USC 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.

Introduction to the history and the study of the Middle East from ancient to modern times

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.

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

Continuation of Arabic III.

Political and dynastic history of Iran from the Arab conquest in the seventh to the eighteenth century.

History and culture of modern Iran from the nineteenth century to present through historical and ethnographic approaches to Iran today, richly contextualizing events and people.

Advanced verbal and written expression in Persian, including deeper understanding of Persian culture.

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.

Examination of the Middle East through the prism of its popular cultures; emphasis on audio, visual, and literary representations in relation to colonialism, nation-building, and globalization.

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.