140. Introduction to Arabic Culture and Language. (3).
(Excl).
This course will offer a general survey of the social, cultural, historical and linguistic aspects of the Modern Arab world as
well as the origins and current status of the Arabic language.
It will include an Arabic language instruction component focusing
upon the basic communication needs of travellers and career professionals.
The course material will be explored through lectures and videos
supported by listening and viewing guides and through discussions
based upon the assigned readings. A good deal of one of the class
sessions each week will involve brainstorming about effective
outlining, writing, and oral presentation. Grades will be based
upon class participation, short essays and a final exam.
(Rammuny)
204/Rel. 204. Islamic Religion:
An Introduction. (3). (HU).
This course is meant to be a well-rounded introduction to Islam
in theory and practice. After situating Islam in the Arabian and Middle Eastern contexts we shall examine the fundamental sources
of Islam; study the beliefs and practices of Muslims; and learn
about some of the principal areas of Muslim intellectual activity
(law, theology, mysticism, and philosophy). The emphasis of the
course is on the early, formative centuries of Islam, though we
shall deal with modern religious developments in the Muslim world.
Two exams and a quiz. (Mir)
446. Modern Near Eastern Literature. (3).
(HU).
An introduction to the modern literature of the Arab Lands, Iran, Israel and Turkey. The course is taught by four professors, each
of whom will examine the literature in which he/she specializes.
Lectures introduce major literacy figures and their works within the framework of the historical and social circumstances of their
lives. Materials are in English translation. (Stewart-Robinson)
450. Near Eastern Issues. (3). (Excl).
May be repeated for a total of six credits.
Section 001: 1419 EASTBOUND. Five centuries after the discovery
of the New World, this course will deal with the meanwhile-back-at-the-ranch
side of this event. 1492 marked also the fall of Granada and the
Return to the East, ending some eight centuries of Arab-Jewish
presence in Andalusia/Spain. The course deals with the effects
of the Expulsion from Spain on the Arab and Jewish cultures, respectively
and interchangeably. We will follow the Eastbound mind throughout the centuries, and examine different Hebrew and Arabic texts (in
English translation) written in the aftermath, around the Mediterranean
and in the Middle East, dealing with exile, displacement and redemption.
Advanced undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest
in issues Near Eastern, preferably with a literary background, are encouraged to register. Requirements for the course are a
class presentation and a substainial Term Paper. Cost:2 (Shammas)
Section 002: From An Antique Land. Foreign Travelers' Views of the Middle East. This seminar will focus upon the long and distinguished list of European, American travelers' sojourners' accounts of the Middle East and how such writings have helped to shape our perceptions of that area. Students may focus upon areas and/or time periods of their choice after reading several of the important authors, e.g., Kinglake, Stark, Bell Lawrence. Cost: 2 (Kolars)
460. Archaeology of the Historic Near East. (3).
(Excl).
Section 001: The Archaeology of Syria-Palestine From Earliest
Times to the Persian Period. This course, suited to both
undergraduates and graduates, provides a chronological survey
of empirical evidence recovered from cultures which existed in the Near East during both prehistorical and historical periods.
Artifacts shall be analyzed against a backdrop of such themes
as human evolution, society, economy and religion. Topics of prehistorical
concern shall include the Paleolithic Period and the transition
from Neanderthals to Homo Sapiens, the dichotomy apparent
in the Natufian Culture between farmers and hunters, the "Neolithic
Revolution," and the mysterious Chalcolithic Culture. Study
of the historical periods shall concentrate on such issues as the earliest appearance of "cities" in Palestine, dynamic
relationships between urban and pastoral societies, early Levantine
trade contacts with the Aegean world, the formation and history
of Iron Age kingdoms such as Israel, Moab and Edom, and the effects
of Assyro-Babylonian foreign policies on these local entities.
Midterm, final examination, term project; no prerequisites. (Tappy)
468/Jud. Stud. 468/Rel.
