Program Requirements
World Islamic and Middle East Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on Muslim cultures and societies both past and present. Recognizing the variety of approaches within Islam, its global reach, but also its regional specificities, and that of the Middle East in particular, the program focuses on training in the textual traditions and social life of Muslims across different times and places.
Complementary Courses (36 credits)
12-15 credits (2 levels) in one language: Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or Urdu. One level is 6 credits. In the case of Arabic, the first two levels involve 15 credits. The extra 3 credits may count toward the 6-9 credits at any level category of the complementary courses鈥 requirement.
NOTE: Hebrew courses (JWST 220D1/D2, 320D1/D2, 340D1/D2), listed under Non-ISLA Courses, are considered non-language courses.
21-24 credits (21 if the 3 extra Introductory Arabic are used), of complementary courses selected from the World Islamic and Middle East Studies course lists as follows:
3 credits of 200-level non-language ISLA courses;
6 credits of 300-level non-language ISLA courses;
6 credits of 400-/500-level non-language ISLA courses;
6-9 credits at any level, including more language courses, but no more than 6 non-language credits overall at the 200-level. Students may fulfill these credits by taking complementary courses from the list of the Non-ISLA Courses below.
Languages (Two levels)
12 credits from:
Arabic
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ISLA 221D1 Introductory Arabic (4.5 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, including pronunciation and reading and writing of the Arabic script; and speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Munir, Muhammad Ahmad; Gohar, Shokry (Fall)
Prerequisites: Permission of the Institute required.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA521D1/D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 221D1 and ISLA 221D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
Students must register for both ISLA221D1 and ISLA 221D2.
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ISLA 221D2 Introductory Arabic (4.5 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 221D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Gohar, Shokry (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 221D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 221D1 and ISLA 221D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
Students must register for both ISLA221D1 and ISLA 221D2.
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ISLA 322 Lower Intermediate Arabic (6 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, including the conditional sentence, case endings, and verbs and verbal constructions.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Gohar, Shokry; Munir, Muhammad Ahmad (Fall) Gohar, Shokry (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 221D1/D2 or ISLA 521D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the Institute.
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 522 or ISLA 522D1/D2.
Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Arabic grammar and vocabulary.
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ISLA 322D1 Lower Intermediate Arabic (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, including the conditional sentence, case endings, and verbs and verbal constructions.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Gohar, Shokry; Munir, Muhammad Ahmad (Fall)
Prerequisite: ISLA 221D1/D2 or ISLA 521D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the Institute.
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 522 or ISLA 522D1/D2.
Students must register for both ISLA322D1 and ISLA 322D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 322D1 and ISLA 322D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
ISLA 322D1 and ISLA 322D2 together are equivalent to ISLA 322
Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Arabic grammar and vocabulary.
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ISLA 322D2 Lower Intermediate Arabic (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 322D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Gohar, Shokry (Winter)
Prerequisite:ISLA 322D1, ISLA 221D1/D2 or ISLA 521D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the Institute.
Students must register for both ISLA322D1 and ISLA 322D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 322D1 and ISLA 322D2are successfully completed in consecutive terms
ISLA 322D1 and ISLA 322D2 together are equivalent to ISLA 322
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 522 or ISLA 522D1/D2.
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ISLA 423D1 Higher Intermediate Arabic (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Introduction to advanced grammatical constructions and vocabulary through readings of longer texts in Arabic, as well as conversation, and exposure to video/audio cultural materials. Continued exposition of Arabic grammar, including active and passive participles, conjunction of irregular verbs, and active and passive voices.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Gohar, Shokry (Fall)
Prerequisite: ISLA 322D1/D2 or ISLA 322 or ISLA 522D1/D2 or ISLA 522 or placement test or permission of the instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 523D1/D2.
Fall and Winter
Students must register for both ISLA 423D1 and ISLA 423D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 423D1 and ISLA 423D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
Students are expected to have knowledge of intermediate-level Arabic grammar and vocabulary.
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ISLA 423D2 Higher Intermediate Arabic (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 423D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Gohar, Shokry (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 423D1
Fall and Winter
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 423D1 and ISLA 423D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
Students are expected to have knowledge of intermediate-level Arabic grammar and vocabulary.
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ISLA 524 Advanced Arabic 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Advanced level of the Arabic language study.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Gohar, Shokry (Fall)
Prerequisite: ISLA 423D1/D2 or ISLA 523D1/D2 or ISLA 623D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the instructor
Note: Language of instruction is Arabic.
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ISLA 525 Advanced Arabic 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Advanced level of the Arabic language study.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Gohar, Shokry (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 524 or placement test or permission of the instructor.
Note: Language of instruction is Arabic.
