Center for Middle Eastern Studies
Middle Eastern Studies: MES
Lower-Division Courses
MES 301K. Introduction to the Middle East: Religious, Cultural, and Historical Foundations.
Same as History 306K and Religious Studies 314K. A survey of the history and civilization of the Middle East from the sixth to the fourteenth century. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: History 306K, Middle Eastern Studies 301K, Religious Studies 314 (Topic: Intro M East: Rel/Cul/Hist Fnd), 314K.
MES 301L. Introduction to the Middle East: Adjustment and Change in Modern Times.
Same as Government 314 (Topic 3) and History 306N (Topic 5). The responses of the societies of the Middle East and North Africa (Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Israel, and the Arab world) to Western cultural and political challenges, primarily since about 1800. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Government 314 (Topic 3), History 306N (Topic 5), Middle Eastern Studies 301L.
MES 310. Topics in Middle Eastern Studies.
Studies of areas and issues in the Middle East and North Africa. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Topic 3: Introduction to the Old Testament. Same as Core Texts and Ideas 305G, Jewish Studies 311 (Topic 4), and Religious Studies 313C. Introduction to the many interpretations of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) and its meaning in the context of its historical and cultural setting in the ancient Near East. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 305G, 310 (Topic: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible), Jewish Studies 311 (Topic: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible), 311 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Studies 310 (Topic: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible), 310 (Topic 3), Religious Studies 313 (Topic: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible), 313C.
Topic 4: Social Transformation of Love and Relationships. Same as Sociology 308L. Examination of the social, psychological, and spiritual perspectives toward the ideas of love and intimacy; how love and intimacy interact with rapid social, economic, and cultural change; and how the subsequent change transformed the social world and the meaning of love. Subjects include the aspects of self and identity; differentiation in the context of love in the modern age; the family and the individual; the impact of industrialization on private lives and the public order; gender, communication, love; intercultural love and intimacy; and personal choice and arranged marriages. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Studies 310 (Topic: Social Transformation of Love and Relationships), 310 (Topic 4), Sociology 308 (Topic: Social Transformation of Love and Relationships), 308L.
Topic 5: Introduction to Music in World Cultures. Same as Music 303M. Exploration of practices, beliefs, and issues through the study of various musical genres in the regions of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. Three lecture hours a week for one semester, with additional hours to be arranged. Only one of the following may be counted: Asian Studies 303M, Middle Eastern Studies 310 (Topic: Introduction to Music In World Cultures), 310 (Topic 5), Music 303M.
Topic 6: Jewish Civilization: Beginnings to 1492. Same as History 306N (Topic 10), Jewish Studies 304M, and Religious Studies 313M. Introduction to the history, culture, and religion of the Jewish people from around 1000 BC to the end of the medieval period. Subjects may include ancient Israel, late Second Temple sectarianism, the rise of Christianity, rabbinic Judaism, medieval Jewish philosophy, Jewish mysticism, and Hebrew poetry. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: History 306N (Topic: Jewish Civilization I), 306N (Topic 10), Jewish Studies 304M, 311 (Topic: Jewish Civilization I), Middle Eastern Studies 310 (Topic: Jewish Civilization: Beginnings to 1492), 310 (Topic 6), Religious Studies 313 (Topic: Jewish Civilization I), 313M.
MES 119S, 219S, 319S, 419S, 519S, 619S, 719S, 819S, 919S. Topics in Middle Eastern Studies.
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies. University credit is awarded to work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Upper-Division Courses
MES 127. Middle Eastern Cultural Exchange.
Provides an opportunity for students to interact with peer groups in Middle Eastern countries in which Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish are spoken. Students engage in a variety of cultural activities and correspond with peer groups via blogs and Internet discussion forums. One lecture hour a week for one semester. Offered on the pass/fail basis only. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
MES 129S, 229S, 329S, 429S, 529S, 629S, 729S, 829S, 929S. Topics in Middle Eastern Studies.
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
MES 331C. History of the Ottoman Empire.
Same as History 331C. A survey of Ottoman society and culture and of the empire's place on the world scene. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
MES 334C. Music Cultures of the Middle East, Past and Present.
Same as History 334C. A historical and ethnomusicological survey of the Arab, Turkish, and Persian music cultures. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
MES 341. Topics in the Middle East: Social Science.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic.
