A yearlong course that introduces the basics of Modern Standard Arabic, this course concentrates on all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Beginning with the study of Arabic script and sound, students complete the Georgetown text Alif Baa and finish Chapter 13 in Al-Kitaab I, Book by the end of the academic year. Students acquire vocabulary and usage for everyday interactions as well as skills that allow them to read and analyze a range of texts.

A continuation of ARA 200. We complete the study of the Al Kitaab II book sequence along with additional instructional materials. In this course, we continue perfecting knowledge of Arabic integrating the four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, using a communicative-oriented, proficiency-based approach.

A yearlong course that introduces the basics of Modern Standard Arabic, this course concentrates on all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Beginning with the study of Arabic script and sound, students complete the Georgetown text Alif Baa and finish Chapter 13 in Al-Kitaab I, Book by the end of the academic year. Students acquire vocabulary and usage for everyday interactions as well as skills that allow them to read and analyze a range of texts.

Topics course.: Explores the relationship between East European Jewish history and post-Holocaust and post-Communist memory through the prism of Yiddishland, the dream of a transnational homeland defined by language and culture rather than borders. The seminar includes a course field trip to Poland over March break. Enrollment by instructor permission.

The second half of a two-semester sequence introducing modern Hebrew language and culture, with a focus on equal development of the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. By the end of the year, students are able to comprehend short and adapted literary and journalistic texts, describe themselves and their environment, and express their thoughts and opinions. Learning is amplified by use of online resources (YouTube, Facebook newspapers) and examples from Hebrew song and television/film. Prerequisite: JUD 101 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 18.

Topics course.: What was the Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries? Did a revolution even occur? If it did, was it really revolutionary? If it occurred, what forces produced it? How did the boundaries of “science,” which was known as “natural philosophy,” change during this time period? Readings are drawn from primary and secondary sources.

Topics course.: A comparative examination of McCarthyism, Watergate and Iran-Contra. A look at how our political institutions function under stress. Prerequisite: a 200-level course in American government.

An examination of gender and sexuality as subjects of theoretical investigation, historically constructed in ways that have made possible various forms of regulation and scrutiny today. We focus on the way in which traditional views of gender and sexuality still resonate with us in the modern world, helping to shape legislation and public opinion, creating substantial barriers to cultural and political change.

An examination of the great thinkers of the classical and (time permitting) medieval periods. Possible topics include family and the state, freedom and the gods, warfare faction, politics and philosophy, secular and religious authority, justice, citizenship, regimes and natural law. Selected authors include: Sophocles, Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, Aristotle, Polybius, Cicero, Lucretius, Augustine, Aquinas and Marsilius.

An introductory survey of the environmental implications of the international political economy. The focus is on the changing role of the state and the politics of industrial development. Special emphasis is devoted to the controversies and issues that have emerged since the 1950s, including the tragedy of the commons, sustainable development, global warming, and environmental security. Special attention is also accorded to North-South relations and the politics of indigenous peoples. Prerequisite: 241 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20.