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ISLA 526 Colloquial Arabic (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Dialectical vocabulary and grammar structures.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Persian
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ISLA 241D1 Introductory Persian (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Introduction to the Persian language, beginning with pronouncing, reading and writing the Persian script, and moving to vocabulary and grammatical structures needed to communicate in simple dialogues, read simple texts, and write simple paragraphs.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Fall)
Prerequisite: Placement test or permission of the instructor
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 541 D1/D2.
Students must register for both ISLA 241D1 and ISLA 241D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 241D1 and ISLA 241D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
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ISLA 241D2 Introductory Persian (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 241D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 241D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 241D1 and ISLA 241D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
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ISLA 342D1 Lower Intermediate Persian (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, and reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, embedded within a variety of short authentic Persian texts.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Fall)
Prerequisite: ISLA 241D1/D2 or ISLA 541 D1/D2, placement test, or permission of the instructor.
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 542D1/D2.
Students must register for both ISLA 342D1 and ISLA 342D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 342D1 and ISLA 342D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Persian grammar and vocabulary.
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ISLA 342D2 Lower Intermediate Persian (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 342D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 342D1 and ISLA 241D1/D2 or ISLA 541D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the instructor.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 342D1 and ISLA 342D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ISLA 443D1 Upper Intermediate Persian (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Introduction to authentic texts about Persian culture, history, geography, politics, arts, and other topics relevant to Iran, as well as canonical poems of various modern and classical poets, and selected Persian proverbs and their meanings and connotations.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: ISLA 342D1/D2 or ISLA 542D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 543 and ISLA 544.
Note: Language of instruction is Persian.
Students must register for both ISLA 443D1 and ISLA 443D2
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 443D1 and ISLA 443D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ISLA 443D2 Upper Intermediate Persian (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 443D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 443D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 443D1 and ISLA 443D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ISLA 545 Advanced Persian 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Advanced level of Persian language study.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: ISLA 443D1/D2, or ISLA 543, or ISLA 544, or ISLA 643D1/D2, or placement test, or permission of instructor.
Note: Language of instruction is Persian.
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ISLA 546 Advanced Persian 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Advanced level of Persian language study.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: ISLA 545 or placement test or permission of the instructor.
Note: Language of instruction is Persian.
Turkish
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ISLA 232D1 Introductory Turkish (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Introduction to speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present and future tenses. Introduction to simple daily conversations.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Simsek, Veysel (Fall)
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA532 D1/D2.
Students must register for both ISLA232D1 and ISLA 232D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 232D1 and ISLA 232D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
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ISLA 232D2 Introductory Turkish (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 232D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Simsek, Veysel (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 232D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 232D1 and ISLA 232D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
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ISLA 333D1 Lower Intermediate Turkish (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Listening comprehension, reading, and writing of more complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive, future, and past tenses.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Simsek, Veysel (Fall)
Prerequisite: ISLA 232D1/D2 or ISLA 532D1/D2 or permission of the Institute.
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 533D1/D2.
Students must register for both ISLA333D1 and ISLA 333D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 333D1 and ISLA 333D2 are successfully completed inconsecutive terms.
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ISLA 333D2 Lower Intermediate Turkish (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 333D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Simsek, Veysel (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 333D1, ISLA 232D1/D2 or ISLA 532D1/D2 or permission of the Institute.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 333D1 and ISLA 333D2 are successfully completed inconsecutive terms.
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 533D1/D2.
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ISLA 434D1 Higher Intermediate Turkish (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Contemporary cultural texts in Turkish, including literature and media. Reading materials supported by audio visual media featuring modern spoken Turkish.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Simsek, Veysel (Fall)
Prerequisite: ISLA 333D1/D2 or ISLA 533D1/D2 or permission of the instructor.
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 534D1/D2.
Students must register for both ISLA 434D1 and ISLA 434D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 434D1 and ISLA 434D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
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ISLA 434D2 Higher Intermediate Turkish (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 434D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Simsek, Veysel (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 434D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 434D1 and ISLA 434D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
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ISLA 535D1 Advanced Turkish (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Language acquisition - advanced Turkish.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 634D1/D2
Students must register for both ISLA 535D1 and ISLA 535D2
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 535D1 and ISLA 535D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
Prerequisites: ISLA 434D1/D1 or ISLA 534D1/D2 or ISLA 634D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the instructor.
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ISLA 535D2 Advanced Turkish (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 535D1 for course description.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: ISLA 535D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 535D1 and ISLA 535D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ISLA 560 Ottoman Turkish (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Ottoman Turkish language, including the Ottoman script, grammar, vocabulary, and calligraphy styles.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Simsek, Veysel (Winter)
Prerequisites: ISLA 333D1/D2 or ISLA 633D1/D2 or permission of the instructor.
