Not available at this time

This course examines the formation of new social and cultural patterns in the medieval Islamic period. It begins with a historical survey of the formative period between the 7th and 9th centuries, and then examines key ideas and developments in the coalescence of Islamic civilization. Readings combine primary sources in translation and analytic summaries from secondary literature. These include coverage of religious texts, material culture, and contemporary treatises and travel accounts.

In this course, we will approach Israeli television as a window into Israel?s multicultural society, testifying to the profound social, political, and cultural transformations of the 1990s-2000s. Israeli series are streaming on platforms such as Netflix, introducing the quintessential Israeli experiences to transnational audiences. Studying Israeli television will offer us a chance to get to know the major conversations in Israeli society, while advancing our understanding of the medium itself.

Not available at this time.

The Persian Epic of Shahname (The Book of Kings) is a classic of World Literature, which has deeply influenced Persian mythology and folklore. In this course we will examine this timeless book from literary and historical perspective, and discuss such varied topics as the Mythology of Sacred Kingship, The Persian Empire, and Virtue and Justice in the Ancient Religion. The course is open to all levels, and no background in the topic is assumed. All readings in English translation.

How have nature and the environment shaped the history of the Middle East? Highlighting the importance of climate, water, physical geography, natural disasters and disease the course examines the complex relationship between human societies and the environment. (Gen. Ed. HS, DG)

An exploration of Middle Eastern views about sexuality, the body, and gender since the rise of Islam. The class examines these topics through social relations as well as medical and legal constructs. (Gen. Ed. HS, DG)