USC Schedule of Classes

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

Explores the modern Middle East by focusing on the process of globalization.

Major strands of Islamic political thought from early Islam through the classical Islamic period to contemporary developments and transformations.

Explores contemporary Iranian society through the study of social tensions created by poverty-wealth, tradition-modernity, masculinity-femininity, and notions of religio-political authority as reflected in the literature and films of the country.

A comparative examination of social relations of power and institutions with a special focus on intellectual traditions, the law, and social movements.

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

Individual research and readings. Not for graduate credit.