Urdu
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ISLA 251D1 Introductory Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Introduction to Urdu-Hindi language including pronunciation and reading and writing of either Urduor Hindi script, speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Shaikh, Sabeena (Fall)
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA551D1/D2.
Students must register for both ISLA251D1 and ISLA 251D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 251D1 and ISLA 251D2are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
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ISLA 251D2 Introductory Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 251D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Shaikh, Sabeena (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 251D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 251D1 and ISLA 251D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
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ISLA 352D1 Intermediate Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, and reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive, future, and past tenses.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Khan, Pasha; Shaikh, Sabeena (Fall)
Prerequisite: ISLA 251D1/D2 or ISLA 551D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 552D1/D2.
Students must register for both ISLA352D1 and ISLA 352D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 352D1 and ISLA 352D2 are successfully completed inconsecutive terms.
Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Urdu-Hindi grammar and vocabulary.
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ISLA 352D2 Intermediate Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 352D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Khan, Pasha; Shaikh, Sabeena (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 352D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 352D1 and ISLA 352D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Urdu-Hindi grammar and vocabulary.
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ISLA 553 Advanced Urdu-Hindi 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Builds upon Intermediate Urdu-Hindi to introduce students to advanced grammatical constructions through reading of longer texts in the Urdu or Hindi script, conversation, and video/audio cultural materials.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Shaikh, Sabeena (Fall)
Prerequisites: ISLA 352D1/D2 or ISLA 552D1/D2 or ISLA 652D1/D2 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
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ISLA 554 Advanced Urdu-Hindi
2 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Advanced study of grammatical constructions through reading long texts in the Urdu or Hindi script, conversation, and video/audio cultural materials.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Shaikh, Sabeena (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 553 or permission of the instructor.
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ISLA 555 Urdu Poetry (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Interpretation of Urdu poetry for students with intermediate to advanced-level knowledge of Urdu-Hindi language. Includes advanced grammar topics, cultural and historical background, and interpretation and analysis.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): ISLA 352D1/D2 or permission of the instructor.
Non-Language Courses
ISLA 200-Level
3 credits from:
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ISLA 200 Islamic Civilization (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : An introduction to, and survey of, the religious, literary, artistic, legal, philosophical and scientific traditions that constituted Islamic civilization from the 7th Century until the mid-19th Century.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Abdel-Latif, Sara (Fall)
Fall
Note: All readings are in English.
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ISLA 210 Muslim Societies (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : An introduction to the different, often disparate, ways in which Muslims live and think in the modern world (19th-21st centuries). Muslim social contexts across the globe and cyberspace.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Manoukian, Setrag (Winter)
Winter
ISLA 300-Level
6 credits from:
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ISLA 300 Special Topics 7 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Subject matter will vary year to year, according to the instructor. Topic will be made available in Minerva.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
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ISLA 305 Topics in Islamic History (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Subject matter will vary year to year, according to the instructor. Topic will be made available in Minerva.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ISLA 310 Women in Islam (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The socio-legal status, conditions, and experiences of various groups of women in Middle Eastern societies. These features are explored within the framework of Islamic feminism and Western feminist discourses, and the tensions and conflicts between them. The dynamics of seclusion, veiling, and polygamy are explored in connection to Medieval Arab ruling elites as a background to some of the discussions and debates over the status of women in modern postcolonial Arab society. Socio-economic divisions, state policies, patriarchy, and colonialism are investigated as key factors in understanding the modern historical transformation of gendered relations and women's roles.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ISLA 315 Ottoman State and Society to 1839 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The emergence and development of the Ottoman Empire from its beginnings around 1300 until the Tanzimat Edict of Reform in 1839. A trajectory of Ottoman history from a small principality to a centralized empire, then to a decentralized governmental structure. In addition to chronological developments, questions of imperialideology and the management of ethnically and religiously diverse communities across a vast territory. Exploration of the place of the Ottomans in the early modern world, and their ideological and diplomatic rivalry with other major empires.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: G眉rb眉zel, Aslihan (Winter)
