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.

Requirements
Core Requirement
MELC 0001Introduction to the Ancient Middle East1
MELC 0002Introduction to the Middle East1
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 Cultures2
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 Units6

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.