans do: converse, convey beliefs & views, label, categorize, include & exclude people. We'll critically examine how we use language to interact with our lived environments (LE) & analyze & discover ways in which words are used & manipulated to impact our LE & how changes & developments in our LE can have a direct effect on language. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for German 3689 or Spanish 3689. GE theme lived environments course. Cross-listed in German and Spanish.
Anna M. Babel
NELC 3700
Mythology of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
An introductory comparative survey of the mythology of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Prereq: English 1110, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE theme lived environments course.
Celine Marquaire
PERSIAN 2701
Persian Literature in Translation
A study of Persian literature in translation and the history of its discourses, genres, and styles. Prereq: English 1110, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts course.
Mehrak Kamali Sarvestani
POLITSC 1200
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Introduction to modern nation-states outside the United States: problems of state- and nation-building, representation, conflict, and making of government policy in selected countries. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 100 or 100H. This course is available for EM credit. GE soc sci orgs and polities and diversity global studies course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.
Sarah Marie Brooks
POLITSC 1300
Global Politics
Cooperation and conflict in world politics. Covers basic theories of international relations and key issues, including security, political economy, international organizations, and the environment. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 145 or 145H. GE soc sci human, nat, and econ resources and diversity global studies course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.
Jennifer Mitzen
POLITSC 2300
American Foreign Policy
The role of the United States in world politics since the Second World War, emphasizing structural change in economic and political-military relations. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 245 or 245H. GE soc sci orgs and polities and diversity global studies course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.
POLITSC 4310
Security Policy
National security and military policy issues and trends since 1945; covers containment, deterrence, Vietnam, nuclear weapons, terrorism, and globalization. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 552.
POLITSC 4327
Politics in the Middle East
Influences from the international political system, domestic politics of each Middle East state, and political leaders in the region are examined. Palestinian-Israeli relations are also examined, as is the role of non-state actors in the region.
Donald Avery Sylvan
POLITSC 7300
Theories of International Relations
Focuses on the international political, organizational, and political psychological influences on terrorism, as well as the interaction of the media and of religion on terrorism; and governmental perspectives and policies to confront terrorism.
Alexander Sackett Thompson
RELSTDS 2370
Introduction to Comparative Religion
Introduction to the academic study of religion through comparison among major traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) and smaller communities. Prereq: English 1110 or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 2370H or CompStd 2370H or 2370. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies and race, ethnicity and gender div course.
AFAMAST 4342
Religion, Meaning, and Knowledge in Africa and its Diaspora
While the practice of religion in Africa is as diverse as its people, three major belief systems define the practice: African Traditional Religion, Islam, and Christianity. This course will examine classical and contemporary definitions of African Traditional Religion/s and the introduction and adaptations of Islam and Christianity in Africa, as well as religious practices in the African Diaspora. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for RelStds 4342. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE theme traditions, cultures, and transformations course. Cross-listed in RelStds.
Spencer L Dew
SASIA 3625
Understanding Bollywood, Knowing India: Hindi Cinema Since 1960
Explores life in India from the lens of Hindi language cinema. Course engages with social class, gender, sexuality, Indian diaspora in the West, family structure, marriage, politics, caste, language (special focus on multilingualism in India), religion, and globalization, and how these relate to lived experiences of people in Indian society. Not for Film Studies credit. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for NELC 3625, 3625.01, or 3625.02. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.
Ila Nagar
TURKISH 3797
Global Intercultural Citizenship in the Middle East: Turkey
The course offers a collaborative online international learning (COIL) virtual education abroad experience that includes immersive opportunities such as virtual reality visits to important sites, online conversations and collaborations with students at a university in the Middle East, and workshops and demonstrations with local scholars and artists. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.
Danielle Schoon
Language Courses Offered Autumn '24:
ARABIC 1101.01
Elementary Modern Standard Arabic I
Developing the ability to use Arabic functionally and communicatively in context; intensive oral interaction with instructor and fellow students; the basics of the writing system. Classroom track. Not open to native speakers of Arabic. Prereq: Not open to students with 1101.02 or 4 cr hrs of 1101.51. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Hekmat Dirbas
Manal S Habbal
ARABIC 1102.01
Elementary Modern Standard Arabic II
Developing further language ability through learning how to perform certain functions orally and using them with fellow students; reading and writing passages reflecting their abilities. Classroom track. Not open to native speakers of Arabic. Prereq: 1101.01, or 4 cr hrs of 1101.51, or Arabic Placement Level 8. Not open to students with credit for 1102.02, or 4 cr hrs of 1102.51. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Hekmat Dirbas
ARABIC 1103.01
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I
Building on previously acquired functional abilities; using Arabic to express opinion and feelings; oral interaction in the classroom; reading authentic texts or various genres. Classroom track. Not open to native speakers of Arabic. Prereq: 1102.01, 1102.02, or 4 cr hrs of 1102.51. Not open to students with credit for 1103.02 or 4 cr hrs of 1103.51. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Gergana Atanassova
Hekmat Dirbas
ARABIC 2111
Colloquial Arabic I
Introduction to the phonology and grammar of the everyday spoken language used in the Eastern Arab World. Prereq or concur: 1103.01 or 1103.02. Not open to students with credit for 4111.