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ISLA 325 Introduction to Shi'i Islam (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Developments in doctrines, legal school, rituals and political thought of Twelver Shi'ite Muslims during early and late medieval periods (centuries VII-XIII). The emergence of the earliest Shi'ite communities in Arabia, Yemen, Iraq and Iran stressing the relationship of the Shi'ite Imams and their religious scholars to the Sunnite Caliphates.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
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ISLA 330 Islamic Mysticism: Sufism (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The varieties of "mystical" thought in Islam, primarily as seen in Sufism, its historical development and its place in Islamic culture. Analytical study of major authors, their writings and their central problems.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 350 From Tribe to Dynasty (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The political and intellectual developments shaping Arab and Persian societies from the rise of Islam in the 7th century until the early mid 8th century, including the major social changes, political revolts, religious schisms, and the consolidation of lasting cultural institutions.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Fall
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ISLA 355 Modern History of the Middle East (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Assessment of the historical transformation of the modern Middle East concentrating on its internal socio-economic changes, as well as the colonial experience and encounters with the West since the early 19th century. Examination of the historical conditions that led to the rise of nationalism, the nation-state, the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Abisaab, Malek (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 360 Islam and Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Assessment of the relationship between Islam and politics in the contemporary Middle East and Africa through various analytic themes, including political economy, social movement and gendered analysis.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Fall
Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 365 Middle East Since the 1970's (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Changes that have occurred in the Middle East since the 1970's, viewed through the lens of themes such as migration, consumerism, war, communications, and ideology.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 370 The Qur鈥檃n: History and Interpretation (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : It examines the history of the codification of the text, its form, and modes of interpretation in both the modern and pre-modern periods. Presentation of different schools of Qur鈥檃nic exegesis, including traditional hermeneutical approaches, and modern approaches such as feminist interpretations of the Qur鈥櫮乶.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Abdel-Latif, Sara (Winter)
Prerequisite(s): ISLA 200 or permission of instructor
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ISLA 380 Islamic Philosophy and Theology (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : A survey of the most important philosophers and theologians in Islamic intellectual history, with a focus on the theories they articulated and the movements they engendered. The impact of European thought on 19th and 20th century Islamic intellectual history is also examined.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.
Note: Reading and discussion in English.
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ISLA 383 Central Questions in Islamic Law (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : An integrative view of Islamic law in the past and present, including landmarks in Islamic legal history (e.g., sources of law; early formation; intellectual make-up; the workings of court; legal change; legal effects of colonialism; modernity and legal reform) and a structured definition of what it was/is.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 385 Poetics and Politics in Arabic Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Major issues in classical and modern Arabic literature; how poetics and politics interact in classical and modern, popular folktales and high literature, novels and poetry. The politics of translation from Arabic into English.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
Note: Reading and discussion in English.
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ISLA 388 Persian Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Examination of literature produced in the Persian-speaking world from the mid 10th to the late 20th century C.E. A broad selection of texts (prose and poetry) will be studied in translation.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Keshavmurthy, Prashant (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.
Note: Readings in English.
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ISLA 392 Arabic Literature as World Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Consideration of Arabic literature as part of world literature, including exploration of tensions between reading Arabic literature as local, discrete and self-contained and as part of larger global phenomena.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 395 Melancholic Migrants (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The histories, cultures, and racial politics of South Asians and Muslims of North America and the United Kingdom from the 16th century to the present. Focusing on South Asians (regardless of religious identity), Black Muslims, Latine Muslims, Arabs and Berbers, Turks and other post-/Ottoman peoples, Iranians, and white Muslims, with special attention to the Montreal context.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Khan, Pasha (Fall)
Prerequisites: ISLA 210
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ISLA 499 World Islamic and Middle East Studies Internship (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : Internship with an approved host institution or organization.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restriction(s): Open to U2 and U3 students with a minimum CGPA of 2.7, and permission of the departmental Internship Adviser. This course will not normally fulfill program requirements for seminar or 400-level courses. A letter from a supervisor at the institution must attest to successful completion of the student's tenure (minimum 150 hours). Students attain credit by writing a research project based on and inspired by their internship experience. This research paper is written after the Internship is completed.
*As per course restriction, ISLA 499 does not fulfil ISLA 400-/500-level requirements.
