Courses on the Middle East and Surrounding Regions

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 

Learn About Lost Languages in NELC 3102

Taught by Ahmad Al-Jallad, internationally recognized expert on Arabic and its origins in the Arabian Peninsula. 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.

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 3704

Women in the Bible and Beyond

An examination of the social, legal, and religious position of women as they appear in the Hebrew Bible and the ways in which they have been represented and interpreted in later textual, visual, and audio sources. Prereq: English 1110. Not open to students with credit for 2704, JewshSt 2704, or 3704. GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts and race, ethnicity and gender div course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.

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 

HEBREW 4998

Undergraduate Research in Hebrew

Offers undergraduates with special aptitudes a greater opportunity to do more independent study and research than is possible in normal course work. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 783H. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs or 5 completions. This course is graded S/U.

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

HEBREW 5193

Individual Studies

Individual studies. Repeatable to a maximum of 20 cr hrs or 5 completions. This course is graded S/U.

Michael Dov Swartz, Naomi Brenner

HEBREW 7602

Studies in Hebrew Prose

Advanced study of specific periods, authors, and/or topics or prose writing, involving extensive readings and discussions of appropriate primary and secondary materials. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 cr hrs.

James D. Moore

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 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 Islam 2350. GE historical study course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course. Cross-listed in Islam.

Mehrak Kamali Sarvestani
 

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 3307

History of African Health and Healing

African approaches to health and healing; interaction between religion, culture and healing; intersections and contradictions between African and Western concepts of health healing. Sometimes this course is offered in a distance-only format. Prereq: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. GE historical study and diversity global studies course.

Thomas F. McDow 

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 

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, 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 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 

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 

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. 

PERSIAN 2105

Intermediate Persian III

Continued reading from literary texts, with further practice in conversation, composition, and translation. Prereq: 2104. 

Mehrak Kamali Sarvestani

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