Anthropology 265 - The Middle East and North Africa

This course will explore the cultural, political, and historical complexity of everyday life in the Middle East and North Africa. Rather than attempting a survey of the entire region, the course engages a number of important themes in the anthropology of the Middle East and North Africa. Drawing on ethnographic accounts, films, literature, and art, the course will trace how experiences of colonization, imperialism, modernization, nationalism, capitalism, occupation, war and revolt shape the conditions of living for people in the region. By the end of the course, students will have gained an understanding of some of the most pressing issues being faced in the region today, and the ways that anthropologists have approached these issues in their research and writing.  

Limited to 25 students. Fall semester.   Professor Dole.

How to handle overenrollment: Priority given to majors and second and third year students.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: emphasis on readings, written work, and independent research.