COURSES FALL 2006

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ARABIC | HEBREW | HINDI | MESAS | PERSIAN | SANSKRIT

ARAB 101: Elementary Arabic I

ARAB 201: Intermediate Arabic I

ARAB 301: Advanced Arabic I

ARAB 410R: Advanced Language and Culture

ARAB 497R: Supervised Reading in Arabic

ARAB 510R: Intensive Arabic Training for Graduate Students

ARAB 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

HEBR 101: Elementary Modern Hebrew I

HEBR 201: Intermediate Modern Hebrew I

HEBR 301: Advanced Modern Hebrew I

HEBR 371R: Readings in Classical Hebrew: Biblical Hebrew

HEBR 497R: Supervised Reading in Hebrew

HEBR 510R: Intensive Hebrew Training for Graduate Students

HEBR 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

HNDI 101: Elementary Hindi I

HNDI 201: Intermediate Hindi I

HNDI 301: Advanced Hindi I

HNDI 497R: Supervised Reading in Hindi

HNDI 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

MESAS 100: Introduction to the Middle East

MESAS 125: Introduction to Jewish Literature

MESAS 160: Introduction to Sacred Texts

MESAS 190S: Freshman Seminar: Harem Tales

MESAS 190S:  Freshman Seminar: Usama bin Ladin

MESAS 250S: Freshman Seminar: Archaeology and the Bible

MESAS 315WR: The Qur'an

MESAS 316: Early and Medieval Islam

MESAS 362S: Trade & Travel in the Middle East and South Asian

MESAS 370R: Intro to South Asian Civilizations: Historical and Cultural Debates

MESAS 370R: Readings In Judeo-Arabic Texts

MESAS 370R: Great Books of the Rabbis

MESAS 370R: The Bible and the Ancient Near East

MESAS 370R: Through the Museum with the Bible CANCELLED

MESAS 415WR: Great Books of the Islamic World

MESAS 495R: Honors Thesis

MESAS 497R: Supervised Reading

MESAS 570R: Readings In Judeo-Arabic Texts

MESAS 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

PERS 101: Elementary Persian I

PERS 201: Intermediate Persian I

PERS 301: Advanced Persian I

PERS 497R: Supervised Reading in Persian

PERS 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

SNSK 201: Intermediate Sanskrit I

SNSK 301: Advanced Sanskrit I

SNSK 497R: Supervised Reading in Sanskrit

SNSK 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

ARAB 101: Elementary Arabic I

Faculty, MWF 9:35-10:25, TH 10:00-11:15, MAX 15

Faculty, MWF 10:40-11:30, TH 11:30-12:45, MAX 15

Faculty, MWF 11:45-12:35, TH 11:30-12:45, MAX 15 (Videoconferencing)

Content: First in a series of courses which develop reading, speaking, listening, writing, and cultural skills in Arabic. The course stresses communication skills using both formal Arabic and some Egyptian dialect. Emphasis is also placed on reading authentic materials from Arabic media, listening to and watching audio and video materials, and developing students' understanding of Arab culture. Preparation for class is an essential component of the course, allowing us to devote in-class time to communicating in the language rather than talking "about" the language. 

Texts:

• Alif Baa: An Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds, Brustad, Al-Batal, & Al-Tonsi
• Al-Kitaab, Part One, Brustad, Al-Batal & Al-Tonsi

Particulars: Class attendance and participation (25%), daily homework (25%), quizzes and tests (35%), and final examination (15%).

Prerequisites: No previous knowledge of Arabic necessary.

ARAB 201: Intermediate Arabic I 

Faculty, MWF 12:50-1:40, TH 1:00-2:15, MAX 15

Faculty, MWF 3:00-3:50, TH 2:30-3:45, MAX 15

Content: A continuation of Arabic 102. This course aims to help students reach an intermediate level of proficiency in reading, speaking, writing, and listening . Emphasis is placed on reading authentic materials from Arabic media, expanding students' vocabulary, listening to and watching audio and video materials, and developing students' understanding of Arab culture and communicative competence. Preparation for class is an essential component of the course, allowing us to devote in-class time to communicating in the language rather than talking "about" the language.

