Course Catalog

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Course Catalog

SITUATING THE MIDDLE EAST II (ME2020)

This course covers the religious, cultural and linguistic diversities in the Middle East and North Africa. It exposes students to and familiarizes them with the origin of these diversities and traces its impact and influence on the modern Middle East. The Islamic identity of the region, its signifier, from the eyes of those outside the region is closely examined. The second part of the course turns to the rich linguistic and cultural diversities of the region, their origin, particularities, and their contributions to the identities of different groups. The role of linguistic diversity as both a unifying and a divisive force will be examined, and the region’s homogeneity and heterogeneity and the socio-political implications of cultural institutions are further explored through its literature, painting, calligraphy, food cultures and customs of dress.

INTRO TO ISLAMIC ART & ARCHITECTURE (ME2024)

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the multifaceted and dynamic character of Islamic art by focusing on the highest achievements of the major dynasties. The time frame will span over one thousand years and, geographically, will cover lands from the western Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent. Lectures will concentrate on the most representative monuments and works of art from each period. After examining the distinguishing features of the art and architecture of the principal dynasties, their salient characteristics and their greatest contributions to Islamic art as a whole, it should become evident that the field is both full of striking diversity and overall unity.

ENCOUNTERS BETWEEN THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE WEST (ME2030)

The “Middle East” and the “West” (as two political/cultural entities) have been involved in a long history of conflicts, concurrence, hegemony, and fascination. The course will explore the different aspects of the contemporary Middle East/West relation, and will explain its origins and historical evolution.

STATE, SOCIETY AND POLITICAL ECONOMY OF THE ME (ME2035)

This course covers the religious, cultural and linguistic diversities in the Middle East and North Africa. It exposes students to and familiarizes them with the origin of these diversities and traces its impact and influence on the modern Middle East. The Islamic identity of the region, its signifier, from the eyes of those outside the region is closely examined. The second part of the course turns to the rich linguistic and cultural diversities of the region, their origin, particularities, and their contributions to the identities of different groups. The role of linguistic diversity as both a unifying and a divisive force will be examined, and the region’s homogeneity and heterogeneity and the socio-political implications of cultural institutions are further explored through its literature, painting, calligraphy, food cultures and customs of dress.

ENCOUNTERS BETWEEN THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE WEST (ME2040)

The “Middle East” and the “West” (as two political/cultural entities) have been involved in a long history of conflicts, concurrence, hegemony, and fascination. The course will explore the different aspects of the contemporary Middle East/West relation, and will explain its origins and historical evolution.

TOPICS IN MIDDLE EAST STUDIES (ME2091)

Topics vary by semester

MODERN ARABIC LITERATURE (ME3066)

This course introduces students to the modern literature of the Arab world through works by canonical or established writers in addition to contemporary work. Primary texts are read in addition to a variety of historical, critical, and other materials, with modern Arabic literature presented as a case study in world literature, translation studies, comparative modernisms, or comparative literary history.

POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (ME3072)

Introduces the contemporary politics of the Middle East, from Turkey and Iran to the Atlantic Ocean, including all the Arab countries of West Asia and North Africa as well as Israel. Focuses on political trends (nationalism and religious fundamentalism), key historical experiences and traumatic events (wars and revolutions), and the interference of world powers that contributed to shaping this sensitive area.

POLITICAL TRAJECTORIES OF IRAQ, SYRIA & LEBANON (1920-2020) (ME3073)

This course explores the modern political history of Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, and how local as well as regional and international developments regularly connected them or had different political echoes and implications in each of them. To Explain that, the course revisits eight historical moments (between 1920 and 2020) and analyzes their events and dynamics in the three countries.

ARAB AND AFRICAN CINEMA (ME3076)

How does cinema in the Arab world and Africa raise important questions about culture, politics and meaning? In this course, we'll explore major developments in the art and industry of cinema in the Arab World and Africa, ranging from the earliest cinema to the most recent contemporary films. We will explore emerging national cinemas and the interactions of Arab and African filmmakers with cinematic movements arising around the world. In exploring the work of a range of important filmmakers, we will think critically about ways in which filmic narratives and forms contribute to the understanding of the cultures and history and advance the art form.