Middle Eastern Languages & Cultures: Cultures and Societies of the Middle East and North Africa, Minor
Like the corresponding major, the Cultures and Societies of the Middle East minor broadly explores the cultures, societies, religions, and literary traditions of the greater Middle East including Arabia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, Iran and the Persianate world, Egypt and the Nile Valley, North Africa (including the Maghreb), and Asia Minor (including present-day Turkey). It enables students to develop an understanding of deep continuities through time, and close connections among the cultures of the region and adjacent areas. The minor does not include language coursework and consists of 6 CU. Students in this minor must complete the department's two foundational courses: MELC 0001 (Introduction to the Ancient Middle East) and MELC 0002 (Introduction to the Middle East). Additionally, students must fulfill 1 CU in introductory or upper-level coursework in Ancient Middle East or Hebrew and Judaic Studies (1 CU); and Societies and Cultures of the Islamic World or the Modern Middle East (1 CU). The final 2 CU are electives in intermediate or more advanced coursework. These courses should be chosen as appropriate in consultation with the student’s minor advisor after discussing the student’s particular intellectual interests.
Code | Title | Course Units |
---|---|---|
Requirements | ||
Core Requirement | ||
MELC 0001 | Introduction to the Ancient Middle East | 1 |
MELC 0002 | Introduction to the Middle East | 1 |
Ancient Middle East or Hebrew and Judaic Studies | ||
Select 1 CU in either Ancient Middle East or Hebrew and Judaic Studies: | 1 | |
Origin and Culture of Cities | ||
Ancient Middle East | ||
Myths and Religions of the Ancient World | ||
Ancient Civilizations of the World | ||
Archaeology & The Bible | ||
Reading Ancient Mesopotamia | ||
Reading Ancient Mesopotamia | ||
Land of the Pharaohs | ||
Literary Legacy of Ancient Egypt | ||
Art and Architecture in Ancient Egypt | ||
The Religion of Ancient Egypt | ||
The World of Cleopatra | ||
Water in the Middle East Throughout History | ||
Iraq: Ancient Cities and Empires | ||
History and Society of Early Mesopotamia | ||
History of Ancient Egypt | ||
History of Ancient Egypt | ||
Hebrew and Judaic Studies | ||
Great Books of Judaism | ||
Jewish Mysticism | ||
Themes Jewish Tradition | ||
Jewish Humor | ||
Jewish Folklore | ||
Introduction to Modern Hebrew Literature | ||
Jews and Christians | ||
The Making of Scripture | ||
Jewish Magic | ||
Spirit and Law | ||
Rabbinic Writers on Rabbinic Culture | ||
Select 1 CU in either Societies and Cultures of the Islamic World or Modern Middle East: | 1 | |
Societies and Cultures of the Islamic World | ||
Getting Crusaded | ||
Introduction to the Qur'an | ||
Muhammad and Society | ||
Introduction to Islamic Law | ||
The Arabian Nights | ||
Age of Caliphs, 600-1100 | ||
Islamic Intellectual Tradition | ||
Modern Middle East | ||
The Middle East through Many Lenses | ||
Food in the Islamic Middle East: History, Memory, Identity | ||
North Africa: History, Culture, Society | ||
Muslims, Christians, and Jews in the Middle East: Historical Perspectives | ||
Nationalism and Communal Identity in the Middle East | ||
Migration and the Middle East | ||
Middle Eastern Jews in Israel | ||
Who Owns the Past? Archaeology and Politics in the Middle East | ||
Intermediate or Advanced Electives | ||
Select 2 CU from all of the above categories or courses in the Literary and Visual Cultures | 2 | |
Methods in Literary and Visual Cultures | ||
Reading Ancient Mesopotamia | ||
Literary Legacy of Ancient Egypt | ||
Great Books of Judaism | ||
Modern Middle Eastern Literature in Translation | ||
Modern Arabic Literature | ||
Iranian Cinema: Gender, Politics and Religion | ||
The Bible in Translation | ||
Introduction to Modern Hebrew Literature | ||
Introduction to Persian Poetic Tradition | ||
Media and Culture in Contemporary Iran | ||
Rabbinic Writers on Rabbinic Culture | ||
Total Course Units | 6 |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.