Texts: 

• Al-Kitaab, Part One, Brustad, Al-Batal, Al-Tonsi
• Dictionary of Modern Standard Arabic, Hans Wehr

Particulars: Class attendance and participation (20%), homework (20%), correction of homework (10%), quizzes and tests (30%), final examination (20%).

Prerequisite: Arabic 102 or equivalent.

ARAB 301: Advanced Arabic I 

Content: A continuation of Arabic 202. This course aims to help students reach an intermediate-high level of proficiency in reading, speaking, writing, listening, and culture. Readings include articles on cultural, social, historical and literary topics.

Texts:

• Al-Kitaab, Part II, Brustad, Al-Batal, and Al-Tonsi
• Dictionary of Modern Standard Arabic, Hans Wehr

Particulars: Class attendance and participation (20%), homework (20%), correction of homework (10%), quizzes and tests (some outside class) (30%), final examination (20%).

Prerequisite: Arabic 202 or equivalent. 

ARAB 410R: Advanced Language and Culture

Faculty, TBA, MAX 10

Content: Study and discussion of written and audio-visual texts dealing with various aspects of Arab culture and society.

Texts: Vary according to interests of students.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

ARAB 497R: Supervised Reading in Arabic 

Content: For advanced students who wish to pursue independent study and research of Arabic texts.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and approval of MESAS Curriculum Committee.

ARAB 510R: Intensive Arabic Training for Graduate Students

Faculty, TBA, MAX: 15

Prerequisites: Permission of Arabic Language Coordinator.

ARAB 797R: Directed Reading

Faculty, TBA, MAX 12

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of MESAS Curriculum Committee.

HEBR 101: Elementary Modern Hebrew I

Faculty, MWF 10:40-11:30, TU 10:00-11:15, MAX 16

Faculty, MWF 11:45-12:35, TU 11:30-12:45, MAX 16

Faculty, MWF 12:50-1:40, TU 1:00-2:15, MAX 16

Content: The purpose of this course is to provide a solid foundation and develop basic oral and writing skills in Hebrew. The course is designed for students with no previous exposure to Hebrew and for students who have had a limited experience in the language. Class activities include reading, writing, oral drills, short oral presentations, simulated situations, etc. that enable students to practice all communication skills while learning about Israeli culture. 

Texts:

• Encounters in Modern Hebrew, Level 1, Edna Amir Coffin
• Israeli Hebrew for Speakers of English, Gad Ben Horin and Roberta Stock, (Peter Cole, ed.)
• Multi Dictionary Bilingual Learners Dictionary, Edna Lauden, Liora ! Weinback, eds. (paperback)
• The New Bantam-Megiddo, Reuven Sivan and Edward Levenston, eds.

Particulars: There will be several oral and written exams, quizzes, and a final. The final grade is based on all exams and quizzes, class participatio and, homework. This course is the first in the Hebrew first year sequence.

HEBR 201: Intermediate Modern Hebrew

Faculty, MWF 12:50-1:40, TU 1:00-2:15, MAX 16

Content: Hebrew 201 is a continuation of Hebrew 102 on a more advanced level. At the beginning of the course there is an in-depth review of the verb system. The vocabulary and texts introduced in this course are more sophisticated than the material of the first year. Much emphasis is placed on speaking and creative writing. The course is a good preparation for students planing to study on a college level in Israel. 

Texts:   

• Multi Dictionary Bilingual Learners Dictionary, Edna Lauden, Liora Weinback
• 501 Hebrew Verbs, Shmuel Bolozky

Particulars: This course is the first in the Hebrew second year sequence. It is open to students who have completed Hebrew 102, or the equivalent. This course may be used to satisfy the requirements for the major in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies and the minor in Hebrew.

HEBR 301: Advanced Modern Hebrew 

Content: The course continues to develop skills acquired in first and second year courses and concentrates on more complicated grammatical forms, written and oral expressions, comprehension and advanced texts, as well as exposure to Israeli culture.