469. Jewish Mysticism. (3). (Excl).
A critical study of the historical development of Jewish mysticism, its symbolic universe and its social ramifications. While the
course will survey mystical traditions from the early rabbinic
period through the modern, the focus will be on the variegated
medieval stream known as kabbalah. Among the issues to
be explored are: the nature of mystical experience; images of
God and the Person; symbols of the male and female (gender symbolism); the problem of evil; mysticism and language; kabbalistic myth
and ritual innovation; and kabbalistic interpretations of history.
Modern interpretations of mysticisms will be considered as well.
The readings for the course will consist largely of secondary
sources from the fields of the history of Judaism and comparative
religion. These will be supplemented by close readings of pertinent
primary texts (in translation). Requirements include two exams
and a research paper. Class lectures will be supplemented by discussion.
(Ginsburg)
469. Jewish Civilization. (3). (SS).
Lectures on topics in Jewish Intellectual History, with class
discussion based on selected assignments. Some of the topics are:
Monotheism, Law, Messianism, Mysticism, Language and Literature;
Sabbath and the Festivals, Sacrifice and Prayer. Students are
evaluated on the basis of two exams. [Cost:1] [WL:3 or 4] (Schramm)
472/Hist. 543. Perso-Islamic
Civilization in the Eastern Caliphate and India, 900-1350. (3).
(Excl).
This course deals with one of the more important varieties of
Islamic Civilization, the one formed in the area stretching from
present-day Iraq across the Iranian Plateau to Central Asia. Perso-Islamic
Civilization underlies the modern Islamic cultures of Afghanistan, Muslim Soviet Central Asia, Pakistan, Muslim India, and Iran, and it had a great deal of influence on the formation of Ottoman
Turkish Civilization. Topics will include Ancient Iran's contribution
to the formation of Islamic Civilization in Arabic, the emergence
and maturing of New Persian literature, the impact of the Turkish
invasions, Perso-Islamic Civilization on the eve of the Mongol
invasion, and the transfer of this culture to India as an "emigre
civilization" under the Delhi Sultanate. A paper or set of
four critical reviews, a midterm and a final are required. Readings
are from secondary materials and source translations in English
from a reserve list and a course pack. [Cost:2] [WL:4] (Luther)
474/Hist. 443. Modern Near East History. (4).
(Excl).
See History 443. (Cole)
481/Rel. 481/Engl. 401. The English Bible: Its Literary Aspects and Influences, I. (3). (Excl).
See English 401. (Williams)
483. Sufism. (3). (Excl).
In this course we shall examine the spiritual or mystical aspect
of the Islamic tradition by raising, and attempting to answer, three principal questions: (1) What is the position of Sufism
in Islam, and what is the basis of the Sufi claim to possession
of special insights? We shall also examine in this connection the relationship of Sufism to orthodoxy. (2) What is the social
role of Sufism? Is Sufism simply an exercise in discovering the
"truth," or does it also meet certain social needs and has other functions? (3) What is distinctive about the Islamic
mystical quest when compared with similar quests in other religions?
After studying the origins and historical development of Sufism, we shall look at Sufi doctrine and conduct, Sufi orders, the different
"types" of Sufism, and the Sufi literary expression.
All readings in English. No Prerequisites. (Mir)
567/Jud. Stud. 470/Rel.
470. Topics in the Study of Judaism: The Sabbath and Sacred Time.
Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3).
(Excl). May be repeated for a total of nine credits.
A close examination of the Sabbath, one of the central institutions
of classical and modern Judaism. Utilizing an interdisciplinary
approach, the course will explore the historical development of the Sabbath from later antiquity through modernity, the evolution
of its legal structure; and its symbolic universe as expressed
in lore, myth, and ritual. Various philosophical, mystical, and popular understandings of the Sabbath will be analyzed as well.
Special emphasis will be placed on the Sabbath as Sacred Time
and a symbol of personal and social renewal. Conceptions of rest
– from the utilitarian to the utopian – will be investigated and compared. Prerequisites: graduate standing or permission of instructor.
