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Program Requirements
This program may be expanded to the Major Concentration Middle East Studies.Complementary Courses (18 credits)
18 credits of complementary courses selected from the Middle East Studies course lists as follows:
6 credits of "core" courses from the History list
6 credits from the Religion and Philosophy list with at least 3 credits in "core" courses
6 credits from the Social Sciences list
History
* Note: Core courses are marked by an asterisk ("*") in the list below. Courses in the list may be offered by History (HIST), Islamic Studies (ISLA), or Jewish Studies (JWST).
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HIST 240 Modern History of Islamic Movements (3 credits) *
Overview
History : Islamic revival in the Middle East which led to the rise of different versions of Islamic traditions and beliefs. Emphasis on the nature and character of leading nationalist and Islamic movements and their ideologues since the late 19th century.
Terms: Fall 2011, Summer 2012
Instructors: Abisaab, Malek (Fall) Chowdhury, Rashed (Summer)
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HIST 339 Arab-Israeli Conflict (3 credits) *
Overview
History : The political, military, and diplomatic history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, with a focus on a number of historiographical debates over specific issues, such as the 1948 and 1967 wars, and the failures of the various peace initiatives.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Restriction: Open to U2 or U3 students only or permission of instructor.
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HIST 448 Women, Gender and Sexuality in the Middle East (3 credits)
Overview
History : A focus on women in the history of the late-19th- and 20th-Century Middle East, and on the ways in which gender analysis and sexuality illuminate the history of national and religious communities. Topics such as: education, masculinity, sexuality, Western representations of Middle Eastern women, and gender and the nation.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Parsons, Laila (Fall)
Prerequisite: A course on women, gender or sexuality or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 350 From Tribe to Dynasty (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : The political and intellectual developments shaping Arab and Persian societies from the rise of Islam in the 7th century until the early mid 8th century, including the major social changes, political revolts, religious schisms, and the consolidation of lasting cultural institutions.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Abisaab, Rula (Fall)
Fall
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ISLA 355 Modern History of the Middle East (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : Assessment of the historical transformation of the modern Middle East concentrating on its internal socio-economic changes, as well as the colonial experience and encounters with the West since the early 19th century. Examination of the historical conditions that led to the rise of nationalism, the nation-state, the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Abisaab, Malek (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 410 History: Middle-East 1798-1918 (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : A study of the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt to the end of WWI. Emphasis will be on the emergence of nationalisms in the context of European imperialism; political, social, and economic transformation; religion and ideology; and changing patterns of alliances.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- 3 hours
-
ISLA 411 History: Middle-East 1918-1945 (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : The impact of WWI on Middle Eastern society and politics; the British and French mandates; the growth of nationalisms, revolutions and the formation of national states; WW II and the clash of political interests within the region.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- 3 hours
-
ISLA 510D1 History: Islamic Civilization - Classical (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : The origins of the early Islamic state in Arabia and the Umawi Caliphate. The growth of an Islamic civilization, and the "Abbasi Empire" until the Seljuk period. The rise of the Fatimis. The Caliphate of Cordoba.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- 3 hours
- Students must register for both ISLA 510D1 and ISLA 510D2.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 510D1 and ISLA 510D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ISLA 510D2 History: Islamic Civilization - Classical (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 510D1 for course description.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 510D1
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 510D1 and ISLA 510D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
-
ISLA 511D1 History: Islamic Civilization - Mediaeval Era (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : The Seljuks, and the medieval synthesis. The Moors in Spain and North Africa. The Crusades. The Mongols and the destruction of the Baghdad Caliphate. The Mamluk, Persian, Turkish and Indian Empires until 1700.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: Either ISLA 200 or ISLA 350
- Students must register for both ISLA 511D1 and ISLA 511D2.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 511D1 and ISLA 511D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ISLA 511D2 History: Islamic Civilization - Mediaeval Era (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 511D1 for course description.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 511D1
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 511D1 and ISLA 511D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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JWST 323 The Israeli Novel (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : In-depth examination of selected Israeli novels written during the past fifty years of national formation and consolidation. Authors may include Agnon, Yehoshua, Oz, Shabtai, Shalev and others.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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JWST 366 History of Zionism (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : An examination of the development of the Zionist idea, the most influential expression of modern Jewish nationalism, which led to the creation of the Jewish state. The transformation of elements of traditional Jewish messianism into a modern political ideology. Hibbat Zion, Political Zionism, Cultural and Synthetic Zionism will be discussed.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Nadler, Allan L (Winter)
Recommended: JWST 365
Religion and Philosophy
* Note: Core courses are marked by an asterisk ("*") in the list below. Courses in the list may be offered by Islamic Studies (ISLA), Jewish Studies (JWST), Philosophy (PHIL), Philosophy and Western Religions (PHWR), or Religious Studies (RELG).
