Schedule of Classes

Introduction to contemporary Persian (Farsi). Oral practice, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary necessary for simple spoken and written expression.

Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic: Development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in contemporary cultural contexts.

Continuation of Persian I.

Continuation of Arabic I.

Intermediate Persian (Farsi). Building conversational skills, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary necessary for intermediate level spoken and written expression.

Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic. Continued development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

Continuation of Arabic III.

Advanced expression in written and spoken Arabic, including reading of original texts, understanding different registers, and exposure to modern Arabic cultures.

Introduction to a regional Arabic dialect, focusing primarily on verbal skills. Recommended preparation: MDES 222 and/or MDES 252.

History and cultures of the ancient empires of southwest Asia, from Cyrus the Great to the establishment of Islam.

Examination of general economic development issues: population, agriculture, industrialization, trade, oil, etc. Several Mideast case study countries are then explored in depth.

In-depth exploration of archaeology and heritage issues in the Middle East and their implications for politics and practice in modern Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

Historical, sociological and political processes that have shaped the emergence of and relationship between Arab nationalism and political Islam since the early 20th century.

The role of the United States in Middle Eastern affairs after the creation of the state of Israel.

Individual research and readings. Not for graduate credit.