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 and development of language skills encountered in print and broadcast media Arabic.

Continuation of Advanced Arabic I.

Introduction to problems and issues in the Middle East today: religio-ethnic rivalries, conflicting nationalisms and ideologies, the Arab-Israeli conflict, Middle East oil.

Major topics, themes, and representative writings in the history and literature of the Arabic and Islamic World during the Medieval period.

Study of archaeology and excavated artifacts from Egypt and the Near East.

Historical and theoretical analyses of the complex history of Western perceptions of Islam, focusing on France.Taught in French. Recommended preparation: FREN 330 and REL 137g.

Studies and readings in one or more pre-modern Iranian languages and their cultural and historical contexts. Specific topics vary; may be repeated for credit.

A readings and research seminar dealing with one topic in the history of the Middle East. Topics will change each time the course is offered.

Individual research and readings. Not for graduate credit.