Courses in Middle Eastern and North African Studies (Division 440)

MENAS 334/Hist. 334/AAPTIS 364. Selected Topics in Near and Middle Eastern Studies.

(3). (Excl).

This course consists of a series of lectures creating themes in some crucial aspect of Near and Middle East from the third millennium to the present. It consists of a weekly lecture and a discussion section.

MENAS 491. Proseminar on the Arab World.

(3). (Excl).

This course provides a thematic overview of central issues in the Arab World since WWI. Various methodological approaches to the study of the Arab World are critically examined. Topics covered include Colonialism and Imperialism, Arab Nationalism and Pan Arabism, Oil Politics and the Gulf, Islamic Fundamentalism, and more.

MENAS 495. Senior Honors Thesis.

Open only to Honors concentrators with senior standing. (3-4). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).

To be taken in the senior year by students in the area concentration program on Near Eastern and North African Studies who have been admitted to the Honors Program. Two to three advisors should be chosen; the principal advisor must be a member of the faculty in whose field of expertise the thesis topic lies. The proposal for the thesis should be submitted by the end of the junior year.

MENAS 496. Senior Honors Thesis.

Open only to Honors concentrators with senior standing. 495 is prerequisite to 496. (3-4). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).

To be taken in the senior year by students in the area concentration program on Near Eastern and North African Studies who have been admitted to the Honors Program. Two to three advisors should be chosen; the principal advisor must be a member of the faculty in whose field of expertise the thesis topic lies. The proposal for the thesis should be submitted by the end of the junior year.

MENAS 520. Bibliographical Resources in Middle Eastern Studies.

(1). (Excl).

This seminar course introduces significant bibliographical resources in print and electronic format for the study of the Middle East. The course covers the bibliographical organization of the disciplines of history, language and literature, politics, economics, and sociology, religion and philosophy, and art and archaeology within the context of Middle Eastern area studies. The students discuss, evaluate, and use the bibliographical tools introduced in the course. Many students lack knowledge of the bibliographical resources in the disciplines and are inadequately prepared in the use of them. An introduction to these resources, accompanied by assigned work in the use of the material helps students overcome the difficulties in locating and organizing research materials.

MENAS 591. Interdisciplinary Middle East Topics Seminar.

Upperclass standing; concentration in MENAS, NES or other fields with main interest in Middle Eastern Studies. (2). (Excl).

This is a seminar for students beginning graduate study of the Middle East and North Africa. It introduces them to a broad range of disciplinary approaches and methodologies. The course concentrates on different areas and problems each year.