Middle East Studies
What if you could see Egypt’s pyramids up close, and marvel at how close they sit to the chaos of downtown Cairo...
Middle East Studies explores the region’s cultural, religious, political and socioeconomic dynamics
HARDLY A MONOLITHIC WORLD
Many Americans have skewed perceptions of the Middle East. This experience helps students build an informed understanding of this critical region.
You’ll not only develop your own opinions, but you’ll test them against the research of others. You’ll develop critical thinking, plus analytical and research skills that will serve you well throughout your life, no matter what your career.
This region is a wonderfully diverse mosaic of peoples and cultures: Arabs, Armenians, Berbers, Israelis, Kurds, Nubians, Persians and Turks, among others. We help you understand them through interdisciplinary classes in social sciences, arts, humanities and language classes in Arabic or Hebrew.
You will also have many chances to travel. Drew International Seminar offerings have included programs in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Yemen.
Passionate Faculty
Carlos Yordán
Associate professor
I’d say I’m especially intrigued by how terrorist organizations fund themselves, as well as the emergence and the evolution of post-9/11 global counterterrorism strategies. I also study the legal and political ramifications of humanitarian interventions and post-war peace-building efforts.
Ph.D., London School of Economics
Passionate Faculty
Jennifer Olmsted
Associate professor
My research interests include gender and labor markets/poverty in the Middle East, time-use issues and the impact of religion on economic institutions.
Ph.D., University of California–Davis
Imagine Studying
Mysticism within the larger context of Islamic spirituality in “The Sufi Path”
Minor
Requirements for the Minor (24 credits)
I. Core (4 credits)
- REL 250 - Introduction to Islam (4)
A broad introduction to the world's second largest religion. Topics covered include a brief historical overview of the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad, the rise of the early Islamic community, and the formation of Islamic civilization. Additional units focus on the nature and structure of the Qur'an, the role of Islamic law, aspects of ritual practice, and expressions of Muslim spirituality. Relying heavily on primary textual sources in translation, students consider issues such as the relationship between religion and politics, women and society, and themes of unity and variety in the Islamic tradition.
Offered: fall semester.
II. Modern Middle Eastern language (4 credits)
Minors not already fluent in a Middle Eastern language should choose one language course from the following:
- ARBC 101 - Elementary Modern Standard Arabic (4)
An introduction to Modern Standard Arabic. Students learn the Arabic script, the basic rules of Arabic grammar, appropriate vocabulary, reading, oral, and aural skills commensurate with the elementary level.
Offered: fall semester.
- MHEB 101 - Elementary Modern Hebrew I (4)
A study of the basic structures and vocabulary of modern, everyday Hebrew through exercises in reading, speaking, and writing.
Offered: annually.
III. Middle East focus (16 credits)
A. Humanities
- HIST 256 - History of the Islamic Middle East, 600-1800 (4)
A broad survey of the history of the Middle East from the rise of Islam in the early seventh century C.E. to the 19th century. Emphasizes major transformations in the region's history during this period, including the mission of Muhammad, the early Islamic conquests, the formation of classical Islamic culture and society, the demise of the universal empire and the rise of regional states in the 10th century, the impact of the Crusades and the Mongol invasions, and the reconsolidation of political and social order under Ottoman and Safavid rule.
Offered: spring semester.
- HIST 257 - History of the Modern Middle East (4)
A survey of Middle East history in the 19th and 20th centuries. Topics include the decline of Ottoman power and the Tanzimat reforms, the Eastern Question and European rivalry in the Mediterranean, the rise of nationalism in the region, the impact of the First and Second World Wars, the establishment of the state of Israel, the struggle for independence in the Arab world, the Arab-Israeli conflict, superpower rivalry in the Middle East during the Cold War, and the conflict between pan-Islamic forces and secular responses to the crisis of modernity.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- HUM 230 - The Humanities and Islam (4)
The courses in the Comparative Humanities group offer rich possibilities for study. While the cultural and geographical frame for each course is a constant (Islam/Middle East, Africa/African-American, Asia, Latin America) is a constant, the emphasis on specific themes and materials will be determined by the faculty who currently teach the course. Please check the course announcements each semester.