The course is especially suitable for undergraduate concentrators
in NES, Judaic Studies, or Religion. Requirements include a class
presentation, brief interpretive essays, and a research paper.
The course will be conducted as a seminar. (Ginsburg)
120. Introduction to Tanakh/Old Testament. (3).
(Excl).
ABS 120 will introduce the student to the modern study of the
Tanakh/Old Testament as a cultural vestige of the ancient Near
East. Lectures and readings will focus on early Israel's religion, literature, and history and the roles of the king, priest, prophet, and sage. Appropriately, the approach will be literary, historical, and critical using methods that are practiced and taught by scholars
of many different religious persuasions. "As it has been...", the Tanakh/Old Testament played an important role in shaping the
political, historical, literary, and artistic contours of western
civilization "...so it is today". There is a need to
offer within the university context a course on the Tanakh/Old
Testament that requires the student to give serious consideration
to crucial questions and issues that are often ignored in spite
of the general familiarity and widespread use of the Bible in
America today. (Schmidt)
202. Elementary Biblical Hebrew. ABS 201
or equivalent. (3). (LR).
Lessons and exercises in a standardized form of the language of the Hebrew Bible. Presentation of grammar and vocabulary. Daily
recitations and weekly quizzes. There is no prerequisite for course
201, but course 201 or the equivalent is prerequisite for 202.
[Cost:1] [WL:3] (Schramm)
280/Rel. 280. Jesus and the Gospels. (4). (HU).
The course will probe the gospels, including some non-canonical
versions (e.g., the Gospel of Thomas), as sources to the life
and teaching of Jesus. The student will be introduced to the various
scholarly methods used in gospel interpretation, in order that
he/she will be able to apply these methods to the texts. This
exercise will enable the student to appreciate the rich diversity
of opinion which existed already in the earliest recoverable periods
of incipient Christianity. There is no prerequisite for the course, but some familiarity with the gospels would be helpful. It is
anticipated that there will be at least two exams and a term paper.
The format of the course will consist of lectures by the instructor
and discussions led by TA's. [Cost:3] [WL: 1] (Fossum)
380/Rel. 380. Selected Topics in Christian Studies.
(3). (Excl). May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
Only one course from Religion 380, 387, and 487 may be elected
in the same term.
See Religion 380.
482/Greek 484. Acts of Paul and Thecla: Feminist Perspectives.
Greek 401 or equivalent; or permission of instructor.
(3). (Excl).
See Greek 484. (Hanson)
496/Rel. 404/Anthro. 450. Comparative Religion: Logos
and Liturgy. Upperclass standing and permission of
instructor. (3). (Excl). May be repeated with permission for a
total of 6 credits.
See Religion 404. (Rappaport)
101. Elementary Modern Standard Arabic Through Self-Instruction.
Permission of instructor. (2-6). (LR). May be elected
for a total of six credits.
This course provides an introduction to the phonology and script
of modern literary Arabic and to the language's basic vocabulary
and fundamental grammatical constructions. It offers combined
training in listening, speaking, reading, writing and using the
Arabic dictionary. Students have access to a tutor for as many
as four hours a week plus two obligatory hours per week for review
and practice. Amount of credit awarded depends on number of lessons
satisfactorily completed. Students should consult course coordinator
in advance for the schedule of lessons per credit hour and general
instructions. Arabic 101 may be taken for two or four credits
each term for a total of six credits. Course grade is based on
review tests completed by students at the end of each lesson (50%)
and scheduled and comprehensive tests (50%). Textbooks: (1) A
PROGRAMMED COURSE IN MODERN ARABIC PHONOLOGY AND SCRIPT, by E.N.
McCarus and R. Rammuny; (2)ELEMENTARY MODERN STANDARD ARABIC PART
ONE, by P. Abboud et al. Cost:1 WL:3 (Staff, Rammuny)
102. Elementary Modern Standard Arabic Through Self-Instruction.
Permission of instructor. (2-6). (LR). May be elected
for a total of six credits.
