Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures (MEL)
MEL 380 Topics in Middle Eastern Cultures 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing; additional prerequisites vary with the topic.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Doctoral
Topic 1: Gender, Clothing, and Identity in Muslim Societies. Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380 (Topic 1), Middle Eastern Studies 381 (Topic: Gend/Cloth/Ident in Muslim Soc), 386 (Topic 25). Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Same as: MES 386.25 Additional prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Topic 2: Introduction to Islamic Studies. Introduction to the academic field of Islamic Studies. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Additional prerequisite: Graduate standing.
MEL 380.1 Gender, Clothing, and Identity in Muslim Societies 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380 (Topic 1), Middle Eastern Studies 381 (Topic: Gend/Cloth/Ident in Muslim Soc), 386 (Topic 25). Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Same as: MES 386.25
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 380.2 Introduction to Islamic Studies 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Introduction to the academic field of Islamic Studies. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 380C Topics in Middle Eastern Languages 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Advanced studies in Middle Eastern languages. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor; additional prerequisites may vary with the topic.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Doctoral
Topic 1: Targumic Aramaic. Examines Aramaic translations of the Hebrew bible that contain many exegetical deviations from the Hebrew text, and provide a glimpse of Jewish theology at the time of their composition. Additional prerequisite: Consent of instructor; some knowledge of Hebrew is recommended.
Topic 2: Syriac. Study of the eastern Aramaic dialect that was spoken in the ancient Near East until the Muslim occupation. Examines the use of the dialect as a vehicle for Christianity in the East; its use in poetry, science, and philosophy; and its influence on Arabic. Covers the essentials of Syriac grammar for the purpose of reading Syriac texts. Hebrew 380C (Topic 9: Syriac) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic 2) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Topic 3: Classical Ethiopic. Study of the fourth-century language of the Semitic people who lived in what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea. Covers the alphabet and grammar needed for reading translations of the Bible and other texts. Additional prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Topic 4: Ugaritic. Study of the West Semitic languages from the city of Ugarit in what is now Syria, which was spoken from the fourteenth through twelfth century BC. Covers the essentials of grammar needed for reading Ugaritic texts. Additional prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Topic 6: Akkadian I. Introduction to the study of Akkadian, the principal language used in ancient Assyria, Babylonia, and their environs. Explore Old Babylonian grammar and the cuneiform writing system. Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic: Akkadian I) and 380C (Topic 6) may not both be counted.
Topic 7: Akkadian II. Continue the study of Akkadian and Old Babylonian grammar, syntax, and signs. Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic: Akkadian II) and 380C (Topic 7) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic 6).
Topic 8: Akkadian III. Read Akkadian texts from a variety of genres and time periods, including Assyrian and Babylonian letters and royal inscriptions. Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic: Akkadian III) and 380C (Topic 8) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic 7).
Topic 9: Akkadian IV. Read Akkadian texts from a variety of genres and time periods, including Standard Babylonian literary texts. Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic: Akkadian IV) and 380C (Topic 9) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic 9).
MEL 380C.1 Targumic Aramaic 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Examines Aramaic translations of the Hebrew bible that contain many exegetical deviations from the Hebrew text, and provide a glimpse of Jewish theology at the time of their composition.
Pre/Corequisites: Consent of instructor; some knowledge of Hebrew is recommended.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 380C.2 Syriac 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Study of the eastern Aramaic dialect that was spoken in the ancient Near East until the Muslim occupation. Examines the use of the dialect as a vehicle for Christianity in the East; its use in poetry, science, and philosophy; and its influence on Arabic. Covers the essentials of Syriac grammar for the purpose of reading Syriac texts. Hebrew 380C (Topic 9: Syriac) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic 2) may not both be counted.
Pre/Corequisites: Consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 380C.3 Classical Ethiopic 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Study of the fourth-century language of the Semitic people who lived in what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea. Covers the alphabet and grammar needed for reading translations of the Bible and other texts.
Pre/Corequisites: Consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 380C.4 Ugaritic 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Study of the West Semitic languages from the city of Ugarit in what is now Syria, which was spoken from the fourteenth through twelfth century BC. Covers the essentials of grammar needed for reading Ugaritic texts.
Pre/Corequisites: Consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 380C.6 Akkadian I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Introduction to the study of Akkadian, the principal language used in ancient Assyria, Babylonia, and their environs. Explore Old Babylonian grammar and the cuneiform writing system. Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic: Akkadian I) and 380C (Topic 6) may not both be counted.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 380C.7 Akkadian II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Continue the study of Akkadian and Old Babylonian grammar, syntax, and signs. Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic: Akkadian II) and 380C (Topic 7) may not both be counted.