Texts: 

• Hapo'al Lelomdei Ivrit, Hara Farstei, Tamar Weil
• Hebrew from A to Z, volume 3, Naomi Nansur, Riva Padan, Tel Aviv University
• 501 Hebrew Verbs, Shmuel Bolozky, (Barron's Educational Series, 1996)
• Multi-dictionary, Edna Lauden, Liora Weinback, (paperback)

Particulars: Satisfactory completion of Hebrew 202, or equivalent (to be determined by the instructor). There will be several short examinations during the term and a final paper. Participation in "Shenkin in Emory" is required. This course may be used to satisfy the requirements for the major in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies and the minor in Hebrew.

HEBR 371R: Readings in Classical Hebrew: Biblical Hebrew

Eichenberg-Eilon, MWF 2:00-2:50, MAX 15

Content: TBA

Texts: TBA

Prerequisites: TBA

HEBR 497R: Supervised Reading in Hebrew

Content: For advanced students who have completed HEBR 302 and wish to pursue independent study and research of Hebrew texts.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of MESAS Curriculum Committee.

HEBR 510R: Intensive Hebrew Training for Graduate Students

Faculty, TBA, MAX 16

Prerequisites: Permission of Hebrew Language Coordinator.

HEBR 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

Faculty, TBA, MAX 16

Content: Graduate students may enroll in this course for directed study of Hebrew beyond the advanced level of the language sequence.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of MESAS Curriculum Committee.

HNDI 101: Elementary Hindi I

Ranjan, MWF 9:35-10:25, TU 10:00-11:15, MAX 15

Faculty, MWF 10:40-11:30, TU 11:30-12:45, MAX 15

Content: This course is the first in a series of Hindi language courses. Students with no previous knowledge of the language learn to read, write, and converse in Hindi on a range of topics.

HNDI 201: Intermediate Hindi I

Faculty, MWF 11:45-12:35, TU 1:00-2:15, MAX 15

Content: This course is the third in a series of Hindi language courses. Students improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Prerequisites: Hindi 102 or permission of the instructor.

HNDI 301: Advanced Hindi I

Ranjan, MWF 10:40-11:30, TU 11:30-12:45, MAX 15

Content: This course is the fifth in a series of Hindi language courses. Students develop advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Prerequisites: Hindi 202 or permission of the instructor.

HNDI 497R: Supervised Reading in Hindi

Faculty, TBA, MAX 15

Content: Students may enroll in this course for directed study of Hindi beyond the advanced level of the language sequence. Topics may include Hindi literature as well as interdisciplinary research in Hindi.

Prerequisites: Hindi 302 or equivalent, permission of the instructor, and approval of the MESAS Curriculum Committee.

HNDI 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

Faculty, TBA, MAX 15

Content: Graduate students may enroll in this course for directed study of Hindi beyond the advanced level of the language sequence. Topics may include Hindi literature as well as interdisciplinary research in Hindi.

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and approval of the MESAS Curriculum Committee.

MESAS 100: Introduction to the Middle East

Margariti, TT 10: 00-11:15, MAX 30

Content: This course aims to provide students with a solid background in the history and cultures of the Middle East from the dawn of the Ancient Near East (3000 BC) to the period of European Colonial domination (ca. 1900). Mastering the course material will enable you to place current events in historical perspective. Our inquiry will be text-based; close readings of the classic texts of Middle Eastern cultures will be our focus.

Texts: TBA 

Particulars: Preparation, attendance, and participation (20%), weekly response papers (30%), quizzes (20%), attendance at extra-curricular events on the Middle East (15%), final exam (15%). Satisfies GER V.C.

Prerequisites: None. This is a core course for the Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies major. 

MESAS 125: Introduction to Jewish Literature

Cross-listed w/JS 125

Yeglin, MW 3:00-4:15, MAX 25

Content: This course is based on reading in major works of jewish literature from Biblical narrative to Hebrew stories and poetry. The aim of the course is to introduce students to the breadth and depth of the jewish historiographic and literary traditions. After a grounding in Biblical history we will move to the jewish experience in pre-modern Europe and the Middle East and to the flowering of Yiddish and Hebrew literature.