Offered: once every four years.
- REL 222 - Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (4)
A study of religious developments in ancient Israel in their historical contexts. Emphasizes the understandings of Israel as covenant people of God, the relation of religious understandings to historical and social circumstances, the role of prophecy, and the religious restoration following the exile.
Offered: fall semester.
- REL 244 - Eastern Christianity I (4)
History of the four Ancient Patriarchates and the seven separated churches of the East until the time of the Roman Schism.
Same as: CHIST+227.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- REL 252 - Introduction to the Qur'an (4)
A thematic and historical investigation of the central document of Islamic revelation. Devotes special attention to understanding conceptions of God, humanity, nature, community, holy law, prophethood, history, eschatology, and cosmology as reflected in both the Qur'an and in early Muslim theology. Seeks to provide historical and contextual appreciation of the Qur'an in various aspects of Islamic thought and practice. Comparison with both the Jewish and Christian scriptural tradition is encouraged where appropriate.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- REL 254 - Religion and Society in Modern Egypt (4)
An interdisciplinary examination of the role and place of religion in modern Egyptian society. Examines issues such as the impact of religion on the family, on politics, on education, and on various aspects of contemporary Egyptian intellectual and cultural life. Employs literature and film, as well as historical, sociological, anthropological, political science, and religious studies approaches to the study of religion. Focuses on comparing and contrasting Muslim and Christian experiences.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- REL 256 - Religion and Politics: Radical Islamic Movements (4)
An examination of modern currents in Islamic thought, focusing on the relation of religion to both political life and modernity. Emphasizes appreciating the diversity of contemporary Islamic thought through a reading of primary texts in translation. Evaluates both the continuities and contrasts between classical and modern Islamic thought.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- REL 258 - The Sufi Path: Studies in Islamic Mysticism (4)
Mysticism has historically served as one of the three great paths to faith in the Islamic tradition. This course locates Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, within the larger context of Islamic spirituality. Explores the rich legacy of mysticism in Islam from its pre-Islamic roots through to the present. The primary approach to Sufism in this course is through examining the seminal texts of the great Sufi masters in translation.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- REL 301 - Religions of the Ancient Near East (4)
A study of the religions of Mesopotamia (Sumeria, Babylonia, Assyria), Egypt, Anatolia, and Syria-Palestine (Canaan, Aram) through analysis of literature and archaeological remains. Focuses on general religious questions and the interrelationship of Israel and other ancient Near Eastern cultures.
Same as: BIBST+169.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- REL 350 - Seminar in Islamic Studies (4)
An intensive study of special topics in this field.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
B. Social Sciences
- ANTH 232 - Regional Archaeology (4)
An intensive archaeological study of a selected region, focusing on surveys, specific sites, and ethnohistoric and experimental evidence to derive sequences of human occupation, use, and principles of culture change.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or ANTH 104.
- ANTH 304 - Selected Topics in Cultural Anthropology (4)
An investigation of one or more major subject areas in cultural anthropology. Topics vary in accordance with student interest and faculty expertise and may include visual anthropology, structural theory, and post-postmodernism.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- ECON 250 - Selected Topics in Economics (2-4)
Recent topics have included the economics of food and nutrition, the economics of corporate downsizing, and the economics of financial market integration and comparative central banking.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: ECON 101 (and ECON 102 when topic merits it; see course listings each semester).
- PSCI 229 - Middle East Politics (4)
A comparative study of the political process in the Middle East and North Africa, exploring the political foundations of the traditional societies, the political bases of social change, and political development.
Offered: Annually.