Pre/Corequisites: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic 6).
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 380C.8 Akkadian III 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Read Akkadian texts from a variety of genres and time periods, including Assyrian and Babylonian letters and royal inscriptions. Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic: Akkadian III) and 380C (Topic 8) may not both be counted.
Pre/Corequisites: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic 7).
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 380C.9 Akkadian IV 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Read Akkadian texts from a variety of genres and time periods, including Standard Babylonian literary texts. Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic: Akkadian IV) and 380C (Topic 9) may not both be counted.
Pre/Corequisites: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 380C (Topic 9).
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 381 Topics in Middle Eastern Literatures 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing; additional prerequisites vary with the topic.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 382 Topics in Middle Eastern Linguistics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing; additional prerequisites vary with the topic.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Doctoral
Topic 1: Teaching Middle Eastern Languages. Additional prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Topic 2: Introduction to the Structure of Semitic Languages. Covers the grammatical structure of a number of ancient and modern Semitic languages (such as Akkadian, Biblical Hebrew, Ethiopic, and Modern Aramaic) and of the family of languages as a whole. Additional prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
MEL 382.1 Teaching Middle Eastern Languages 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 382.2 Introduction to the Structure of Semitic Languages 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Covers the grammatical structure of a number of ancient and modern Semitic languages (such as Akkadian, Biblical Hebrew, Ethiopic, and Modern Aramaic) and of the family of languages as a whole.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 383 Topics in the Ancient Near East 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing; additional prerequisites vary with the topic.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Doctoral
Topic 1: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar I. Hebrew 380C (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar I) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic 1) may not both be counted. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Additional prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Topic 2: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar II. HEB 380C (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar II) and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic 2) may not both be counted. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Additional prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Topic 3: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar III. Only one of the following may be counted: Jewish Studies 383 (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar III), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar III), 383 (Topic 3), Religious Studies 386H (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar III). Additional prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Topic 4: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar IV. Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar IV) 383 (Topic 4), Religious Studies 386H (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar IV). Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Additional prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Topic 5: Comparative Semitic Grammar. Examine Semitic languages including their phonology, morphology, and syntax. Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Comparative Semitic Grammar), 383 (Topic 5), Linguistics 383 (Topic: Comparative Semitic Grammar), 383 (Topic 10), Hebrew 382C (Topic: Comparative Semitic Grammar).
Topic 6: Comparative Semitic Linguistics. Examine the Semitic languages and review the basic features of their phonology, morphology, and syntax. Only one of the following may be counted: Linguistics 383 (Topic 10), 383 (Topic 11), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic 5), 383 (Topic 6), 383 (Topic: Comparative Semitic Linguistics). Same as: LIN 383.11 Additional prerequisite: Students should have familiarity with at least two Semitic languages.
Topic 7: Art, Gender, and Religion in Late Antiquity. Examine the gendered experience of religion in Late Antiquity using the evidence of artistic record, with a primary focus on the Mediterranean world. Only one of the following may be counted: Art History 382 (Topic: Art/Gender Late Antiquity), 382R (Topic 1), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Studies 386 (Topic: Art/Gender Late Antiquity), Religious Studies 387M (Topic: Art/Gender Late Antiquity), 387M (Topic 3). Same as: ARH 382R.1, R S 387M.3 Additional prerequisite: Consent of the graduate advisor.
Topic 8: Critical Problems in Second Temple Judaism. Examine the literature and material culture of Second Temple Judaism (circa 520 BCE to circa 135 CE) in dialogue with recent scholarship on Jews and Judaism in Persian, Hellenistic, and early Roman contexts. Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 383 (Topic: Crit Issues 2nd Temple Judaism), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Crit Issues 2nd Temple Judaism), 383 (Topic 8), Religious Studies 386M (Topic: Crit Issues 2nd Temple Judaism), 386M (Topic 3). Same as: R S 386M.3
Topic 9: Critical Problems in Judaism in Late Antiquity. Examine the literature and history of Judaism from the destruction of the Second Jewish Temple in 70 CE to the early Middle Ages, with a primary focus on classical Rabbinic Judaism as well as mystical and other writings beyond the canon. Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Crit Issues Judaism Lt Antq), 383 (Topic 9), Religious Studies 386M (Topic: Crit Issues Judaism Lt Antq), 386M (Topic 4) Same as: R S 386M.4 Additional prerequisite: Consent of the graduate advisor.