Topic 2: Business in Emerging Markets. Same as International Business 373 and Latin American Studies 322 (Topic 9). Only one of the following may be counted: International Business 372 (Topic 2), 373, Latin American Studies 322 (Topic 9), Middle Eastern Studies 341 (Topic 2). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 3: The Cities of the Middle East. Same as Anthropology 324L (Topic 51), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 9), and Urban Studies 354 (Topic 15). Anthropological and sociological analysis of space, with a special emphasis on urban theory and culture in the Middle East. Only one of the following may be counted: Anthropology 324L (Topic: Cities of the Middle East), 324L (Topic 51), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Cities of the Middle East), 373 (Topic 9), Middle Eastern Studies 322K (Topic: Cities of the Middle East), 341 (Topic 3), Urban Studies 354 (Topic: Cities of the Middle East), 354 (Topic 15).
Topic 4: Development Communication. Same as Radio-Television-Film 342 (Topic 6). Middle Eastern Studies 341 (Topic 4) and Radio-Television-Film 342 (Topic 6) may not both be counted.
Topic 5: Arab-Israeli Politics. Same as Government 320L. In-depth study of domestic, regional, and international factors involved in politics in the Middle East, including simulation of diplomatic interaction in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Government 320L and Middle Eastern Studies 341 (Topic 5) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 6: Negotiating Urbanization: Case Studies in Turkey. Same as Urban Studies 354 (Topic 9). Examines local and transnational forces that have driven and continue to drive contemporary urbanization in Turkey. Focuses on key issues that emerge in rapidly growing cities of the developing world, such as growing income inequality and socioeconomic exclusion, environmental challenges, and rising violence. Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Studies 326 (Topic: Negotiating Urbanization in the Middle East: Case Studies in Turkey), 341 (Topic 6), Turkish 372 (Topic: Negotiating Urbanization in the Middle East: Case Studies in Turkey), Urban Studies 354 (Topic: Negotiating Urbanization in the Middle East: Case Studies in Turkey), 354 (Topic 9).
Topic 7: Gender Politics in the Islamic World. Same as Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 11), Religious Studies 358 (Topic 8), Sociology 336G, and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 44). Study of the Islamic world and major sociological concepts such as gender, social organizations, culture, and politics. Examines how culture is mediated by politics, resulting in diverse interpretations of Islam and in different policies with respect to women's rights. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Gender Politics in the Islamic World), 373 (Topic 11), Middle Eastern Studies 322K (Topic: Gender Politics in the Islamic World), 341 (Topic: Gender Politics in the Islamic World), 341 (Topic 7), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: Gender Politics in the Islamic World), 358 (Topic 8), Sociology 321K (Topic: Gender Politics in the Islamic World), 336G, Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Gender Politics in the Islamic World), 340 (Topic 44). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
MES 342. Topics in the Middle East: Arts and Humanities.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic.
Topic 1: Introduction to Arabic Literature. Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 13), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 1), and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 1). General survey of major themes, genres, and artists in the Arabic literary tradition from the sixth century to the modern era. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Introduction to Arabic Literature), 323 (Topic 13), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 1), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 1), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 1). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 2: Loyalty and Rebellion in Arabic Literature. Same as Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 2) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 2). Only one of the following may be counted: Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 2), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 2), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 2). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 3: Memory and Identity in Ancient Arabia. Same as Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 3) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 3). Only one of the following may be counted: Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 3), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 3), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 3). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 4: The Arabian Nights. Same as Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 4) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 4). Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: The Arabian Nights), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 4), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: The Arabian Nights), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: The Arabian Nights). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 5: Israel Through Its Literature. Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 15), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 17), and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 5). Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Introduction to Israeli Literature), Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 15), English 322 (Topic: Introduction to Israeli Literature), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 17), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 5), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 5). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 6: Love and the State in Contemporary Israeli Literature. Same as Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 7) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 6). Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Love and State in Contemporary Israeli Literature), English 322 (Topic: Love and State in Contemporary Israeli Literature), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 6), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 6), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Love and State in Contemporary Israeli Literature). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 7: Postmodernist Israeli Literature. Same as Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 19) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 7). Study of the first decades of Israeli literature. Themes include the establishment of a new state in the aftermath of the Holocaust, conflict between Israel and Arab nations, and conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Postmodernist Israeli Literature), English 322 (Topic: Postmodernist Israeli Literature), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 19), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 7), 342 (Topic 7). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 8: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature. Same as Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 10), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 8), and Religious Studies 353 (Topic 3). Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), English 322 (Topic: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 10), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 8), Religious Studies 353 (Topic: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), 353 (Topic 3). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 9: Mizrahi Writing in Israel. Same as Hebrew 346 (Topic 9) and Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 8). Only one of the following may be counted: Hebrew 346 (Topic 9), Jewish 363 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 9). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing, and Hebrew 412L (or 312L) or 320L with a grade of at least C.