Texts:

• Jewish Study Bible
• Modern Hebrew Literature
• The Modern Hebrew Poem Itself

Particulars: Students are required to attend all of the class sessions. Each class will consist of both lecture and discussion. Students will submit in hard copy form a weekly reading response (2 pages). Grading: Responses 50%, Final exam 40%, Class participation 10%. Satisfies GER IV.A.

MESAS 160: Introduction to Sacred Texts

Crosslisted with REL 150

Newby/Robbins, MWF 9:35-10:25, MAX 38

Content:An introduction to the life of oral and written sacred traditions in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities in various periods. We will explore sacred texts in translation and investigate their origins, their transmission, and the processes by which they became authoritative for their communities. We will study ways the texts were interpreted in the past, how they are used and understood today, and we will visit local worship communities to observe contemporary uses of sacred texts. In addition to the written texts we will delve into the sights, sounds, feel, and in some cases, the taste of some of the world's most sacred texts.

Texts:

• Willard G. Oxtoby (ed.), World Religions: Western Traditions (Second edition)  
•   Muhammed Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran
•   New Oxford Annotated Bible

Particulars: There will be short written assignments on LearnLink, some short site visit reports, three short examinations during the semester, and a comprehensive final examination. The course fulfills General Education Requirements IV.A. (Humanities) and V.C. (Historical, Cultural, and International Perspectives).

MESAS 190S: Freshman Seminar: Harem Tales

Crosslisted with ASIA 190S

Lal, TT 11:30-12:45, MAX 18

Content: This seminar will consider a wide array of questions, such as: What is a harem? Are the following images invoked in your mind straight away: a reclining naked woman holding grapes and a cup of wine, attendants serving her? Or, groups of women engaging in convivial activities, bathing together, absorbed in festivity? Is the harem exactly like this? Is it merely a place for pleasure? Who inhabits it? Only women? Sometimes eunuchs? What about children? Is it possible that the harem could be one of the most sacred concepts in Islamic thought? And that it is a highly contested terrain? By looking at a variety of primary and secondary texts, essays, films, and slides, this seminar will investigate the ‘activities’ of various harems – set in different historical times and places.

Texts: Selections from Leslie P. Peirce, The Imperial Harem: Women and Sovereignty in the Ottoman Empire; Ruby Lal, Domesticity and Power in the Early Mughal World; Malek Alloula, The Colonial Harem; Fatima Mernissi, Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood; Ruth Yeazell, Harems of the Mind: Passages of Western Art and Literature; and Montesquieue, The Persian Letters.

Particulars: Regular and informed participation in class, a mid-term and a final paper.

MESAS 190S:  Freshman Seminar: Usama bin Ladin

Crosslisted with REL 190

Martin, Tu 2:30-5:30, MAX: 18 (13/5)

Content: Perhaps no single Muslim individual in the contemporary world is better known to most consumers of the news media and popular culture than Usama bin Ladin and the events of September 11, 2001. This freshman seminar will investigate why this is the case, whether it should be the case, and who Usama bin Ladin is within the framework of the history of Western relations with the Islamic world. The seminar will also consider contested social movements within Muslim societies, such as al-Qaeda, Salafi Muslims, modernist and progressive organizations, secular Muslim intellectuals, and the role of the Internet and globalization on the impact, success and limitation of bin Ladin and his organization. Students will read, interpret and discuss critically translated texts of Usama bin Ladin and his supporters and Muslim critics, as well as scholarly analyses of violence as an expression of religion, religious suicide, and the much cited use of the label “terrorism.”

Texts: will include

• Messages to the World: The Statements of Osama bin Ladin, ed. Bruce Lawrence
• The Osama bin Laden I know: an oral history of al-Qaeda's leader, Peter L. Bergen
• Holy Terrors: Thinking About Religion After September 11, Bruce Lincoln
• Videos and filmclips
• Coursepack of additional readings

Particulars: Each meeting of the seminar will focus on a theme and relevant texts. All students will be asked to read assigned materials and write a short response on Discussion Board (Blackboard). Frequent showing of videos and film clips relevant to themes and texts will supplement reading materials and form part of class discussions. A ten-page paper will be due at the end of the semester. Grades will reflect performance in class discussions, weekly posted response papers, and the term paper.

