Courses on the Middle East and Surrounding Regions
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/Tajik
- Qur’anic Arabic
- Turkish
- Urdu
- Uzbek
The Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (NELC) offers these courses. Check out what's being offered at nesa.osu.edu/courses
Upcoming Courses
ARABIC
ARABIC 3702
Arabic Lit & Film
Credits: Listed as Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
ARABIC 3702: Lecture
Section 0010 (38031)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
General Education - Legacy, General Education - Legacy, General Education - New
Class Attribute Values:
GEL Literature, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Theme: Lived Environments
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
12:45 pm – 2:05 pm
Instructors
- Johanna Sellman
ARABIC 5651
Contemporary Arabic Prose Fiction
Reading and analysis of short stories and novels representative of major developments and trends of the 20th century. Prereq: 3105 (401), or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 651.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
ARABIC 5651: Lecture
Section 0010 (37865)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
3:55 pm – 5:15 pm
Instructors
- Johanna Sellman
ARABIC 7602
Studies in Arabic Prose
Advanced study of specific periods, authors and/or genres of prose writing (literary or non-literary) involving extensive reading and discussion of primary and secondary materials. Prereq: 6 cr hrs of Arabic Literature at the 5000 level or equiv. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 cr hrs.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Graduate
Campus: Columbus
ARABIC 7602: Lecture
Section 0010 (36019)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
3:55 pm – 5:15 pm
Instructors
- Johanna Sellman
HEBREW 2700
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is taught from a historical perspective. The HB/OT is a collection of texts designed to create and fortify the ethnic identity of a single group within imperial contexts, while focusing on the formation of gender identity and race. The student will study the cultural dimensions of the ancient societies in which the HB/OT was written. Prereq: English 1110.xx, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. Not open to students with credit for 2700H, JewshSt 2700, or 2700H. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
HEBREW 2700: Lecture
Section 0010 (28449)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
College Credit Plus, General Education - Legacy, General Education - Legacy, General Education - New, General Education - New, ODHE Ohio Transfer 36
Class Attribute Values:
Level 1 CCP course, GEL Literature, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Foundation: Literary, Visual & Performing Arts, GEN Foundation: Race, Ethnicity & Gender Diversity, Ohio Transfer 36 - Arts and Humanities
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
2:20 pm – 3:40 pm
Instructors
- James Dryden Moore
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.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
HEBREW 5100: Lecture, Section 0010 (36023)
Autumn 2026, Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Wednesday Friday
9:35 am – 10:55 am
Instructors
- Daniel Frank
HISTORY 2221
Introduction to the New Testament: History and Literature
Introductory survey of the New Testament writings in translation, including non-canonical sources of the early Christian movement. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, GE foundation writing and info literacy course, or permission of instructor.
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.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
Section 10 (28410)
Term: Autumn 2026 — Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes: General Education - Legacy, General Education - New
Class Attribute Values: GEL Historical Study, GEN Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies
Dates: 8/25/26 – 12/9/26
Meets: Monday & Wednesday, 2:20 pm – 3:40 pm
Instructor: Yigit Akin
HISTORY 2680
It's The End of The World!: Apocalypticism in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam
This course will explore how the end of the world—generally understood to be preceded by enormous wars and disasters as well as the judgment of people and a reckoning of their deeds—was imagined over two millennia by Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The course will cover primary and secondary historical works, as well as fictional bestsellers, about the apocalypse from around the world. 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 NELC 2680. Cross-listed in NELC.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
HISTORY 2680: Lecture
Section 10 (37634)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
General Education - Legacy, General Education - Legacy, General Education - New, General Education - New
Class Attribute Values:
GEL Historical Study, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Foundation: Literary, Visual & Performing Arts, GEN Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies
8/25/26 - 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
12:45 pm - 2:05 pm
Instructors
- Matt Goldish
HISTORY 3355
The Early Islamic Conquests (CE 630–750)
Same course as ISLAM 3355, cross-listed in Islam. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Islam 3355.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Section 10 (27729) | Lecture | Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attribute Values: GEL Historical Study, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies
Meets: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:35 am – 10:55 am | 8/25/26 – 12/9/26
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. Cross-listed with JewshSt.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
HISTORY 3480: Lecture
Section 10 (27292)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
General Education - New
Class Attribute Values:
GEN Theme: Citizenship for a Diverse & Just World
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
12:45 pm – 2:05 pm
Instructors
- Ori Yehudai
Sarah Schellinger:
NELC3804: Culture and Society in Ancient Egypt
In this 4-credit-hour research intensive course, students will develop an advanced understanding of how cultural traditions and transformations over time impacted the daily lives of the ancient Egyptians. Topics include the land of Egypt and its people, art and writing, international relations, women and children, religion and ritual, the legacy of ancient Egypt and more.