ISLA 400-/500-Level
6 credits from:
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ISLA 410 History: Middle-East 1798-1918 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : A study of the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt to the end of WWI. Emphasis will be on the emergence of nationalisms in the context of European imperialism; political, social, and economic transformation; religion and ideology; and changing patterns of alliances.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
3 hours
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ISLA 411 History: Middle-East 1918-1945 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The impact of WWI on Middle Eastern society and politics; the British and French mandates; the growth of nationalisms, revolutions and the formation of national states; WW II and the clash of political interests within the region.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
3 hours
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ISLA 415 Modern Iran: Anthropological Approach (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The modern history, social, and cultural anthropology of contemporary Iran.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 420 Indo-Islamic Civilization: Medieval (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The rise of Islam in South Asia in the 8th Century and its subsequent expansion; evolution of Indo-Islamic civilization and its apogee during Mughal rule up to 1707. Themes include state and religion; ruling institutions; political theory, Sufism and the process of conversion, as well as the formation of a composite culture.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 421 Islamic Culture - Indian Subcontinent (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Survey of Islamic culture (faith systems, literature, music, art) on the Indian subcontinent from the early modern period to the present, with a focus on conflict and relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, and between majority and minority Muslim groups.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ISLA 430 Islamdom: Baghdad to Cordoba (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The course examines the major socio-political developments in Iraq, Persia, Syria, Egypt, North Africa and Spain from the 9th to the 13th Century. Emphasis is laid on the Umayyad Caliphate centered in Cordoba, and the 'Abbasid Caliphate centered in Baghdad, and the rise of important local dynasties leading up to the Mongol invasion. The course underscores the formation of Islamic cultures in distinct geographical settings and the transformation of religious life under new socio-economic conditions. It also explores shifting notions of civil society and orthodoxy.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Abisaab, Rula (Winter)
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ISLA 488 Tales of Wonder-Islamic World (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Reading of literary masterpieces of Islamic world focused on three collections of marvelous tales in Arabic, Persian and Urdu: The Arabian Nights, the Shahnameh, and the Adventures of Amir Hamza. May include film screenings, visual art, viewing of rare materials.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ISLA 489 Special Topics 6 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Selected topics in Islamic and Middle East studies. Subject matter will vary year to year, according to the instructor. Topic will be made available in Minerva.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Fall)
Fall and/or Winter
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
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ISLA 501 The Qur'an: Text and History (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : A study of the Qur'an's teachings, structures, style, and history in the light of classical and modern scholarship.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ISLA 502 Art in the Age of Empires (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : This course offers a wide-ranging survey of visual culture under the three Muslim superpowers of the early modern period: the Mediterranean-based Ottomans, the Safavids of Iran, and the Mughals of India. The course will examine the nature of these states and their distinctive and vibrant artistic idiom on a comparative basis. Topics include the formation of imperial ideology and its visual articulation; palaces and court culture; artistic organization, authorship, and agency; patronage, gender, piety, as well as cross-cultural interaction.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): ISLA 320 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 505 Islam: Origin and Early Development (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The Qur'an, Hadith, the Shari'a and their major themes. The early development of law, theology and Sufism. The development and formation of an Islamic "orthodoxy", the development and nature of competing interpretations of Islam during the Classical Period. Topics: God, revelation, prophecy, the community and the individual and the meaning of history.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Abdel-Latif, Sara (Winter)
3 hours
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ISLA 506 Revolutions: Arab Middle East and North Africa (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The post-Ottoman Arab world; major socio-political transformations and revolutions in the 20th century Middle Eastern and North African Arab countries; the historical contexts that shaped them and their implications. Interdisciplinarity (anthropology, psychology,sociology, psychiatry, law), effects of revolutionson individuals and societies; the cause of these revolutions; the impact of the modernization/reforms, colonialism and the rise of nationalist movements on them; the diverse compositions and aims of these revolutions; types of social groups and political organizationsand societies that were drawn to these revolutions and why; and the role colonial and postcolonial powers played in them.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Abisaab, Malek (Fall)
3 hours
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ISLA 511 Medieval Islam, 10th-12th Century (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Socio-political, religious and intellectual developments in Muslim societies following the weakening of the Arab-Sunni Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad during the tenth century. Emphasis will be placed on the historical formation and features of the Seljuq and Buyid dynasties as well as the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Abisaab, Rula (Fall)
Prerequisites: Isla 200
Restrictions: Not open to students who have take ISLA 511D1/D2
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ISLA 512 Art of the Ottoman Empire (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : This course examines artistic production of the large and long-lived empire of the Ottomans. Focusing on key monuments of art and architecture, discussion will revolve around issues relating to imperial identity, patronage, court-culture, and cross-cultural exchange.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): ISLA 320 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 515 The Medieval School in Islam (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Schooling in medieval Islamic society particularly in Iraq, Greater Syria, Persia, and Egypt. Sheds light on the structure of learning, aims of education, the life of students including women, and their relationship to their teachers. Illuminates forms of academic evaluation, and looks closely at the "scholarly license" as an accrediting tool delineating its function and scope. Through a set of representative studies on the medieval school, it brings attention to the heated debates surrounding the academic rigor of this form of learning, and the place of scientific learning in it, as well as the historical connection between it and the early European college.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ISLA 516 Medieval Islam, 13th-15th Century (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The historical circumstances surrounding the Crusades against Muslims in Greater Syria and Egypt. The socio-economic, political, and cultural transformation of Muslim society following the destruction of the Abbasid Caliphate, and the rise of the Ikl-Khanid Mongols in Iran and Iraq, as well as the Mamluks in Syria and Egypt. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of new Persian, Turkish, and Indian populations into Islamic imperial culture.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisites; ISLA 200
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 511D1/D2.