Topic 10: Persian Literature, Past and Present. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 10). Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 10) and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 10) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 11: Iranian Women Writers. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 11) and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 10). Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 11), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 11), WGS 340 (Topic 10). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 12: Images of the West and Westerners in Persian Fiction. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 12). Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 12) and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 12) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 13: Iranian Literature in Exile. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 13). Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 13) and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 13) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 14: Iranian Film and Fiction. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 14). Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 14) and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 14) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 15: Classical Islamic Studies. Same as Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 3), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 15), and Religious Studies 358 (Topic 10). Only one of the following may be counted: Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 3), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 15), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 15), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: Classical Islamic Studies), Religious Studies 358 (Topic 10). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 16: The Qur'an. Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 37), Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic 1), Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 2), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 9), Religious Studies 325G, and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 54). The history, language, style, and themes of the Qur'an. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: The Qur'an), 323 (Topic 37), Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic: The Qur'an), Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic 1), Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 2), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 9), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 16), Religious Studies 325G, Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: The Qur'an), 340 (Topic 54). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 17: Envisioning Muslims: The Middle Ages and Today. Same as English 360S (Topic 3). Covers the representation of Muslims in the dominant cultural media of the European Middle Ages and in the contemporary world of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Modern cultural media includes film and digital visual media. Readings are selected to show how Europeans envisioned Muslims, and how Muslims envisioned themselves. Only one of the following may be counted: English 360S (Topic 3), Islamic Studies 372 (Topic: Envisioning Muslims), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 17). Additional prerequisite: Nine semester hours of coursework in English or rhetoric and writing.
Topic 18: Saracens in Medieval Literature. Same as English 350E (Topic 2). Muslims, Arabs, Turks, Persians, Berbers, and Moors were often identified in literature and historical texts under the invented group name Saracens. Course explores who, and what, a Saracen is. Includes selected readings of literature, historical documents, and critical scholarship on Saracens in European medieval romances and epics, crusade literature, travel narratives, maps, and polemical treatises. For critical contrast, readings also include Islamic texts on, or by some of the most famous (or infamous) Saracens known to medieval Europe. English 350E (Topic 2) and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 18) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Nine semester hours of coursework in English or rhetoric and writing.
Topic 19: Self-Revelation in Women's Writing. Same as African and African Diaspora Studies 372E (Topic 8), Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 4), and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 14). Only one of the following may be counted: African and African Diaspora Studies 372E (Topic 8), 374 (Topic 26), Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 4), English 322 (Topic: Self-Revelation in Women's Writing), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 19), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 14).
Topic 20: Autobiography: A Modern Literary Species. Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 3). Only one of the following may be counted: African and African Diaspora Studies 374 (Topic 25), Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 3), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 20), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Autobiography: A Modern Literary Species). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 21: Rome and Jerusalem. Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 3), History 321G, Jewish Studies 365 (Topic 7), and Religious Studies 365 (Topic 1). A study of daily life in Israel during the Roman period, focusing on Jerusalem, ancient Palestinian synagogues and churches, Jewish and Christian symbolism, agriculture, warfare, and burial practices. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 3), Classical Civilization 348 (Topic: Rome and Jerusalem), History 321G, Jewish Studies 365 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 21), Religious Studies 365 (Topic 1), Urban Studies 353 (Topic: Rome and Jerusalem). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 22: Biblical Archaeology. Only one of the following may be counted: Anthropology 324L (Topic: Biblical Archaeology), History 364G (Topic: Biblical Archaeology), Jewish Studies 361 (Topic: Biblical Archaeology), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 22), Religious Studies 353 (Topic: Biblical Archaeology). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 23: The Dead Sea Scrolls. Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 1), History 364G (Topic 3), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 17), and Religious Studies 353D. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: The Dead Sea Scrolls), 330 (Topic 1), History 364G (Topic 3), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 17), 342 (Topic 23), Religious Studies 353D. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 24: Sufism and Islamic Mysticism. Same as Asian Studies 340 (Topic 8), Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 4), and Religious Studies 358 (Topic 4). Muslim debates of Sufism; the historical development of Sufi beliefs regarding theology, religious laws, expression, and popular social practices. Only one of the following may be counted: Asian Studies 340 (Topic: Sufism and Islamic Mysticism), Asian Studies 340 (Topic 8), History 364G (Topic: Sufism and Islamic Mysticism), Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Studies 320 (Topic 16: Sufism: Islamic Mysticism and Spirituality), 342 (Topic 24), Religious Studies 341 (Topic: Sufism and Islamic Mysticism), 358 (Topic 4). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 25: Politics of Court Literature. Same as Arabic 360L (Topic 3) and Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 6). Only one of the following may be counted: Arabic 360L (Topic 3), Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Politics of Court Literature), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 6), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 25). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing; Arabic 120D and 420L with a grade of at least C in each, or Arabic 531L with a grade of at least C.
