Middle East Studies (minor) Courses

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  • MEST 10 / Middle East Literatures in Translation (4) - view
    An examination, through English translation, of one or more literary traditions of the Middle East. The focus of the course varies from one semester to the next. In any given semester, the course may center on Arabic, Israeli, Persian, Turkish, or other literature of the region in translation, or on a comparison of two or more of these traditions. Literary genres and themes covered in this course may also vary. For example, the course may focus primarily on prose, such as novels and short stories, or center on particular themes, such as conflict or construction of identity. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
  • MEST 12 / Introduction to the Modern Middle East (4) - view
    An introduction to the study of the modern Middle East, this course will survey the contemporary history, politics, economics, and intellectual currents that have shaped the region since World War II. The goal of the course is to build students' understanding of the shared features that have served to distinguish and unite Middle Eastern societies as well as raise their awareness of the diversity in ethnicity, religion, and political ideology that shape much of the contemporary knowledge about the region. Topics covered will include history, religion, political science, anthropology, sociology, art history, economics, and literature. Guest lectures throughout the semester. The course will end with an inquiry into the discipline itself, with students discussing the different theoretical models used to study the Middle East and their implications. Enrollment priority: Priority given to Middle East Studies minors. Offered spring semester.
  • MEST 32 / Selected Topics in Middle East Studies (2) - view
    A focus on aspects of Middle East studies not covered by regular course offerings. Topics vary from year to year depending upon student interest and faculty expertise. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
  • MEST 34 / Selected Topics in Middle East Studies (4) - view
    A focus on aspects of Middle East studies not covered by regular course offerings. Topics vary from year to year depending upon student interest and faculty expertise. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
  • MEST 132 / Independent Study in Middle East Studies (2) - view
    A tutorial stressing independent investigation of a topic selected in close consultation with the instructor. Students must meet with their faculty adviser at least once every two weeks and submit regular oral and written reports in a timely manner. Admission to the course is by petition to the director of the program in Middle East studies. May be repeated for credit with the approval of the department. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester.
  • MEST 134 / Independent Study in Middle East Studies (4) - view
    A tutorial stressing independent investigation of a topic selected in close consultation with the instructor. Students must meet with their faculty adviser at least once every two weeks and submit regular oral and written reports in a timely manner. Admission to the course is by petition to the director of the program in Middle East studies. May be repeated for credit with the approval of the department. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester.

See appropriate departments for the following courses

  • ARBC 50 / Advanced Arabic (4) - view
    An advanced-level course in Arabic that will allow students to build active vocabulary and develop a higher level of proficiency in reading, writing, and oral expression. Students' command of Arabic grammar will be solidified through the mastery of basic grammatical terms and knowledge of syntax and morphology. The course will incorporate various readings, class discussion, and non-textual materials such as films and audio exercises that will provide a cultural component. Prerequisite: ARBC 30 or Permission of the Instructor.
  • ARBC 101 / Advanced Arabic (4) - view
    A third-year Arabic course with continued study of the structure of the language and a focus on speaking and writing skills. This course includes and extensive review and refinement of Arabic grammar and will include advance reading materials from a variety of sources and multimedia assignments. Prerequisite: ARBC 50 on permission of instructor. Offered fall semester.
  • ARBC 102 / Advanced Arabic II (4) - view
    The second semester of the third year Arabic sequence with a focus on the finer points of grammar and syntax. Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills will continue to be developed. Authentic texts and audio-visual materials will be used in conjunction with standard textbook materials to develop student proficiency. Prerequisite: ARBC 101 or permission of the instructor. Offered spring semester.