NELC 3700: Mythologies of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
Throughout this course we will explore the religious beliefs and practices of the Mesopotamians and Egyptians through the environments which shaped their belief systems including the creation and destruction of their worlds, concepts of death and the afterlife, the heroes and antiheroes who interacted with the gods, and ways in which the gods were invoked to assist in their daily lives. Although there are distinct differences between the myths and practices of the Mesopotamians and Egyptians, we will explore the universality and social significance of these stories and how they prevail in today’s society.
INTSTDS/NELC 2200
Introduction to the Middle East
This course presents the student with a multi-disciplinary analysis of the issues involved in the modern-day transformation of the Middle East (including the Arab countries of Southwest Asia, as well as Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan). The course begins with a discussion of aspects o f the traditional culture relevant to life in the Middle East today and then devotes the bulk of its attention to the problems of rapid change as experienced in this century including most recent developments. Disciplinary
perspectives normally represented in the course include anthropology, history, international relations, literature and religion.
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. Cross-listed in History.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
ISLAM 2350: Lecture
Section 0010 (27041)
Autumn 2026
Session 2
Instruction Mode: Distance Learning
Class Attributes:
General Education - Legacy, General Education - New
Class Attribute Values:
GEL Historical Study, GEN Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies
ONLINE
10/19/26 – 12/9/26
Class not scheduled yet – TBA
Instructors
- Mehrak Kamali Sarvestani
ISLAM 3355
The Early Islamic Conquests (CE 630–750)
Utilizing new historical methods for reading and interpreting sparse contemporary testimonies — both Muslim and non-Muslim — to challenge historians to revise the history of the Islamic conquests. Cross-listed in History. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for History 3355.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Section 0010 (27626) | Lecture | Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attribute Values: GEL Historical Study, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies
Meets: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:35 am – 10:55 am | 8/25/26 – 12/9/26
ISLAM 3501
Traditions of Islam
Explores the development of four traditions of Islam during its formative and classical periods (ca. 600–1200 AD): scriptural tradition, Islamic law and jurisprudence, Islamic politics and rulership, and the tradition of divinity. Conducted entirely in English. Prereq: English 1110.xx or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. Not open to students with credit for NELC 3501.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Section 0010 (36024) | Lecture | Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attribute Values: GEL Cultures and Ideas, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Theme: Traditions, Cultures, & Transformations
Meets: Tuesday & Thursday, 11:10 am – 12:30 pm | 8/25/26 – 12/9/26
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.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
JEWSHST 2201: Lecture
Section 0010 (27625)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
College Credit Plus, General Education - Legacy, General Education - Legacy, General Education - New, ODHE Ohio Transfer 36
Class Attribute Values:
Level 1 CCP course, GEL Cultures and Ideas, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies, Ohio Transfer 36 - Arts and Humanities
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
3:55 pm – 5:15 pm
Instructors
- Adena V. Tanenbaum
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). Cross-listed in Hebrew 2241H.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
JEWSHST 2242H: Lecture
Section 0010 (28444)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
General Education - Legacy, General Education - Legacy, General Education - New, Honors Course
Class Attribute Values:
GEL Cultures and Ideas, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies, Honors Course
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
2:20 pm – 3:40 pm
Instructors
- Adena V. Tanenbaum
JEWSHST 3245
Israeli Film & Society
A survey of Israeli films from 1948 to the present day, tracing the development of film production in Israel as well as the relationship between film and society. Prereq: English 1110. Not open to students with credit for 2245 or Hebrew 2245 or 3245. Cross-listed in Hebrew.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
JEWSHST 3245: Lecture
Section 0020 (37195)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
General Education - Legacy, General Education - Legacy, General Education - New
Class Attribute Values:
GEL Visual and Performing Arts, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Theme: Citizenship for a Diverse & Just World
8/25/26 - 12/9/26
This class meets Wednesday Friday
12:45 pm - 2:05 pm
Instructors
- Naomi Brenner
JEWSHST 2453
History of Zionism and Modern Israel
A history of the Jewish state from the rise of Zionism to the present, with a focus on migration and displacement. Topics include: Jewish-Arab relations, the encounter between European and Middle Eastern Jews, the creation of a new Hebrew identity, the impact of the Holocaust, ethnic conflict and social protest, war and diplomacy, religion and the state and struggles over the nature of the regime. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for History 2453. Cross-listed in History.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
JEWSHST 2453: Lecture
Section 0010 (27927)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
General Education - Legacy, General Education - New
Class Attribute Values:
GEL Historical Study, GEN Theme: Migration, Mobility, and Immobility
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
9:35 am – 10:55 am
Instructors
- Ori Yehudai
JEWSHST 3480
Israel/Palestine: History of the Present
(See HISTORY 3480 above; cross-listed.)