This course may not be taken until six hours of Arabic 101 have
been completed. It is a continuation of Arabic 101 and includes
continued drill practice on the phonological system, on basic
vocabulary and morphology, and on Arabic syntactic patterns. The
course stresses oral practice with increasing emphasis on reading
selectins based on Arab culture, and on producing Arabic orally
and in writing. Students have access to a tutor for as many as
four hours a week plus two obligatory hours per week for oral
practice. Amount of credit awarded depends on number of lessons
and tests satisfactorily completed. Course grade is based on review
tests completed by students at the end of each term (50%) and scheduled comprehensive tests (50%). Textbook: ELEMENTARY MODERN
STANDARD ARABIC, PART TWO, by P. Abboud et al. Cost:1 WL:3 (Rammuny)
202. Elementary Modern Standard Arabic. Arabic
201 or equivalent. (6). (LR).
This course is especially recommended for students concentrating
in Arabic or those who expect to use Arabic. The primary goals
of this course are to have students develop the ability to: (1)communicate/speak
in Arabic with native speakers of Arabic on familiar topics, (2)
understand familiar spoken Arabic, (3) read and understand the
specific content of an elementary level, and (4) communicate in
writing and provide correct responses within the scope of the
content of this course. This course is taught in Arabic using
a communicative approach emphasizing the use of language. Course
grade is based on class attendance and participation, written
assignments, tests and quizzes, and a final exam. Required test:
Peter Abboud et al., Elementary Standard Arabic, Part I. Ann Arbor:
The University of Michigan, 1975. (Khaldieh)
402. Advanced Modern Standard Arabic. Arabic
401 or the equivalent. (6). (Excl).
This is a fairly intensive course, with heavy emphasis on oral
and written expression. Students will be encouraged to read and discuss lengthy original passages of literary and non-literary
nature by modern Arab authors. They will also be required to produce
compositions and presentations of their own on a regular basis.
By the end of the Winter Term, participants should be capable
of confronting unfamiliar Arabic tests (spoken or written) with
reasonable assurance. Evaluation will be based on class participation, weekly quizzes, home assignments, and a final examinations. Textbook:
IMSA (Kinko's packet). Cost:2 WL:3 (Khaldieh)
Literature, Civilization, and Advanced Language Courses
502. Advanced Arabic Conversation and Composition. Arabic
501 or equivalent. (3). (Excl).
The objectives of this course are to develop fluency and accuracy
in understanding, speaking and writing modern standard Arabic, and to expand students' awareness of Arab-Islamic life and culture.
The course is based on a variety of literary texts and authentic
cultural audiovisual materials including slides, videocassettes, and films. There is a special emphasis on active mastery of useful
idiomatic and cultural expressions and the use of Arabic for oral
and written communication. Occasionally, students are required
to select their own topics and give brief presentations. Requirements
include daily preparations, a weekly written composition, monthly
tests, and a final exam. Course grade is based on classroom preparation
and performance (20%), written compositions (20%), monthly tests
(30%), and a final paper (30%). The course textbooks are ADVANCED
ARABIC CONVERSATION AND COMPOSITION by Raji M. Rammuny, and ADVANCED
ARABIC COMPOSITION. STUDENT'S GUIDE by Raji M. Rammuny. [Cost:1]
[WL:3] (Rammuny)
202. Elementary Modern Hebrew. Hebrew
201 or equivalent. (5). (LR).
Continuation of the development of basic communication skills
of reading, writing and speaking modern standard Hebrew. Class
drills, class discussions in Hebrew, language laboratory drills.
(Coffin)
302. Intermediate Modern Hebrew. Hebrew
301 or equivalent. No credit granted to those who have completed
or are enrolled in Hebrew 312. (5). (LR).
The focus of instruction will be on the four language skills, with a continued emphasis on oral work and writing. In additon
to continued study of morphology and syntax, some reading selections
in fiction and non-fiction prose will be introduced. [Cost:1]
[WL:5, try another section first. If all others are closed, then
no. 1] (Etzion)
305. Hebrew Communicative Skills. Hebrew
302. (2). (Excl).