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ISLA 531 Survey Development of Islamic Thought (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : A survey of the development of the major intellectual traditions of Islamic civilization in medieval and modern times.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ISLA 555 Urdu Poetry (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Interpretation of Urdu poetry for students with intermediate to advanced-level knowledge of Urdu-Hindi language. Includes advanced grammar topics, cultural and historical background, and interpretation and analysis.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): ISLA 352D1/D2 or permission of the instructor.
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ISLA 581 Special Topics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Selected topics in Islamic studies.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Abdel-Latif, Sara (Fall) G眉rb眉zel, Aslihan (Winter)
Fall and/or Winter
Note: Subject matter will vary year to year, according to the instructor. Topic will be announced at the beginning of the term.
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ISLA 582 Special Topics 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Selected topics in Islamic Studies.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Manoukian, Setrag (Fall)
Subject matter will vary from term to term, according to the instructor. Topic will be announced at the beginning of the term.
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ISLA 585 Arab Women's Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Explorations of writings by Arab women. Issues include: translation/reception, gender and genre, categories of knowledge about Arab women, feminist and post-colonial theories/methodologies.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: ISLA 392 or permission of instructor.
Note: Readings in English translation.
Non-ISLA Courses
0-9 credits from:
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ANTH 209 Anthropology of Religion (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Nature and function of religion in culture. Systems of belief; the interpretation of ritual. Religion and symbolism. The relation of religion to social organization. Religious change and social movements.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Lemons, Katherine (Winter)
Winter
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ANTH 318 Globalization and Religion (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : The interactions between religion and the economic, social and cultural transformations of globalization: relations between globalization and contemporary religious practice, meaning, and influence at personal and collective levels.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ANTH 327 Anthropology of South Asia (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : An introduction to anthropological research in India and greater South Asia. Topics include politics, caste, class, religion, gender and sexuality, development and globalization.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Rathee, Vineet (Fall)
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HIST 209 Introduction to South Asian History (3 credits)
Overview
History : Charts the making of South Asian civilization, 2500 BCE- 1707 CE, through a selection of key themes and major trends. Focus on the transformation of local kinship ties into regional kingdoms and empires, the evolution of religion and the legacy of the expansion of Islam and consequent rise of Turkish, Afghan and Mughal empires in this area.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Basu, Subho; Farran, Andrea (Fall)
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HIST 240 Modern History of Islamic Movements (3 credits)
Overview
History : Islamic revival in the Middle East which led to the rise of different versions of Islamic traditions and beliefs. Emphasis on the nature and character of leading nationalist and Islamic movements and their ideologues since the late 19th century.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Abisaab, Malek (Fall)
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HIST 340 History of Modern Egypt (3 credits)
Overview
History : Explores the history of Egypt from the 18th Century to today. Topics include: Ottoman Egypt, the impact of French and British Colonialism, Nasserism, Camp David and economic liberalization, and the Egyptian Revolution of 2011.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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HIST 341 Themes in South Asian History (3 credits)
Overview
History : Exploration of a theme in the history of South Asia.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Halder, Madhulagna (Fall) Basu, Subho (Winter)
Prerequisite: HIST 209 recommended.
Themes may vary from year to year.
- HIST 435 Topics in South Asian History (3 credits)
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HIST 446 Topics in Middle East History (3 credits)
Overview
History : Examination of a selected topic in the history of the modern Middle East from the late 19th century to the present.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): Any class on the history of the Middle East or permission of the instructor
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JWST 220D1 Introductory Hebrew (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Language acquisition - introductory Hebrew.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Fima, Lea; Michaeli, Rina (Fall)
For detailed course content go to .
Students must register for both JWST 220D1 and JWST 220D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both JWST 220D1 and JWST 220D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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JWST 220D2 Introductory Hebrew (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : See JWST 220D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Fima, Lea; Michaeli, Rina (Winter)
For detailed course content go to .
Prerequisite: JWST 220D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both JWST 220D1 and JWST 220D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
JWST 220D1 and JWST 220D2 together are equivalent to JWST 220
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JWST 245 Jewish Life in the Islamic World (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Until the early modern period, most of the world鈥檚 Jews spoke Arabic and called the Islamic world home. This course explores the Jewish experience among Muslims from the seventh century until the present. Through close readings of primary sources and historical scholarship, students will learn how Jews under Islam shaped modern Judaism, how engagement with Arabic in Islamic Spain led to the revival of Hebrew, and how the Jewish-Muslim relationship fared in the twentieth century. The course also probes themes of history and memory in light of the departure of Jews from the Islamic world in the 1950s and 1960s.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Silver, Christopher (Fall)
For detailed course content go to .