MESAS 250S: Freshman Seminar: Archaeology and the Bible

Crosslisted with JS 250S

Borowski, TT 10:00-11:30, MAX 18

Content: An introduction to the field of Biblical Archaeology with careful examination of theory and methodology. The famous discoveries (inscriptions, architecture) and important sites (Megiddo, Hazor, Gezer, Dan) which form the historical background to some of the biblical stories will be examined as well as issues and topics such as the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac,Jacob), Exodus (Moses,) and settlement of Canaan (Joshua), the kings of Israel and Judah, and more. Other topics that will be studied include daily life, religion and ancient art. There will be a few early evening video screenings on related topics.

Texts:

• Walter E. Rast, Through the Ages in Palestinian Archaeology, (Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 1992)
• H.G. May, Oxford Bible Atlas, (New York, Toronto: Oxford University Press), 3rd edition
• The Bible (recommnded Oxford Study Bible)
• Course Packet

Particulars: Weekly reports (35%), 2 papers (25%+15%); oral reports (25%). This course fulfills the methodology requirements for a Minor in Mediterranean Archaeology; it also fulfills Area V.C. of the GER.

Prequisites: Open only to freshmen.

MESAS 315WR: The Qur'an

Crosslisted with REL 315WR

Stewart, TT 1:00-2:15, MAX 20

Content: In this course we will examine the text of the Qur'an, the sacred text of Islam and one of the most widely read books in the world, in English translation. Particular attention will be paid to the various genres and literary forms which appear in the Qur'an, the style and structure of the text, and the relationship of Qur'anic texts with those of the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and pre-Islamic Arabian religious traditions.

Texts:

• The Meaning of the Glorious Koran, M.M. Pickthall
• Introduction to the Qur'an, W.M. Watt and R. Bell
• The N ew Oxford Annotated Bible
• Course pack

Particulars: There will be three assigned papers (5-7 pages), and regular short written assignments.

Prerequisites: No particular background in Arabic or Islam is required; experience in close reading or textual analysis will be helpful.

MESAS 316: Early and Medieval Islam

Crosslisted with REL 316

Martin , TT 10-11:15,  MAX: 20 (15/5)

Content: An introduction to the religious thought, practices, culture, and institutions characteristic of Islamic civilization from the time of the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century to circa 1600. Course work includes a critical review of various scholarly approaches in the humanities and social sciences to the study of Islam. Topics covered will include the intellectual traditions of study of the Qur'an, hadith, theology, law, philosophy, and mysticism, historical sectarian divisions within the Muslim community, and Islamic institutions such as the Caliphate and the madrasah or college of law.

Texts may include: 

• Deliverance from Error, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
• The Formation of Islam: Religion and Society in the Near East, 600-1800, by Jonathan Berkey
• The Mantle of the Prophet, Roy Mottahedeh
• Approaching the Qur'an, Michael Sells
• The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain, Maria Rosa Menocal
• Coursepack of additional readings

Particulars: This is the first of a two course introduction to Islam. Students will post on Blackboard journal responses each week to an assigned reading, usually a text in translation or a reading on a major issue in Islamic studies. Depending on the size of the class, students will also make 2-4 brief class presentations on topics related to the readings. Examinations at midterm and the end of the semester will be take-home.

MESAS 362S: Trade & Travel in the Middle East and South Asia

Margariti, TT 1:00-2:15, MAX: 15

Content: This seminar aims at exploring the mechanisms and ramifications of overseas trade and travel in the Middle East and South Asia from antiquity to the 17th century C.E. What were the different and often interconnected reasons for which people left their native land to travel abroad? What were the risks involved in travel and what were the risk-management mechanisms available? How did people forge connections abroad and how did networks function across long distances? Why and how did people write about their travels and who were their audiences? How did the travelers describe the foreign lands and peoples they visited and what do we learn about perceptions of “otherness” from their accounts? We will approach these questions through the study of primary texts such as travel narratives, trade manuals, guides, and merchants’ correspondence.