Topic 10: Critical Problems in New Testament. Study foundational and emergent scholarly works and critical approaches in the study of Christian origins and the books of the New Testament in their ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Crit Issues in New Testament), 383 (Topic 10), Religious Studies 386M (Topic: Crit Issues in New Testament), 386M (Topic 5). Same as: R S 386M.5 Additional prerequisite: Consent of the graduate advisor.
MEL 383.10 Critical Problems in New Testament 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Study foundational and emergent scholarly works and critical approaches in the study of Christian origins and the books of the New Testament in their ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Crit Issues in New Testament), 383 (Topic 10), Religious Studies 386M (Topic: Crit Issues in New Testament), 386M (Topic 5).
Same as: R S 386M.5
Pre/Corequisites: Consent of the graduate advisor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 383.6 Comparative Semitic Linguistics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Examine the Semitic languages and review the basic features of their phonology, morphology, and syntax. Only one of the following may be counted: Linguistics 383 (Topic 10), 383 (Topic 11), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic 5), 383 (Topic 6), 383 (Topic: Comparative Semitic Linguistics).
Same as: LIN 383.11
Pre/Corequisites: Students should have familiarity with at least two Semitic languages.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 383.7 Art, Gender, and Religion in Late Antiquity 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Examine the gendered experience of religion in Late Antiquity using the evidence of artistic record, with a primary focus on the Mediterranean world. Only one of the following may be counted: Art History 382 (Topic: Art/Gender Late Antiquity), 382R (Topic 1), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Studies 386 (Topic: Art/Gender Late Antiquity), Religious Studies 387M (Topic: Art/Gender Late Antiquity), 387M (Topic 3).
Same as: ARH 382R.1, R S 387M.3
Pre/Corequisites: Consent of the graduate advisor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 383.8 Critical Problems in Second Temple Judaism 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Examine the literature and material culture of Second Temple Judaism (circa 520 BCE to circa 135 CE) in dialogue with recent scholarship on Jews and Judaism in Persian, Hellenistic, and early Roman contexts. Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 383 (Topic: Crit Issues 2nd Temple Judaism), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Crit Issues 2nd Temple Judaism), 383 (Topic 8), Religious Studies 386M (Topic: Crit Issues 2nd Temple Judaism), 386M (Topic 3).
Same as: R S 386M.3
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 383.9 Critical Problems in Judaism in Late Antiquity 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Examine the literature and history of Judaism from the destruction of the Second Jewish Temple in 70 CE to the early Middle Ages, with a primary focus on classical Rabbinic Judaism as well as mystical and other writings beyond the canon. Only one of the following may be counted: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Crit Issues Judaism Lt Antq), 383 (Topic 9), Religious Studies 386M (Topic: Crit Issues Judaism Lt Antq), 386M (Topic 4)
Same as: R S 386M.4
Pre/Corequisites: Consent of the graduate advisor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 383C Current Issues in Hebrew Bible 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Examines the issues that are current in one major area of Hebrew Bible scholarship. Only one of the following may be counted: Hebrew 380C (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar I), Jewish Studies 383 (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar III), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar III), 383C, 383 (Topic 1: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar I), 383 (Topic 3: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar III), Religious Studies 386H (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar III). Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 383D Exegetical Seminar in Hebrew Bible 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Examines a biblical book (e.g. Song of Songs) or subject (e.g. Jubilee) applying history, philology, literary theory, poetics, history of interpretation, and linguistics. Only one of the following may be counted: Hebrew 380C (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar II), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 383 (Topic: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar IV), 383 (Topic 2: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar II), 383 (Topic 4: Hebrew Bible Doctoral Seminar IV), 383D. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 389 Conference Course in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Supervised individual study of selected problems in Middle Eastern languages and cultures. The equivalent of three lectures a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, consent of the instructor and graduate adviser.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 393 Comprehensive Examination Preparation 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, and consent of the instructor and graduate adviser.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 194, 294, 394 Professional Development in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 1-3 Hours
1,2,3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, and consent of instructor and the graduate adviser.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 698 Thesis 6 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for two semesters.
Pre/Corequisites: For 698A, graduate standing in Middle Eastern languages and cultures and consent of the graduate adviser; for 698B, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 698A.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Master's
MEL 398R Master's Report 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Preparation of a report to fulfill the requirement for the master's degree under the report option. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing in Middle Eastern languages and cultures and consent of the graduate adviser.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Master's
MEL 398T Supervised Teaching in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Teaching under the close supervision of a faculty member; weekly group meetings with the instructor, individual consultation, and reports throughout the teaching period. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
MEL 399W, 699W, 999W Dissertation 3,6,9 Hours
3,6,9 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Pre/Corequisites: Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral