Course Descriptions
Courses primarily for:
Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students
ARABIC 111-1,2,3 – Arabic I
Three-course introduction to modern standard Arabic primarily, along with some exposure to and familiarization with the main regional spoken varieties. Speaking, reading, listening comprehension, and basic writing skills developed.
ARABIC 114 – Conversation and Culture in the Arab World
Introduction to spoken colloquial Arabic of a country or region—for example, Egyptian, Levantine, or Moroccan. Emphasis on spoken language and conversation. May be repeated for credit with different dialect. Prerequisite: 111-2 or equivalent.
ARABIC 125 – Media Arabic
Introduction to vocabulary, expressions, and terminology used in Arab print and broadcast media. Supplements study in modern standard Arabic. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Prerequisite: 121-2 or equivalent.
ARABIC 211-1,2,3 – Arabic III
Continued skills development through reading and discussion of Arabic writings from both textbooks and media resources. Prerequisite: 121-3 or equivalent.
ARABIC 311-1,2,3 – Arabic IV
Continuation of instruction in Arabic using textbooks and supplemental materials from literary sources (prose and poetry) and broadcast and print media. Emphasis on developing more advanced writing skills. Prerequisite: 211-3 or equivalent.
ARABIC 316-1 – Reading Arabic Poetry (in Arabic)
Introduction to classical and modern Arabic poetry in both traditional meter and free verse, including selections from the Umayyad, Abbasid, and modern periods. Prerequisite: 311-3 or equivalent.
ARABIC 316-2 – Reading Classical Arabic Texts (in Arabic)
Samples of adab and classical branches of learning are used to introduce students to classical Arabic literature and continue to strengthen their skills. Prerequisite: 311-3 or equivalent.
ARABIC 316-2 – Reading Classical Arabic Texts (in Arabic)
Samples of modern Arabic short stories and novels are used to introduce students to modern Arabic literature and continue to strengthen their skills. Prerequisite: 311-3 or equivalent.
ARABIC 399 – Independent Study
For students who have advanced with distinction beyond the regular course offerings in Arabic. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
HEBREW 111-1,2,3 – Hebrew I
Understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of mainly conversational Hebrew. Hebrew used as language of instruction. Drill in language laboratory.
HEBREW 121-1,2,3 – Hebrew II
From language to literature: review of grammar; reading and discussing Hebrew literary works (prose and poetry) and newspaper articles. Compositions and oral presentations. Prerequisite: 111-3 or equivalent.
HEBREW 216-1,2,3 – Hebrew III: Topics in Hebrew Literature
Reading Hebrew literature, some biblical but mostly modern prose. Compositions and oral presentations. Prerequisite: 121-3 or equivalent.
HEBREW 316-1,2,3 – Hebrew IV: Advanced Topics in Hebrew Literature
Reading 20th-century Hebrew literature. Presentations, discussion, and essays in Hebrew. Prerequisite: 216-3 or consent of instructor.
HEBREW 399 – Independent Study
For students who have advanced with distinction beyond the regular course offerings in Hebrew. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
HISTORY 372-2-1 – The Ottomans: From "Second Empire" to the Age of Nationalism, 1622-1918
No description available.
HISTORY 392-0-22 – Environment and Energy in the Middle East
No description available.
MENA 101-6-20 – First-Year Seminar: We Are What We Eat: Turkish Food Culture and Cuisine
In this course we will explore the complex relationships between food, culture and society through a survey of Turkish cuisine and food culture from the early Ottoman period through today. Food represents an integral part of livelihood, culture and identity. Food production, consumption and sharing also have symbolic and ideological meanings. By exploring the ingredients, recipes, and tools that are essential to Turkish cooking, we will take a close look at the different geographical regions, climates, ethnic and religious communities, as well as historical and cultural phenomena that make up this extremely diverse cuisine. Special topics include Ottoman palace cuisine; regional cuisines of Turkey; street food; history of coffee and coffee houses in the Ottoman Empire and Europe; spices and trade routes; Turkish food in world literature; and the effects of wars and immigrants on the formation of Turkish food culture.
The course will also include a cooking/food component (either a visit to a Turkish restaurant in Chicago or a hands-on cooking experience for students).
MENA 101-6-20 – First-Year Seminar: Topic TBD
No description available.
MENA 200 – Making the Modern Middle East: Culture, Politics, History
The emergence of the Middle East as a world region and its representation in art, literature, and film in relation to geopolitics from the colonial period to the present.
MENA 275 – Arabic Literature in Translation
Introduction to Arabic literary background, surveying literary genres from the pre-Islamic period to the present. Taught with COMP LIT 275; may not receive credit for both courses.
MENA 290-3,4,5,6 – Introductory Topics in Middle East and North African Studies
Content and prerequisites vary. Course number indicates distribution requirement area in which a course counts. May be repeated for credit with change of topic.
MENA 301-1,2,3 – Seminar in Middle East and North African Studies
Interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the Middle East and North Africa. Content varies with annual theme. May be repeated for credit with a change in topic. Courses need not be taken in sequence.
MENA 301-2-20 – Seminar in Middle East and North African Studies: Syria: History, Society, Culture” (MENA 301-1 – co-list with Perf St)
Since 2011, the Syrian war and humanitarian crisis has deeply impacted the global community. Yet the social, political, and economic factors shaping the conflict, as well as the complex dynamics of Syrian lifeworlds, continue to mystify many. This course approaches the complicated relations of contemporary Syrian state and society from historical, anthropological, and cultural perspectives. In addition to scholarly articles and essays, we will draw heavily on Syrian cultural output, including performance, dance, theater, music, films and documentaries, prison literature, and memoirs. Close engagement with key cultural works will help students to not only situate the critical issues that shape Syrian society today, from the social relations of gender, class, and religion, to the formation of nationalism, sectarianism, Islamism, and authoritarianism, but better understand how Syrians negotiate these issues through the makings and doings of culture.
MENA 390-3,4,5,6 – Advanced Topics in Middle East and North African Studies
Content and prerequisites vary. Course number indicates distribution requirement area in which a course counts. May be repeated for credit with change of topic.
MENA 399 – Independent Study
Reading and conferences on special subjects for advanced undergraduates. Prerequisite: consent of director of undergraduate studies and instructor.
PERSIAN 111-1,2,3 – Persian 1
Introduction to basic literacy and oral proficiency intended to produce conversational speakers. Emphasizes modern Tehrani dialect of Persian; students also learn to read, write, and speak more formal Persian.
PERSIAN 121-1,2,3 – Persian II
Intermediate Persian Acquisition of vocabulary and language production. Employs authentic written and audiovisual materials, including newspapers, short stories, poems, television, film, and radio. Speaking and writing emphasized. Prerequisite: 111-3 or equivalent.
PERSIAN 399 – Independent Study
For students who have advanced with distinction beyond the regular course offerings in Persian. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
POLISCI 390-0-24 – Special Topics in Political Science: Contemporary Turkish Politics
No description available.
POLISCI 395-0-21 – Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
No description available.
RELIGION 250-0-20 – Introduction to Islam
Principal beliefs and practices of Muslims set against the historic development of the faith.
RELIGION 339-0-20 – Topics in Judaism: The Occidental-Oriental Divide in Israel
No description available.
TURKISH 111-1,2,3 – Turkish I
Introduction to basic literacy and oral proficiency; insights into modern Turkish culture through the language. Print and audiovisual materials used to supplement textbook.
TURKISH 121-1,2,3 – Turkish II Intermediate Turkish
Continuation of basic grammar instruction; further development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through the use of printed and audiovisual materials. Insights into modern Turkish culture. Prerequisite: 111-3 or equivalent.
Courses Primarily for Graduate Students
ANTHRO 490 – Migrant Sexualities & Queer Travelers: Translocation
No description available.
ART HIST 460 – Studies in 20th Century Art: Futures We Will Have Loved: Time and Historiography in Artists' Work
No description available.
MENA 410 – Pro-Seminar in MENA Studies
Introduces students to key scholarly literature in the field, drawn from a variety of disciplines. (Taught in alternating years, academic year 2013-14 (winter 2014), 2015-16 (spring), etc.)
MENA 411 – Approaches and perspectives in MENA Studies
Surveys differing disciplinary approaches to the study of the Middle East and North Africa, often organized around a theme. (Taught in alternating years, academic year 2014-15 and 2016-17 (winter), etc.)
MENA 412 – The MENA Colloquium
Year long colloquium featuring student presentations of work in progress and faculty comment. (Taught annually. May be taken for 1 course credit—requires presentation—or zero-credit enrollment. Students are expected to enroll for more than one year of MENA 412, though only once for course credit.)
MENA 415 – Graduate Colloquium Advanced
No description available.