Texts:

• L. Casson, The Periplus Maris Erythraei
• P. Curtin, Cross-Cultural Trade in World History
• S.D. Goitein, Letters of Medieval Jewish Traders
• R. Dunn, The Adventures of Ibn Battuta
• Additional readings will be available online.

Particulars: Attendance, preparation and participation (30%); regular short presentation assignments based on the readings (30%); final research paper (40%).

MESAS 370R: Intro to South Asian Civilizations: Historical and Cultural Debates

Cross-listed with ASIA 100

Lal, TT 10:00-11:15, MAX 15

Content: In this course, we shall investigate the area of South Asian Civilizations by focusing on the historical debates surrounding important themes such as religion, nationalism, history, and family life. We will explore these themes for two to three weeks through select texts that will include classical and recent writings, historical and literary texts, and films and fiction.

Texts:

• A Concise History of India, Barbara Metcalf and Thomas Metcalf
• Modern South Asia, Sugata Bose and Ayesha Jalal
• Selections from: The History of British India, James Mill; The History of India as told by its own Historians, H.M. Elliot and John Dowson; The Discovery of India, J.Nehru; The Indus Saga, Aitzaz Ahsa! n.
• Selections from: The Social Anthropology of a Civilisation,Bernard Cohn; Homo Hierarchicus, Louis Dumont; Caste in Modern India and other essays, M. N. Srinivas; Early India, Romila Thapar.
• Selections from: Life and Conditions of the people of Hindustan, K.M. Ashraf; The Indian Muslims, M.Mujeeb; Islamic Society on a South Asian Frontier, Stephen Dale; Construction of Communalism, Gyanendra Pandey.
• Selections from: Recasting Women , Kumkum Sanghari and Sudesh Vaid; Hindu Wife, Hindu Nation, Tanika Sarkar; The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy; Ruby Lal, ‘Historicizing the Harem: the! challenge of a princess’s memoir’, Feminist Studies, vol. 30, no. 3 (Fall/Winter 2004); Being Muslim in India (film).Modern ‘– isms’ (colonialism, nationalism, communalism). Selections from Gandhi, Tagore, Salman Rushdie and Subaltern Studies; Khamosh Pani (film).

Particulars: A 10 page midterm paper and a 10 page final paper.

MESAS 370R: Reading in Judeo-Arabic Text

Cross listed with JS 370R, MESAS 570R, and JS 730R

Hary, Tu 4:00-7:00, MAX 20

Course description: This course is designed to introduce students to Judeo-Arabic, which has been written and spoken in various forms by Jews throughout the Arabic-speaking world. We will examine sociolinguistic issues of Judeo-Arabic, including terminology, periodization, orthographic issues and the sociolinguistic setting of the ‘religiolect’ within Arabic in general. One of the most important genres of the language is the sharh – literal translation of sacred texts from Hebrew into Judeo-Arabic. We will mostly read shrah texts and typically from Egypt. These texts are a rare window on the history of Arabic and its spoken dialects, since they preserve distinctive dialectal features of usage and pronunciation not found in classical Arabic texts. They are also a major source for understanding translation issues and issues of religious identity among Egyptian Jews.

Texts: Students will read the texts in the original language, from the original manuscripts (reproduced digitally or on microfilm). We will also read short selections of secondary works on Judeo-Arabic language and linguistics and translation issues.

Particulars: Requirements include weekly preparation of texts and one research paper consisting of a scholarly edition of an unpublished manuscript. This course is recommended for anyone with a strong interest in Arabic and its historical development. Undergraduates and graduate students interested in sacred texts (Bible, liturgical texts such as Passover Haggadah, etc.) are also welcome.

Prerequisite: Five semesters of Arabic. (Familiarity with the Hebrew alphabet is not a prerequisite.)

MESAS 370R: Great Books of the Rabbis

Crosslisted with JS 370R

Eichenberg-Eilon, MWF 3:00-3:50, MAX 15

Content: TBA

Texts: TBA

MESAS 370R: The Bible and the Ancient Near East

Collins, TT 11:30-12:45, MAX 18

Content: From the Garden of Eden to the Prophets, this course places the Hebrew Bible in its Near Eastern context. Topics will include the Hittite treaty structure as it relates to the Sinai Covenant, the analysis of Yahweh's kingship in its ancient Near Eastern context, the sources for the Priestly Code, scribal traditions, and the role of sacrifice and domestic religion in Israel and the Near East.