** Note: RELG 204 and RELG 256 can only be taken for program credit if taken prior to any "core" courses.
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ISLA 200 Islamic Civilization (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : An introduction to, and survey of, the religious, literary, artistic, legal, philosophical and scientific traditions that constituted Islamic civilization from the 7th Century until the mid-19th Century.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Anzalone, Christopher; Umar, Bariza; Iftikhar, Asif; Wisnovsky, Robert (Winter)
Winter
Note: All readings are in English.
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ISLA 325 Introduction to Shi'i Islam (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : Developments in doctrines, legal school, rituals and political thought of Twelver Shi'ite Muslims during early and late medieval periods (centuries VII-XIII). The emergence of the earliest Shi'ite communities in Arabia, Yemen, Iraq and Iran stressing the relationship of the Shi'ite Imams and their religious scholars to the Sunnite Caliphates.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Abisaab, Rula (Winter)
Winter
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ISLA 345 Science and Civilization in Islam (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : History of scientific traditions and ideas in Islamic civilization, from the origins of Islam to the early modern period. Emphasis is on the derivation, development and transmissions of Islamic science, as well as on the assimilation and influence of science within Islamic culture.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Ragep, Faiz; Ragep, Sally (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of the instructor.
Note: All readings are in English.
-
ISLA 380 Islamic Philosophy and Theology (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : A survey of the most important philosophers and theologians in Islamic intellectual history, with a focus on the theories they articulated and the movements they engendered. The impact of European thought on 19th and 20th century Islamic intellectual history is also examined.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to U0 or U1 students.
- Note: Reading and discussion in English.
-
ISLA 383 Central Questions in Islamic Law (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : An integrative view of Islamic law in the past and present, including landmarks in Islamic legal history (e.g., sources of law; early formation; intellectual make-up; the workings of court; legal change; legal effects of colonialism; modernity and legal reform) and a structured definition of what it was/is.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.
-
ISLA 505 Islam: Origin and Early Development (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : The Qur'an, Hadith, the Shari'a and their major themes. The early development of law, theology and Sufism. The development and formation of an Islamic "orthodoxy", the development and nature of competing interpretations of Islam during the Classical Period. Topics: God, revelation, prophecy, the community and the individual and the meaning of history.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- 3 hours
-
ISLA 506 Islam: Later Developments (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : How the basic elements of Islam have been understood in the course of later Islamic history up to the present day. The nature and development of Shi'ism, Sufi brotherhoods, major intellectual trends, Islam in a world of nation states, diaspora. The challenges of modernity and the contemporary world.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- 3 hours
-
ISLA 531D1 Survey Development of Islamic Thought (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : A survey of the development of the major intellectual traditions of Islamic civilization in medieval and modern times.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- 3 hours
- Students must register for both ISLA 531D1 and ISLA 531D2.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 531D1 and ISLA 531D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ISLA 531D2 Survey Development of Islamic Thought (3 credits) *
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 531D1 for course description.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: ISLA 531D1
- No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 531D1 and ISLA 531D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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JWST 562 Medieval Islamic and Jewish Philosophy (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Deals with the manifold points of contact between medieval Muslim and Jewish intellectual history. Muslim and Jewish philosophers, theologians and mystics belonged to the same currents of thought, used the same language and studied the same sources in translation, proposing similar answers to questions that arose in the context of their respective religious traditions.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Prerequisite: one course in Greek, Islamic or Jewish Philosophy, or permission of instructor.
-
PHIL 356 Early Medieval Philosophy (3 credits)
Overview
Philosophy : An examination of selected works in the Christian, Islamic and Jewish traditions. Topics in moral and political philosophy, logic and metaphysics, philosophical psychology and epistemology, philosophy of science, and philosophical theology may be discussed.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Laywine, Alison (Fall)
-
PHWR 300 Philosophy & Western Religions 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Philosophy & Western Religions : Introduction to the encounter between philosophy and the Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, from Antiquity to the 12th Century, covering the philosophical sources (Plato to Neoplatonism), the religious sources (Bible to Qu'ran), and their manifold syntheses in the thought of theologians, philosophers and mystics within the three religious traditions.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Restrictions: Open to students in Philosophy & Western Religions, Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and to students of other units with permission of the instructor.
-
PHWR 301 Philosophy & Western Religions 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Philosophy & Western Religions : Introduction to the encounter between philosophy and the three Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, from the 13th Century to the Enlightenment, covering the manifold syntheses of philosophical and religious ideas in thinkers from the Later Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the 17th Century and the Enlightenment.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Prerequisite: PHWR 300 or permission of the instructor.
- Restrictions: Open to students in Philosophy & Western Religions, Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and to students of other units with permission of the instructor.