- PSCI 345 - War and Peace in the Middle East (4)
Wars and numerous peacemaking initiatives have affected the Middle East's socio-economic and political development. Why has this region been marred by wars? Is the lack of democratic structures or strong regional organizations built on neo-liberal principles the problem? Or is it the legacy of imperialism and the continued interference of the great powers? This course will provide answers to these questions by studying three conflicts: (1) the Arab-Israeli conflict, especially the struggle between Israelis and Palestinians; (2) Lebanon's civil war (1975-1990); and (3) the U.S.-Iraq conflict (1991-present).
Offered: in alternate years.
C. Language & Literature
- ARBC 201 - Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I (4)
An intermediate-level study of writing, reading, oral, and aural skills in Modern Standard Arabic. Explores advanced structures of grammar, syntax, and expression. Students are also expected to gain a greater degree of cultural proficiency through appropriate readings, tapes, class discussions, and Arabic language films.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: ARBC+20, or equivalent as determined by placement exam.
- ARBC 202 - Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic II (4)
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 201 or Permission of the Instructor.
- FREN 261 - Selected Topics in French and Francophone Literatures (2-4)
A study of a topic or topics in a linguistic, cultural, or literary aspect of the French-speaking world not covered by the current offerings of the French Department.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: FREN 201.
- MEST 203 - Middle East Literatures in Translation (4)
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.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- MHEB 102 - Elementary Modern Hebrew II (4)
A study of the basic structures and vocabulary of modern, everyday Hebrew through exercises in reading, speaking, and writing.
Offered: annually.
- MHEB 201 - Intermediate Modern Hebrew (4)
An advanced study in Hebrew conversation, writing, and reading.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
D. Other
Four credits from the following which, while not focusing primarily on the Middle East, contain a significant Middle East component, may be used as an elective.
- ARTH 208 - Islamic Art (4)
This course examines the history of ten centuries of Islamic art and architecture both chronologically and thematically. It begins with a study of medieval Islamic art of the Near East and Mediterranean, examining major themes and regional variations. Study will then shift to select monuments of Islamic art from the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries. The focus may include architecture and manuscript painting, with some attention also to metalwork, pottery, and textiles. Issues considered may include: Islamic aesthetic attitudes, definitions of Islamic art, adaptations of a late antique artistic vocabulary, cross-cultural influence, architecture and ritual, and ideology and style in manuscript painting.
Offered: spring semester in even numbered years.
- HIST 258 - Modern Jewish History (4)
A study of the social and cultural experiences of Jews and Jewish communities from the Enlightenment to the present. Explores the diversity of Jewish experience in Western Europe, Russia, America, the Arab lands, and Israel, beginning with a survey of the major developments in European and American history that have shaped Jewish identities.
Offered: fall semester in odd-numbered years.
- JWST 220 - The Jewish Experience: An Introduction to Judaism (4)
A survey of the basic religious doctrines, ritual practice, and philosophical schools of the Jewish religion, from biblical times to the present. The course includes analysis of Jewish theology, rational philosophy, mysticism, messianism, religious ceremonies, family life-cycle, and rites of passage, as well as universal concepts.
Same as: REL 220.
Offered: spring semester.
- REL 320 - Seminar in Jewish Studies (4)
An in-depth study of a specific religious or philosophical aspect of Judaism, with an emphasis on the critical analysis of primary sources and traditional texts.
Course may be repeated.
Same as: JWST 320.
- REL 377 - Studies in Mysticism (4)
An introduction to mysticism through comparative and phenomenological study of mystical traditions in five major world religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Examines and compares primary texts, practices, major figures, and significant historical developments in mysticism within and among these five religions. Specific themes and topics covered may vary.
Course may be repeated.
Offered: spring semester in odd-numbered years.
Note
Students contemplating graduate or professional work related to the Middle East are strongly encouraged to begin study of Arabic as early as possible and to supplement their study of the language with intensive summer language programs recommended by the Director of the Middle East Studies program.
With the approval of the Director of the program in Middle East Studies, students may count towards their minor other appropriate intermediate- and upper-level courses, with a primary focus on the Middle East, which may be offered from time to time.