Texts: TBA

Particulars: The course will incorporate lecture and discussion, with weekly short papers based on the required reading and a final exam. Regular attendance and class participation will be factors in grading.

MESAS 370R: Through the Museum with the Bible: Biblical Text and Material Culture

THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

MES 415WR: Great Books of the Islamic World

Crosslisted with REL 415WR

Stewart, TT 2:30-3:45, MAX 15

Content: With the establishment of an Empire stretching from Spain to India, the construction of Baghdad, the translation of hundreds of literary and scientific works from Sanskrit, Persian, Syriac, and Greek, and significant advances in rag-paper technology, the early medieval Islamic world witnessed an intellectual flowering rivaling that of the European Renaissance in intensity, importance, and effect. Between 800 and 1000 C.E., scholars in the Islamic world moved to the forefront in almost all the intellectual fields then known to man. During this period, all the then-known sciences were defined, organized, and theoretically formulated. This course will introduce students to the works and currents of thought of this period. Close reading, comparison of texts, and expository writing will be a major emphasis of the course.

Texts:

• al-Andalusi , Science in the Medieval World: Book of the Categories of Nations
• Gutas, Dmitri. Greek Thought, Arabic Culture: The Graeco-Arabic Translation Movement in Baghdad and Early Society 2nd-4th/8th-10th centuries)
  London: Routledge, 1998
• Ibn al-Nadim. The Fihrist of al-Nadim: A Tenth-Century Survey of Muslim Culture
  2 vols. Trans. Bayard Dodge. New York: Columbia University Press, 1970.
• Ihsa al-ulum, Enumeration of the Sciences
• Mafatih al-ulum, The Keys to the Sciences

Particulars:You are expected to attend class, finish the readings on time, and participate in discussion. Short written assignments and class participation (40%). Three assigned papers, 6-7 pages each. (60%). In addition, you will be required to learn and have at your active disposal certain basic information about Islamic intellectual history. There will be an exam to ensure that you assimilate this information, but the exam will not be the main focus of the course. You must get 70% or above on this competency exam in order to pass the course.

MESAS 495R: Honors Thesis 

Faculty, TBA, MAX: 8

Content: Open to candidates in their senior year, this course will be the culmination of study for honors in the MES Program.! The text and materials will vary as each student will work closely with the Professor to identify texts appropriate to his or her particular area of research.

Prerequisites: Approval of Middle Eastern Studies program adviser. 

MESAS 497R: Supervised Reading in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies

Faculty, TBA, MAX 8

Content: This course is designed for advanced students who would like to conduct research on a particular aspect of the Middle East or South Asia or both.

Particulars: The course can be used to satisfy the requirements for the major in MESAS. Requirements depend on the nature of the project or research undertaken.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of MESAS Curriculum Committee.

MESAS 570R: Reading in Judeo-Arabic Text

Cross listed with JS 370R, MESAS 370R, and JS 730R

Hary, Tu 4:00-7:00, MAX 20

Course description: This course is designed to introduce students to Judeo-Arabic, which has been written and spoken in various forms by Jews throughout the Arabic-speaking world. We will examine sociolinguistic issues of Judeo-Arabic, including terminology, periodization, orthographic issues and the sociolinguistic setting of the ‘religiolect’ within Arabic in general. One of the most important genres of the language is the sharh – literal translation of sacred texts from Hebrew into Judeo-Arabic. We will mostly read shrah texts and typically from Egypt. These texts are a rare window on the history of Arabic and its spoken dialects, since they preserve distinctive dialectal features of usage and pronunciation not found in classical Arabic texts. They are also a major source for understanding translation issues and issues of religious identity among Egyptian Jews.

Texts: Students will read the texts in the original language, from the original manuscripts (reproduced digitally or on microfilm). We will also read short selections of secondary works on Judeo-Arabic language and linguistics and translation issues.

