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.

This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to Sufism, the mystical tradition of the Islamic world. The class focuses on the heartland of the Middle East, namely the eastern Arab lands, Turkey and Iran. No prerequisites are required. (Gen. Ed. I, DG)

Not available at this time.

In this course, students will receive an introduction to Persianate culture. Focusing primarily on Afghanistan, the course will also explore of the diverse modern cultures of Persian-speaking societies such as Iran and Tajikistan.

At the end of this beginning intermediate course, students will have read a wide variety of classical and modern Persian texts both in prose and poetry. Therefore, you will be able to read, write, understand and speak about a variety of literary, historical, cultural and journalistic topics with relative ease.

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)