Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies
Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies Website
Advisors: Murphy, Wright; Affiliated Faculty: Fenner, Foster, Germen, Guessous, Kolarik, Naji
Minor Requirements
This thematic minor combines the study of the Arabic language with courses on the history, religion, politics, and culture of the Arab and Muslim worlds, including the Middle East, North Africa and their diasporas.
Requirements:
*Two units of Arabic language study or other under-studied relevant languages in consultation with the student's Minor Advisor. Students proficient in Arabic or other relevant languages should also consult with their Minor Advisor to address this requirement in a meaningful way.
*Four additional units from among those listed below, including courses from at least two fields or departments outside of the student's major(s). Other courses may be accepted with the consent of the student's Minor Advisor.
*An integrative reflection that demonstrates what the student has learnt from completing this minor; this should be planned in advance with the student's Minor Advisor. The AIMES Integrative Experience is a paper, 3-4 double-spaced pages in length, in which students reflect upon their coursework and experiences in AIMES and how they envision the minor will inform their future study, work, or lives.
Arabic: AR201 Intermediate Arabic I; AR202 Intermediate Arabic II; AR304 Cultural Context and Oral Practice; AR320 Topics in Arabic Culture and Literature (taught in English). Courses in Arabic taken abroad may also satisfy the requirements for this minor in consultation with the student's Minor Advisor in advance.
Art History: AH120 Islamic Art
Feminist and Gender Studies: FM218 The Discourse of the Veil; FG222: Gender and Sexuality in the Modern Middle East and its Diasporas; FG320: Middle Eastern and Islamic Feminist Studies
Film and Media Studies: FM200: Cinemas of the Middle East; New Media Publics and Social Movements
History: HY251 Islamic Cities; HY252 Islam and Science; HY261 Formation of Islamic Societies; HY262 The Modern Middle East: Freedoms and Authorities
Political Science: PS313 Comparative Politics of the Middle East and North Africa(MENA); PS276: Syria in Revolution and War.
Religion: RE140/PA199 The World of Islam; RE203/PH203 Mysticism; RE243: Islam in the Americas; RE345: Dervish Diaries; RE346: Qur’an; CC101 Black and Brown Muslims
Courses
Arabic
Basic skills in oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic. Also covers the basics of Arabic morphology and grammar. Designed to serve the needs of daily conversation in any part of the Arab world, and also to serve the needs of the prospective scholar. No prior knowledge of Arabic required. Meets the Language Requirement requirement.
Review course that drills students in basic vocabulary and grammar acquired in AR101. Trains students for efficient reading in Arabic. Highly recommended for students who have completed AR 101.
Drills students in basic vocabulary and grammar skills acquired in AR101. Highly recommended for students who have completed AR101.
Development of skills in oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic. Builds on the basics of Arabic morphology, syntax, and grammar. Expansion of knowledge of Arabic grammar and development of more advanced reading and writing skills. Vocabulary serves the needs of daily conversation in any part of the Arab world. Attention to the rules of morphology, syntax, and grammar also serves the needs of the prospective scholar. Meets the Language Requirement requirement.
Further develops and strengthens knowledge acquired in Arabic 201. Meets the Language Requirement requirement.
Drills students in the vocabulary and grammar acquired in AR 201. Trains students in speed reading and translation in Arabic. High recommended for students who finish AR 201.
Drills students in the vocabulary and grammar skills acquired in AR202. Also trains students in speed reading and translation in Arabic. Highly recommended for students who have completed AR 202.
Develops skills in reading, writing, listening, and oral practice. Course builds on intermediate knowledge of Arabic morphology, syntax, and grammar. Further knowledge or Arabic grammar and reading and writing skills. Expansion of presentation abilities, and a brief exposure to the Egyptian dialect through media. (Not offered 2024-25).
Offers students the chance to engage intellectually with representations of Arab culture through literature, film, and popular culture. Taught in English.