Topic 26: Arab Women Poets. Same as Arabic 360L (Topic 2) and Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 7). Only one of the following may be counted: Arabic 360L (Topic 2), Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Arab Women Poets), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 26). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing, and Arabic 420L with a grade of at least C in each, or Arabic 531L with a grade of at least C.
Topic 27: Islamic Law. Same as Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 5), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 19), Religious Studies 358 (Topic 9), and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 27). Designed to give students a foundation in the substantive teachings of the shariah, which comprises not only what we normally think of as law, but also ethics and etiquette. Only one of the following may be counted: Islamic Studies 340 (Topic: Islamic Law), 340 (Topic 5), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Islamic Law), 321 (Topic 19), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 27), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: Islamic Law), 358 (Topic 9), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Islamic Law), 340 (Topic 27).
Topic 28: Gender in North and West Africa. Same as African and African Diaspora Studies 372G (Topic 5), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 16), and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 34). Examines gender discourses through North African and West African literary works by looking at the role(s) played by Islam and Christianity in the creation of the identities of African men and women. Includes discussion of the question of what gender is, and whether it is socially constructed. Only one of the following may be counted: African and African Diaspora Studies 372G (Topic 5), 374C (Topic: Gender in North and West Africa), Islamic Studies 372 (Topic: Gender in North and West Africa), 373 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 16), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 28), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Gender in North and West Africa), 340 (Topic 34). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 29: In Search of King David. Same as Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 20), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 18), and Religious Studies 365 (Topic 3). Only one of the following may be counted: Jewish Studies 363 (Topic: In Search of King David), 363 (Topic 20), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: In Search of King David), 321 (Topic 18), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: In Search of King David), 342 (Topic 29), Religious Studies 365 (Topic: In Search of King David), 365 (Topic 3). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 30: Iranian Culture. Same as Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 10) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 20). Only one of the following may be counted: Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Iranian Culture), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 10), Middle Eastern Languages and Culture 321 (Topic: Iranian Culture), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures (Topic 20), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Iranian Culture), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 30), Persian 372 (Topic: Iranian Culture). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 31: Palestine and the Palestinians: A Journey Through Time. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 21). Three lecture hours per week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Arabic 360L (Topic: Palestine and the Palestinians), 360L (Topic 10), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 21), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 31). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 32: Women Filmmakers in the Middle East. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 23) and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 55). Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 23), Middle Eastern Studies 322K (Topic: Women Filmmakers in the Middle East), 342 (Topic 32), Turkish 372 (Topic: Women Filmmakers in the Middle East), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Women Filmmakers in the Middle East), 340 (Topic 55). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 33: Love in the East and West. Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 36), Core Texts and Ideas 345 (Topic 10), and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 25). Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Love in the East and West), Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 36), Core Texts and Ideas 345 (Topic: Love in the East and West), Core Texts and Ideas 345 (Topic 10), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Love in the East and West), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 25), Middle Eastern Studies 321K (Topic: Love in the East and West), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 33), Turkish 372 (Topic: Love in the East and West). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 34: The Religions of the Middle East. Same as Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 6), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 26), and Religious Studies 358 (Topic 15). Three lecture hours per week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Islamic Studies 340 (Topic: Religions of the Middle East), 340 (Topic 6), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 26), Middle Eastern Studies 322K (Topic: Religions of the Middle East), 342 (Topic 34), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: Religions of the Middle East), 358 (Topic 15). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 35: Islamic Theology. Same as Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic 2), Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 27), and Religious Studies 358 (Topic 14). Three lecture hours per week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic: Islamic Theology), 375 (Topic 2), Islamic Studies 340 (Topic: Islamic Theology), 340 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Islamic Theology), 321 (Topic: 27), Middle Eastern Studies 321K (Topic: Islamic Theology), 342 (Topic: Islamic Theology), 342 (Topic 35), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: Islamic Theology), 358 (Topic 14). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 36: Rumi and the Persian Sufi Tradition. Same as Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 12) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 28). Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Rumi & Persian Sufi Tradition), Islamic Studies 372 (Topic: Rumi & Persian Sufi Tradition), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Rumi & Persian Sufi Tradition), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 12), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Rumi & Persian Sufi Tradition), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 28), Middle Eastern Studies 321K (Topic: Rumi & Persian Sufi Tradition), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Rumi & Persian Sufi Tradition), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 36), Persian 361 (Topic: Rumi & Persian Sufi Tradition), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: Rumi & Persian Sufi Tradition). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 37: Biblical Prophecy. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 24). Only one of the following may be counted: Hebrew 374 (Topic: Biblical Prophecy), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 24), Middle Eastern Studies 320 (Topic: Biblical Prophecy), 342 (Topic 37), Religious Studies 353 (Topic: Biblical Prophecy).
Topic 38: Comparative Jewish Literature: Israel, France, and the United States. Same as Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 22) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 38). Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), English 322 (Topic: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 10), 363 (Topic 22), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 8), 321 (Topic 38), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 8), 342 (Topic 38), Religious Studies 353 (Topic: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), 353 (Topic 3). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 39: The Middle East in World Poetry. Same as Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 14) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 30). Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Middle East in World Poetry), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Middle East in World Poetry), 373 (Topic 14), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Middle East in World Poetry), 321 (Topic 30), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Middle East in World Poetry), 342 (Topic 39). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 40: Gender and Art in the Muslim World. Same as Asian Studies 372 (Topic 46), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 15), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 31), Religious Studies 358 (Topic 20), and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 62). Only one of the following may be counted: Asian Studies 372 (Topic: Gender and Art in Muslim World), 372 (Topic 46), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Gender and Art in Muslim World), 373 (Topic 15), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Gender and Art in Muslim World), 321 (Topic 31), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Gender and Art in Muslim World), 342 (Topic 40), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: Gender and Art in Muslim World), 358 (Topic 20), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Gender and Art in Muslim World), 340 (Topic 62). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 42: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory. Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 8), Classical Civilization 340 (Topic 8), and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 33). Explores the development of complex societies in ancient Greece by studying its prehistory through archaeology. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 325 (Topic 8), Classical Civilization 340 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 340 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 321 (Topic 33), Middle Eastern Studies 320 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 342 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 342 (Topic 42), Persian 372 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory).
Topic 43: Persian Art: Past and Present. Same as Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 16) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 35). Only one of the following may be counted: Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Persian Art: Past and Present), 373 (Topic 16), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Persian Art: Past and Present), 321 (Topic 35), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Persian Art: Past and Present), 342 (Topic 43). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 44: Graffiti and Poster Art in the Islamic World. Same as Anthropology 324L (Topic 59), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 17), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 36), Religious Studies 358 (Topic 21), and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 67). Only one of the following may be counted: Anthropology 324L (Topic: Graffiti/Poster Art: Islam World), 324L (Topic 59), Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Graffiti/Poster Art: Islam World), 373 (Topic 17), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Graffiti/Poster Art: Islam World), 321 (Topic 36), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Graffiti/Poster Art: Islam World), 342 (Topic 44), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: Graffiti/Poster Art: Islam World), 358 (Topic 21), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Graffiti/Poster Art: Islam World), 340 (Topic 67). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 45: Lost Languages and Decipherment. Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 4), Classical Civilization 348 (Topic 21), and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 37). Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), 330 (Topic 4), Classical Civilization 348 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), 348 (Topic 21), Linguistics 350 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), 321 (Topic 37), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), 342 (Topic 45). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
MES 343. Topics in the Middle East: History.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic.
