Course Catalog

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Course Catalog

EARLY ISLAMIC HISTORY (ME2011)

This course offers an introduction to the first century and a half of Islamic society, 600-700 AD. It builds on knowledge of ways of writing about the past which students have acquired in earlier courses. The focus of the course is the rise and development of the religion of Islam and the key events and figures in the process. They will read extracts by those who wrote history in the early Islamic centuries – and those who have approached early Islam and is history in the global North, notably since he nineteenth century.

INTRO TO ISLAMIC ART & ARCHITECTURE (ME2024)

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the multifaceted and dynamic character of Islamic art by focusing on the highest achievements of the major dynasties. The time frame will span over one thousand years and, geographically, will cover lands from the western Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent. Lectures will concentrate on the most representative monuments and works of art from each period. After examining the distinguishing features of the art and architecture of the principal dynasties, their salient characteristics and their greatest contributions to Islamic art as a whole, it should become evident that the field is both full of striking diversity and overall unity.

SITUATING THE MIDDLE EAST II (ME2035)

This course covers the religious, cultural and linguistic diversities in the Middle East and North Africa. It exposes students to and familiarizes them with the origin of these diversities and traces its impact and influence on the modern Middle East. The Islamic identity of the region, its signifier, from the eyes of those outside the region is closely examined. The second part of the course turns to the rich linguistic and cultural diversities of the region, their origin, particularities, and their contributions to the identities of different groups. The role of linguistic diversity as both a unifying and a divisive force will be examined, and the region’s homogeneity and heterogeneity and the socio-political implications of cultural institutions are further explored through its literature, painting, calligraphy, food cultures and customs of dress.

ENCOUNTERS BETWEEN THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE WEST (ME2040)

The “Middle East” and the “West” (as two political/cultural entities) have been involved in a long history of conflicts, concurrence, hegemony, and fascination. The course will explore the different aspects of the contemporary Middle East/West relation, and will explain its origins and historical evolution.

POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (ME3072)

Introduces the contemporary politics of the Middle East, from Turkey and Iran to the Atlantic Ocean, including all the Arab countries of West Asia and North Africa as well as Israel. Focuses on political trends (nationalism and religious fundamentalism), key historical experiences and traumatic events (wars and revolutions), and the interference of world powers that contributed to shaping this sensitive area.

ARAB AND AFRICAN CINEMA (ME3076)

How does cinema in the Arab world and Africa raise important questions about culture, politics and meaning? In this course, we'll explore major developments in the art and industry of cinema in the Arab World and Africa, ranging from the earliest cinema to the most recent contemporary films. We will explore emerging national cinemas and the interactions of Arab and African filmmakers with cinematic movements arising around the world. In exploring the work of a range of important filmmakers, we will think critically about ways in which filmic narratives and forms contribute to the understanding of the cultures and history and advance the art form.

INTERNSHIP (ME3098)

Internships may be taken for 1 or 4 credits. Students may do more than one internship, but internship credit cannot cumulatively total more than 4 credits.

MEDIA & SOCIETY IN THE ARAB WORLD (ME4073)

Provides broad cultural background to the diverse geopolitical region referred to as 'the Arab World'. Looks at the interplay between the forces and processes involved in the expansion of mass media in this context with a particular focus on state/society development and the role of the media through themes like press freedoms, satellite broadcasting, discursive analysis of media text.