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RELG 204 Judaism, Christianity and Islam (3 credits) **
Overview
Religious Studies : An introduction to the beliefs, practices, and religious institutions of these three world religions.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Levy, B Barry; Fletcher, Charles Douglas; Henderson, Ian H (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 256 Women in Judaism and Islam (3 credits) **
Overview
Religious Studies : The role of women in Judaism and Islam from the point of view of institutionalized religious traditions and of women's religious subjectivity; how women's spiritual and social roles within their religious traditions are shaped by Revealed Law, Holy Text and the Authority of Interpretation. Comparative sociology of religion approach.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Summer
Social Sciences
Courses in the list may be offered by Anthropology (ANTH), Islamic Studies (ISLA), or Political Science (POLI).
-
ANTH 340 Middle Eastern Society and Culture (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Exploration of daily life, culture and society in the Middle East, through examination of ethnographic accounts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
-
ISLA 210 Muslim Societies (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : An introduction to the different, often disparate, ways in which Muslims live and think in the modern world (19th-21st centuries). Muslim social contexts across the globe and cyberspace.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Parsons, Laila (Winter)
Winter
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ISLA 360 Islam and Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Assessment of the relationship between Islam and politics in the contemporary Middle East and Africa through various analytic themes, including political economy, social movement and gendered analysis.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Medani, Khalid; Sachs, Jeffrey (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
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ISLA 385 Poetics & Politics in Arabic Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Major issues in classical and modern Arabic literature; how poetics and politics interact in classical and modern, popular folktales and high literature, novels and poetry. The politics of translation from Arabic into English.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to U0 or U1 students.
- Note: Reading and discussion in English.
-
ISLA 388 Persian Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Examination of literature produced in the Persian-speaking world from the mid 10th to the late 20th century C.E. A broad selection of texts (prose and poetry) will be studied in translation.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Mehdizadeh, Hossein (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.
Note: Readings in English.
-
ISLA 392 Arabic Literature as World Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Consideration of Arabic literature as part of world literature, including exploration of tensions between reading Arabic literature as local, discrete and self-contained and as part of larger global phenomena.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Hartman, Michelle Laura (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
-
ISLA 415 Modern Iran: Anthropological Approach (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The modern history, social, and cultural anthropology of contemporary Iran.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.
-
ISLA 585 Arab Women's Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : Explorations of writings by Arab women. Issues include: translation/reception, gender and genre, categories of knowledge about Arab women, feminist and post-colonial theories/methodologies.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Hartman, Michelle Laura (Fall)
Prerequisite: ISLA 392 or permission of instructor.
Note: Readings in English translation.
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POLI 340 Developing Areas/Middle East (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the societies, political forces and regimes of selected countries of the Eastern Arab world (Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia).
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Brynen, Rex J (Fall)
Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
Note: The area in the field of Comparative Politics is Developing Areas.
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POLI 341 Foreign Policy: The Middle East (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the changing regional security environment and the evolving foreign policies and relationships of Arab states in three areas - relations with non-Arab regional powers (Israel, Iran), inter-Arab relations, Great Power relations. The course will focus particularly on Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Mansour, Imad (Fall)
Prerequisite: A 200- or 300- level course in International Relations or Middle East politics or permission of the instructor
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 347 Arab-Israel Conflict, Crisis, Peace (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Concepts - protracted conflict, crisis, war, peace; system, subsystem; Conflict-levels of analysis; historical context; images and issues; attitudes, policies, role of major powers; Crises-Wars - configuration of power; crisis models; decision-making in 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982 crisis-wars; conflict- crisis management; Peace-Making - pre-1977; Egypt-Israel peace treaty; Madrid, Oslo, Israel-Jordan peace; prospects for conflict resolution.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Mansour, Imad (Fall)
Prerequisite: 160-243 prior to 1997-98; or POLI 244
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 437 Politics in Israel (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An analysis of the nature and development of the Israeli political system, including historical background, Zionist ideology, the electoral system, the political parties, the institutions of government, constitutional issues, and religion and politics. The relationship between domestic politics and foreign policy will also be explored.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Middle East Studies
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MEST 375 Topics in Middle East Studies (3 credits)
Overview
Middle East Studies
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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MEST 495 Middle East Studies: Research Seminar (3 credits)
Overview
Middle East Studies : An interdisciplinary research seminar on topics of common interest to staff and students of the Middle East Studies program. As part of their contribution, students will prepare a research paper under the supervision of one or more members of staff.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Parsons, Laila (Winter)
Prerequisite: At least 4 MES Core courses
Restriction: Open to final year MES Program students and to others by permission of the Program Co-ordinator
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MEST 496 Independent Reading and Research (3 credits)
Overview
Middle East Studies
Terms: Fall 2011, Winter 2012
Instructors: Parsons, Laila (Fall) Parsons, Laila (Winter)
Faculty of Arts—2011-2012 (last updated Jan. 26, 2012) (disclaimer)