Continuation of the development of advanced communication skills.
The emphasis is on the acquisition of language speaking and listening
skills and expansion of vocabulary. (Berkovitch)
402. Advanced Hebrew. Hebrew 401. (3).
(Excl).
An encounter with the "Israeli Experience" through dealing
with current literature and poetry, non-fiction articles, plays
and films. Emphasis is placed on developing communicative skills
and expanding studnet's vocabulary. (Etzion)
404. Hebrew of the Communications Media. Hebrew
302 or equivalent. (3). (Excl).
A continuation of 403. Emphasis on readings, listening and speaking
skills. The social genre of the communications media (newspapers, radio and television) will serve as the basis for discussion of
current events. Unedited newspaper selections will be read and news broadscasts and television programs will be used in the classroom
and in the language laboratory. Grades will be based on two exams
and a special project. (Etzion)
548. The Bible in Jewish Tradition. Permission
of instructor. (2). (Excl).
Selections from the Hebrew Bible will be read and interpreted
in the light of the ancient (Aramaic) Targumim and the medieval
commentaries. Students will be evaluated on the basis of a class
presentation and a term paper. Prerequisite: ABS 402, or Hebrew
302 or permission of the instructor. (Schramm)
202. Elementary Persian. (4). (LR).
This course is the natural continuation of Elementary Persian
201. The emphasis will be on the use of the language in real-life
situations, i.e., conversations and narratives, oral
and written, on such topics as language and nationality, family, shopping, emergencies. etc. Oral and written drills, and the use
of the language laboratory accompany the dialogs and compositions.
By the end of the term the student should have acquired an adequate
knowledge of all major points of Persian grammar with an active
vocabulary of about 1000 items, should be able to read simple
texts and to write short passages on simple topics. Grading will
be based on attendance, homework, tests and the final examination.
Incoming studetns may join the class pending examination and approval
by the instructor.
402. Intermediate Persian. Iranian 401
or equivalent. (4). (LR).
This course is a continuation of 401. The emphasis will be increasingly
on reading, composition, and dialogue with the objective of achieving
intermediate competency. The two main textbooks are Windfuhr-Bostanbakhsh, Modern Persian. Intermediate Level I, and Windfuhr, Modern
Persian, Intermediate Level II. Additional material include
tapes and videos. Special needs or interests of the students will
be taken into consideration. (Windfuhr)
551. Modern Persian Fiction. Iranian 402
or equivalent. (3). (Excl).
This course offers a "hands-on" introduction to contemporary
Persian fiction by way of selected readings. At the same time
students will be introduced to close reading and literary analysis.
Students will increasingly be responsible for analysis and interpretation.
It is open to all students interested in the topic, including
native speakers of Persian. Grades will be based on assignments
and a term project. (Windfuhr)
202. Elementary Turkish. Turkish 201 or
equivalent. (4). (LR).
This course is the sequel to Turkish 201 and is the second half
of Elemenatry Turkish. We will focus on speaking and writing the
language of Modern Turkey. Course topics include the phonological
structure of Turkish, basic sentence patterns, and basic vocabulary.
The aural-oral approach is emphasized and serves as the basic
course format. There are tapes which accompany the text, Turkish
for Foreigners. Student evaluation is based on written and oral
quizzes, and a final examination. Cost:1 WL:3 (Ozsoy)
402. Intermediate Turkish. Turkish 401
or equivalent. (4). (LR).
Part of the departmental sequence in Modern Turkish. The course
is designed for students who have completed Turkish 202 or its
equivalent as determined by the instructor. It provides further
study of Turkish grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Comprehension
and oral and written expression will be developed through translations
and compositions. Readings will be emphasized. Evaluation will
be determined on the basis of class quizzes and performance, a
midterm and final examination. (Stewart-Robinson)
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