USC Schedule of Classes

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.

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 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 Persian I.

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.

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

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

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.

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.