USC Schedule of Classes

Introduction to the natural and cultural diversity of the Middle East through the prism of globalization and sustainability.

Examines Iran from antiquity to modernity, emphasizing the complex interplay of cross-cultural continuity, rupture and transformation that marks the country's long history.

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.

Examines contemporary Arab state-society relations using literature to illustrate how people construct meanings and portray issues of national, social, and cultural significance.

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

Examination of a relevant and timely issue in Middle East Studies.

Individual research and readings. Not for graduate credit.