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JWST 261 History of Jewish Philosophy and Thought (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : An introduction to Jewish philosophy and thought from the Hellenistic period (Philo) to the beginning of the modern era (Spinoza) focusing on topics such as prophecy and philosophy, God and the world; the Law as a canon of ethical rules and as a political constitution. Survey of the treatment of such issues by Jewish thinkers from Philo to Maimonides.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Fraenkel, Carlos (Fall)
For detailed course content go to .
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JWST 312 Modern Jewish History (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Exploration of major transformations to Jewish society and identity in the modern period. Topics include nationalism, emancipation, acculturation, modernity, relations with non-Jews, popular culture, and literature.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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JWST 320D1 Intermediate Hebrew (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : This course is designed to integrate students at various levels into one group with the aim of improving their basic language skills and preparing them for advanced Hebrew.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Michaeli, Rina (Fall)
For detailed course content go to .
Students must register for both JWST 320D1 and JWST 320D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both JWST 320D1 and JWST 320D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
JWST 320D1 and JWST 320D2 together are equivalent to JWST 320
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JWST 320D2 Intermediate Hebrew (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : See JWST 320D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Michaeli, Rina (Winter)
For detailed course content go to .
Prerequisite: JWST 320D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both JWST 320D1 and JWST 320D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
JWST 320D1 and JWST 320D2 together are equivalent to JWST 320
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JWST 323 The Israeli Novel (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : In-depth examination of selected Israeli novels written during the past fifty years of national formation and consolidation. Authors may include Agnon, Yehoshua, Oz, Shabtai, Shalev and others.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For detailed course content go to .
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JWST 334 Jews and Muslims: A Modern History (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : This course examines the modern history of Jewish-Muslim relations beyond just conflict. We will look at the experience of Jews and Muslims -- as individuals and communities -- who charted new cultural territory while navigating colonialism, nationalism, war, and decolonization, through close readings of a wide variety of primary sources (including letters, memoirs, fiction, music, film, and photography) and historical scholarship.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For detailed course content go to .
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JWST 338 Jewish Philosophy and Thought 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Focuses on either a period, a current of thought or the work of a thinker in the history of Jewish thought from the Middle Ages to Modern Times, paying particular attention to the relationship of Jewish thinkers to intellectual trends in their respective cultural contexts. themes and concerns of Jewish theology and on Jewish responses to contemporary trends in European thought.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For detailed course content go to .
Winter
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JWST 340D1 Advanced Hebrew (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Language acquisition - advanced Hebrew.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Fima, Lea (Fall)
For detailed course content go to .
Prerequisite: JWST 200 or JWST 320 or permission of the Hebrew Language Coordinator
Students must register for both JWST 340D1 and JWST 340D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both JWST 340D1 and JWST 340D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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JWST 340D2 Advanced Hebrew (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : See JWST 340D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Fima, Lea (Winter)
For detailed course content go to .
Prerequisite: JWST 340D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both JWST 340D1 and JWST 340D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
JWST 340D1 and JWST 340D2 are together equivalent to JWST 340
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JWST 348 Modern Jewish Studies (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Topics in Jewish Studies. Semesters will be devoted to specific issues and periods of the Jewish Experience since 1500 and the literature produced by Jews during this period.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Halevi-Wise, Yael (Winter)
For detailed course content go to .
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JWST 366 History of Zionism (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : An examination of the development of the Zionist idea, the most influential expression of modern Jewish nationalism, which led to the creation of the Jewish state. The transformation of elements of traditional Jewish messianism into a modern political ideology. Hibbat Zion, Political Zionism, Cultural and Synthetic Zionism will be discussed.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For detailed course content go to .
Recommended: JWST 365
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JWST 367 Hebrew through Israeli Cinema (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : An opportunity to analyze Israeli cinema from different periods, spanning 1948 to the present. While participating primarily in Hebrew with some assignments in English, students in this course will be invited to engage actively with the social, political, psychological and aesthetic dimensions of these films.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Fima, Lea (Winter)
For detailed course content go to .
Fall
Prerequisite: JWST 340 or permission of instructor
This course is conducted at an advanced level of Hebrew. Please contact the instructor to assess your language proficiency.
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JWST 368 A Taste of Hebrew Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : An introduction to short literary forms in Hebrew from the mid-20th Century to the present. Short stories and poems will be discussed in terms of their literary qualities, as well as in relation to their cultural, social, political and historical contexts with the ultimate aim of fostering an improved ability to read, write and speak in Hebrew.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For detailed course content go to .
Winter
Prerequisite: JWST 340 or permission of instructor
This class is conducted at an advanced level of Hebrew. Please contact the instructor to assess your language proficiency.