Particulars: Requirements include weekly preparation of texts and one research paper consisting of a scholarly edition of an unpublished manuscript. This course is recommended for anyone with a strong interest in Arabic and its historical development. Undergraduates and graduate students interested in sacred texts (Bible, liturgical texts such as Passover Haggadah, etc.) are also welcome.

Prerequisite: Five semesters of Arabic. (Familiarity with the Hebrew alphabet is not a prerequisite.)

MESAS 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

Faculty, TBA, MAX 8

PERS 101: Elementary Persian I

Samei, MWF 12:50-1:40, TH 1:00-2:15, MAX 15

Content: We will learn about Iranian culture(s) through the medium of the Persian language, establish basic proficiency in reading, writing and speaking, acquire a systematic understanding of Persian grammar (written and spoken) and cultural context. The text books will be supplemented by readings, samples of Persian poetry, songs, etc. By the end of the first year of Persian, it will be possible to participate in conversations in Persian on simple topics and read selections of basic modern texts.

Texts:

• A Basic Course in Persian, Saffar-Moghaddam (available in MESAS office)
• Class handouts

Particulars: Students are expected to attend all classes, complete daily assignments and participate actively in class. Grading: Class participation 20%; daily assignments 20%; quizzes 20%; midterm 20%, final 20%.

Prerequisites: None.

PERS 201: Intermediate Persian I

Samei, MWF 3:00-3:50, M 4:00-5:30, MAX 15

Texts:

• Modern Persian, Gernot Windfuhr, Intermediate Level
• Haim's Persian-English Dictionary
• Millenium English-Persian Dictionary
• Class handouts

Paticulars: Students are expected to attend and prepare for class, complete daily assignments and participate in class. Grading: Class participation and preparation 20%, written compositions 10%, performance/ski! t 10%, Quizzes 20%,midterm 20%, final 20%.

Prerequisites: Persian 102 or consent of instructor.

PERS 301: Advanced Persian I

Samei, MWF 10:40-11:30, M 4:00-5:30, MAX 15

Content: Readings of selected literary texts and newspapers/media with attention to expansion of vocabulary, further development of listening, writing, and speaking skills, reading strategies and cultural competence.

Particulars: Grading will be based upon preparation of readings, weekly essays, as well as written and oral presentations, and a final exam. The course can be used to satisfy the language requirement for the Major in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies, or the Minor in Persian.

Prerequisites: Persian 202 or consent of instructor.

PERS 497R: Supervised Reading in Persian

Samei, TBA, MAX 15

Content: Supervised reading in Persian literary, historical or religious texts, in order to conduct specific research projects. Advanced students will read a selection of Persian poetry and prose texts to be determined in consultation with the instructor.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of MESAS Curriculum Committee.

PERS 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

Samei, TBA, MAX 15

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of MESAS Curriculum Committee.

SNSK 201: Intermediate Sanskrit I

Berardi, MF 10:40-12:35, MAX 15

Content: Students sharpen their understanding of Sanskrit grammar through the reading of selections from vedic, epic and classical stages of the language. Conversational skills are also developed.

Prerequisites: Sanskrit 102 or permission of instructor.

SNSK 301: Advanced Sanskrit I

Berardi, MF 2:00-3:50, MAX: 15

Content: Readings of selected Sanskrit literary or religious texts, with attention to advanced grammar, reading strategies, metrics and chant and cultural competence.

Texts:

• Charles Rockwell Lanman, A Sanskrit Reader
• M. Monier-Williams, A Sanskrit-English Dictionary
• Class handouts

Particulars: Grading will be based on preparation of readings, a translation paper and a final exam.

Prerequisites: Sanskrit 202 or permission of the instructor.

SNSK 497R: Supervised Reading in Sanskrit

Berardi, TBA, MAX 12

Content: For advanced students who wish to pursue independent study and reading of Sanskrit texts.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of MESAS Curriculum Committee.

SNSK 797R: Directed Reading (Graduate)

Berardi, TBA, MAX 12

Content: For advanced graduate students who wish to pursue independent study and reading of Sanskrit texts.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of MESAS Curriculum Committee.