Topic 1: Modern Egypt: A History. Same as History 334E and Islamic Studies 373 (Topic 5). Critically examines the social, political, and intellectual dynamics that shaped the different forms of political community, economic organization, and public culture over the past century. Covers colonialism, liberalism, Arab socialism, authoritarian capitalism, and Islamic republicanism. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: History 334E, History 364G (Topic: Modern Egypt: A History), Islamic Studies 372 (Topic: Modern Egypt: A History), 373 (Topic 5), Middle Eastern Studies 343 (Topic 1). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 2: Re-forming the Arab East, 1914-Present. Same as History 331R. Introduction to the history of the Middle East in the twentieth century. Examines forces that transformed the area from a relatively peaceful region to a radicalized environment. Explores colonialism, nationalism, secular modernism, impact of Zionism, rise of political Islam, status of women, and the oil revolution. Only one of the following may be counted: History 331R, History 364G (Topic: Re-forming the Arab East), Middle Eastern Studies 343 (Topic 2). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 3: History of Iran to 1800. Same as History 331G. A survey of the social, economic, and religious components unique to Iran from the pre-Islamic empire of the Achaemenids through the development of Iran as a medieval and premodern Islamic state. History 331G and Middle Eastern Studies 343 (Topic 3) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 4: Islamic Spain and North Africa to 1492. Same as History 375D and Religious Studies 345. An introduction to the impact of Islam on Spain and North Africa, with emphasis on social, economic, and cultural development. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Islamic Spain and North Africa to 1492), History 375D, Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Islamic Spain and North Africa to 1492), Middle Eastern Studies 343 (Topic 4), Religious Studies 345, 363 (Topic: Islamic Spain and North Africa to 1492). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 5: Medieval Islam: Faith and History. Same as History 350L (Topic 34) and Religious Studies 358 (Topic 2). Only one of the following may be counted: History 350L (Topic 34), Middle Eastern Studies 343 (Topic 5), Religious Studies 358 (Topic 2). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 6: Modern Iran. Same as History 331L. The development of modern Iran; special attention is given to the impact of the West, the constitutional movement, nationalism, the oil crisis, and the Islamic Revolution of 1979. History 331L and Middle Eastern Studies 343 (Topic 6) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 7: History of the Pilgrimage to Mecca, Hajj. Same as History 364G (Topic 14) and Religious Studies 358 (Topic 24). Survey of the Hajj, Islam's major pilgrimage to Mecca and the nearby Holy Places. It will examine the Islamic pilgrimage from its beginnings in the seventh century C.E. through today. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: History 364G (Topic: History of the Pilgrimage to Mecca, Hajj), 364G (Topic 14), Middle Eastern Studies 343 (Topic: History of the Pilgrimage to Mecca, Hajj), 343 (Topic 7), Religious Studies 358 (Topic: History of the Pilgrimage to Mecca, Hajj), 358 (Topic 24).
MES 351. Mediterranean Crossroads Seminar.
Reading and discussion about the lands, cultures, and societies of the eastern Mediterranean from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Students prepare to study in the Middle East (in Middle Eastern Studies 352) and begin work on their individual research projects. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered in the spring semester only. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and consent of instructor.
MES 352. Mediterranean Crossroads Study Abroad Seminar.
Students study and conduct research in the Middle East. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered in the summer session only. Prerequisite: Middle Eastern Studies 351.
MES 353. Mediterranean Crossroads Conference Course.
Under supervision of a faculty member, students complete their research projects following participation in Middle Eastern Studies 352. Conference course. Offered in the fall semester only. Prerequisite: Middle Eastern Studies 352.
MES 360. Conference Course.
Supervised individual research, discussion, and writing of papers about various general and specialized Middle Eastern subjects. Conference course. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and consent of instructor.
MES 370. Practicum: Internships in Applied Middle Eastern Studies.
Research and staff experience working in an appropriate agency or business. At least six but no more than nine hours of work a week for one semester. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Completion of at least seventy semester hours of coursework, including twelve hours of Middle Eastern studies, and consent of the undergraduate adviser.
MES 679H. Honors Tutorial Course.
Supervised individual reading for one semester, followed by research and writing to produce a substantial paper on a special topic in middle eastern studies, to be completed during the second semester. Conference course for two semesters. Prerequisite: For 679HA, admission to the Middle Eastern Studies Honors Program; for 679HB, Middle Eastern Studies 679HA.