Marie-Therese Labaki
ARABIC 3105
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic III
Developing reading skills through reading adapted and authentic Arabic texts; selections reflect cultural and literary aspects of Arabic culture. Prereq: 2104.
Marie-Therese Labaki
ARABIC 5401
Translation: Theory and Practice
Examination of some general guidelines for translating from Arabic to English or from English to Arabic, depending on the first language of the student. Requires advanced reading proficiency. Prereq: Arabic 3105, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 615.
Johanna Sellman
HEBREW 1101.01
Elementary Hebrew I
Conversation, reading, writing, vocabulary building, phonetics, and grammar of Hebrew. Closed to native speakers of this language. Prereq: Not open to students with 3 or more years of high school Hebrew through regular course enrollment or EM credit. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Galit Elli Golan
HEBREW 1103.01
Intermediate Hebrew I
Reading of Modern Hebrew short stories, poems, and essays; special emphasis on oral practice and Hebrew idioms. Closed to native speakers of this language. Prereq: 1102, or permission of instructor. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Galit Elli Golan
HEBREW 5100
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
Introduction of main elements of Biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax, for study of ancient and late antique Mediterranean religion and History, for students in Classics, History, NELC, etc. Requires no previous study of Hebrew language but assumes moderate experience with studying another/non-native language. Prereq: Third-semester level [1103] in any other modern or classical language, or permission of instructor.
Daniel Frank
PERSIAN 1101
Elementary Persian I
Introduction to Persian; development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Closed to native speakers of this language. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Mehrak Kamali Sarvestani
PERSIAN 1103
Intermediate Persian I
Further development of listening, writing, speaking, and reading skills; reading of simplified Persian texts. Closed to native speakers of this language. Prereq: 1102. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
TURKISH 1101
Elementary Turkish I
Introduction to Turkish; development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Prereq: Not open to native speakers through regular enrollment, or EM credit. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang. GE world languages course.
Ceyda Steele
TURKISH 1103
Intermediate Turkish I
Reading of Turkish short stories and poems with attention to literary and cultural appreciation; development of basic language skills. Not open to native speakers through regular enrollment or EM credit. Prereq: 1102. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Ceyda Steele
URDU 1101
Elementary Urdu I
Study of Urdu language, with appropriate cultural background; development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 101, or to native speakers through regular enrollment or EM credit. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
URDU 1103
Intermediate Urdu I
Continued study of Urdu language, with appropriate cultural background; development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Prereq: 1102, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 103, 104, or to native speakers or EM credit. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
UZBEK 1101
Elementary Uzbek I
Introduction to Uzbek language; development of listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. Prereq: Not available to native speakers. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Kamola Azimova
UZBEK 1103
Intermediate Uzbek I
Continued study of Uzbek Language, with appropriate cultural background; further development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Not open to native speakers. Prereq: 1102. This course is available for EM credit. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Kamola Azimova
Intercultural Competence Certificate:
Many area studies and language courses can count towards your Intercultural Competence Certificate, which is displayed on your diploma. This certificate rewards self-understanding, empathy, and intercultural communication, as well as dedication to global citizenship.
Civil Discourse Certificate:
In the spirit of Ohio State’s motto – “Education for Citizenship” – the Civil Discourse for Citizenship certificate from the Center for Ethics and Human Values (CEHV) offers students the opportunity to learn more about, and to better practice, civil discourse. Students may also wish to demonstrate their commitment to civil discourse to potential employers.
General Education Requirements:
Our Middle-East focused courses fulfill the following GE categories and more:
- Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Diversity
- Citizenship for a Diverse and Just World
- Historical and Cultural Studies
- Lived Environments
We also offer several Middle Eastern languages, which fulfill the World Language Proficiency requirement.
Additional Resources:
You may use the University-wide class search to find additional courses.
The Near East and South Asia department also feature a course page.
The History department also shares its upcoming courses, categorized by subject. The "Asia and Islam" undergraduate courses in history can be found here. All graduate courses in history are listed here.
You may also use this search tool to find a professor or a building.
If you require these materials in an alternate format contact our web manager.