INTSTDS/NELC 2200
Introduction to the Middle East
This course presents the student with a multi-disciplinary analysis of the issues involved in the modern-day transformation of the Middle East (including the Arab countries of Southwest Asia, as well as Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan). The course begins with a discussion of aspects o f the traditional culture relevant to life in the Middle East today and then devotes the bulk of its attention to the problems of rapid change as experienced in this century including most recent developments. Disciplinary
perspectives normally represented in the course include anthropology, history, international relations, literature and religion.
NELC 2244
Films of the Middle East
Overview of contemporary films from different Middle Eastern countries; how filmmakers of the region view, present, and construct their countries using particular modes of representation. Prereq: English 1110; or GE foundation writing and info literacy course.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
NELC 2244: Lecture
Section 0010 (29019)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: Distance Learning
Class Attributes:
General Education - Legacy, General Education - Legacy, General Education - New
Class Attribute Values:
GEL Visual and Performing Arts, GEL Diversity: Global Studies, GEN Theme: Lived Environments
ONLINE
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
Class not scheduled yet – TBA
Instructors
- Mehrak Kamali Sarvestani
NELC 3025
Citizenship and Diaspora: Living in Between Countries and Cultures
This course examines histories, lived experiences, and artistic representations of citizenship and diaspora. Over the course of the semester, we will focus on South Asia, specifically India/Pakistan, and the Middle East, specifically Israel/Palestine, two societies in which citizenship and diaspora have been particularly significant and complex, as well as diasporic communities in the US. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for SAsia 3025. Cross-listed in SAsia.
Credits: 4 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
NELC 3025: Lecture
Section 0010 (28458)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
General Education - New, General Education - New
Class Attribute Values:
GEN HIP: Interdisciplinary and Integrated Coll Tch, GEN Theme: Citizenship for a Diverse & Just World
8/25/26 - 12/9/26
This class meets Wednesday Friday
9:05 am - 10:55 am
Instructors
- Naomi Brenner
- Ila Nagar
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. Cross-listed in RelStds.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
NELC 3667: Lecture, Section 0010 (27030)
Autumn 2026, Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes: General Education - New
Class Attribute Values: GEN Theme: Lived Environments
This class meets Wednesday Friday
11:10 am – 12:30 pm
Instructors
- 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. Cross-listed in German and Spanish.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
NELC 3689: Lecture
Section 0010 (27764)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
Class Attributes:
General Education - New
Class Attribute Values:
GEN Theme: Lived Environments
8/25/26 - 12/9/26
This class meets Tuesday Thursday
9:35 am - 10:55 am
Instructors
- Aidah Aljuran
- Ila Nagar
- Naomi Brenner
NELC 5145 (Undergraduate listing)
Digital Editions of Ancient Texts and Artifacts
This training course is designed to introduce students to the purpose, philosophy, use, and construction of digital editions of ancient sources or artifactual databases. Students will be taught how to construct a basic PostgreSQL database using both command line input (cli) and administrative graphic user interfaces (GUIs). At least one year of an ancient Semitic or Indo-European language taught at the university level.
Credits: 3 Units
Level: Undergraduate
Campus: Columbus
NELC 5145: Lecture
Section 0010 (36044)
Autumn 2026
Regular Academic Term
Instruction Mode: In Person
8/25/26 – 12/9/26
This class meets Wednesday
2:15 pm – 5:00 pm
Instructors
- James Dryden Moore
Sylvan:
POLITSC 4327
Politics in the Middle East
Danielle Schoon:
SOCIOL 3200
Sociology of Immigration
Provides a sociological understanding of contemporary migration both globally and with a particular focus on the U.S. The course will examine why migration occurs; how it is sustained over time; and how immigrants are incorporated into the host society. Social relations as central to understanding immigration will be a focus of the course. GE diversity soc div in the US course. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course. SOCIOL 3200: Lecture Section 002 (27000)
Curricular Pathways:
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, such as the "Asia and Islam" undergraduate courses. All graduate courses in history are listed on the Spring 2024 Graduate Courses page.
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.