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JWST 369 History of the Hebrew Language (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : An exploration of the evolution of the Hebrew language from Biblical texts to contemporary Israeli slang, including Rabbinical commentary, Medieval hymns, poetry by Jewish authors of the Islamic world, Haskalah literature in the modern Jewish Enlightenment, and contemporary texts to showcase the revival of a spoken Hebrew after 2000 years in exile. Linguistic patterns, literary structures and vocabulary.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For detailed course content go to .
Fall
Prerequisite: JWST 340 or permission of instructor
This course is conducted at an advanced level of Hebrew. Please contact the instructor to assess your language proficiency.
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JWST 370 Israeli Popular Culture (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Israel's multifaceted contemporary culture including music, theatre and the visual arts, as well as stand-up comedy, dance, film and TV series, and contemporary Israeli society.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Fima, Lea (Fall)
For detailed course content go to .
Winter
Prerequisite: JWST 340 or permission of instructor
This course is conducted at an advanced level of Hebrew. Please contact the instructor to assess your language proficiency.
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PHIL 356 Early Medieval Philosophy (3 credits)
Overview
Philosophy : An examination of selected works in the Christian, Islamic and Jewish traditions. Topics in moral and political philosophy, logic and metaphysics, philosophical psychology and epistemology, philosophy of science, and philosophical theology may be discussed.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Menn, Stephen (Fall)
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POLI 340 Comparative Politics of the Middle East (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the societies, political forces and regimes of selected countries of the Eastern Arab world (Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia).
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Brynen, Rex (Fall)
Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 341 Foreign Policy: The Middle East (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the changing regional security environment and the evolving foreign policies and relationships of Arab states in three areas - relations with non-Arab regional powers (Israel, Iran), inter-Arab relations, Great Power relations. The course will focus particularly on Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Fall)
Prerequisite: A 200- or 300- level course in International Relations or Middle East politics or permission of the instructor
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 347 Arab-Israel Conflict, Crisis, Peace (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Concepts - protracted conflict, crisis, war, peace; system, subsystem; Conflict-levels of analysis; historical context; images and issues; attitudes, policies, role of major powers; Crises-Wars - configuration of power; crisis models; decision-making in 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982 crisis-wars; conflict- crisis management; Peace-Making - pre-1977; Egypt-Israel peace treaty; Madrid, Oslo, Israel-Jordan peace; prospects for conflict resolution.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Fall)
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RELG 204 Judaism, Christianity and Islam (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An introduction to the beliefs, practices, and religious institutions of these three world religions.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Cere, Daniel M; Salvatore, Armando (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 307 Bible, Quran and Interpretations (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures as responses to earlier sacred texts and in the light of post-scriptural interpretations. The debates, polemics, interpretative strategies, and intellectual and spiritual sharing produced by these three religions in accepting, explaining, amplifying, modifying, and selectively rejecting their and other sacred scriptures.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Oegema, Gerbern (Fall)
Winter
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RELG 309 World Religions and Cultures They Create (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The constitution and mutual entanglements of selected religions and cultures originating and thriving in varied regional contexts. Focus on highlighting the symbolic (visual, aural) expressivity of religions via ritual, myth, and rational speculation and its impact on high and popular cultures.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Salvatore, Armando (Fall)
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RELG 440 Global Islam (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Western scholarship has oscillated between orientalizing Islam and co-opting it into the Western (Abrahamic) fold of religious traditions. The course will challenge both perspectives by exploring Islam鈥檚 dynamic unfolding across a variety of civilizational regions and during subsequent epochs. Its patterns of premodern globalization are nowadays retrieved, sometimes by fitting Islamic cultures into neoliberal patterns of globalization, more often by sidelining or overlaying the Westphalian system of sovereign nation-states. The course will show how Islamic traditions have, both in history and in the present, developed unique intellectual tools and practical resources to interface both with 鈥榬adical鈥 (Abrahamic) and 鈥榙ialogic鈥 (non-Abrahamic) religious traditions: from the West (also via labor-based migration), through Central and South Asia, to East and Southeast Asia.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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RELG 573 Religions in Global Society (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : This seminar is devoted to the study of a plurality of often intersecting religious traditions in a globalizing world, based on interdisciplinary scholarship drawing from history, sociology, anthropology and archaeology. It starts from locating religious phenomena within intersecting social, cultural and political fabrics around the world. It articulates the relation between a multi-faith appreciation of the role of religions in a variety of societies and the emergence of diverse patterns of secularity in them. It facilitates a rich understanding of a complex past to shed light on the new challenges of globalization, including the opening of horizons of postsecular understandings and arrangements.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Salvatore, Armando (Fall)