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NMC Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations Courses
HUM199Y1
Undergraduate seminar that focuses on specific ideas, questions, phenomena or controversies, taught by a regular Faculty member
deeply engaged in the discipline. Open only to newly admitted first year students. It may serve as a distribution requirement course;
see page 44. NMC101Y1
(formerly NMC170Y1) 78L NMC201Y1 This course acquaints students with the main features and legacies of the civilization that was formed in the Middle East in the 8th-10th centuries C.E. under the impetus of Islam, and marked by several highpoints before the early modern period. Continuity with the earlier civilizations of the ancient Near East are highlighted, and the diverse cultural traditions that contributed to the formation of Islamic civilization are described. NOTE AKKADIAN NMC305Y1
Introduction to Old Babylonian. Grammar and the reading of selected texts. (Offered in alternate years) NMC405Y1
(Offered in alternate years) ARABIC NMC210Y1
Introduction to the grammar and basic vocabulary of standard or literary Arabic, the one language written and read, and also spoken
by those educated to speak it, throughout the Arab world. NMC310Y1
Begins with a review of basic grammar and proceeds with the reading of simple, connected prose passages that typify normal patterns
of Arabic syntax. More literary and idiomatic passages are introduced gradually. NMC410Y1 After a short introduction to the history of the Arabic language within the framework of Semitic languages, connected passages of
Arabic texts drawn from both classical and modern times are studied detail. NMC412Y1
Systematic outline of the development, characteristics, and peculiarities of selected genres of classical Arabic literature such as
historiography, belles-lettres (adab), philosophy, ethics — Qur’an, exegesis, Literature of Tradition — poetry. Complementary
readings, analysis and translation of original text passages are given emphasis. NMC413H1
Insights into the history of ideas in Islam. Original texts by Jurjani (d. 1078, literary criticism), Ghazali (d. 1111, philosophy), Ibn
Rushd (d. 1196, law), Shahrastani (d. 1153, heresiography), Ibn Taymiyah (d. 1328, dogmatics), and Ibn Khaldun (d. 1406, social
history). (Offered in alternate years) ARAMAIC/SYRIAC NMC315Y1
Introduction to Aramaic grammar. Readings from biblical Aramaic. NMC415Y1
An intensive study of various Targumim to the Pentateuch: Onkelos, Pseudo-Jonathan, Neophyti, Samaritan and Fragment Targumim.
Differences among them in vocabulary, syntax and verb usage are discussed, as well as their relationship to the Palestinian midrashim.
(Offered in alternate years) NMC416Y1 The Talmud of the Land of Israel, also called Talmud Yerushalmi or Palestinian Talmud, is written in a mixture of Jewish Western
Aramaic and Mishnaic Hebrew. It is the principal document of the Land of Israel in Late Antiquity. The course examines the legal
argumentation, terminology and language which differ from those of the Babylonian Talmud. (Offered in alternate years)
NMC418Y1
(Offered in alternate years) (ANCIENT) EGYPTIAN NMC320Y1
Grammar and reading of selected hieroglyphic texts. NMC420Y1
Middle Egyptian texts. (HELLENISTIC) GREEK NMC225H1
The primary focus is a systematic and intensive review of Greek grammar, illustrated by readings from the Gospel of Luke. NMC227H1
Readings include a cross-section of the New Testament and, typically, two texts from other Early Christian or Jewish literature. One
additional text is read from a manuscript (papyrus) facsimile. NMC325H1 Readings from the so-called fragmentary Jewish authors of the Hellenistic period. Includes a study of Greek word-building, focused
on improvement of reading skills. (Offered in alternate years) NMC326H1
Readings are from Jewish Romances composed in Aramaic or Hebrew but (fully) preserved only in Greek translation. Includes a
study of Greek word-building, focused on improvement of reading skills. (Offered in alternate years) NMC327H1
Readings are from the books of the Maccabees and Josephus. Includes a study of Greek word-building, focused on improvement of
reading skills. (Offered in alternate years) NMC328H1
Readings are from Jewish Romances composed partly or totally in Greek. Includes a study of Greek word-building, focused on
improvement of reading skills. (Offered in alternate years) HEBREW NMC136Y1
Introduction to the fundamentals of Hebrew grammar and syntax through classroom and language laboratory practice. Emphasis on
the development of oral and writing skills. NMC230Y1
An introduction to biblical Hebrew prose. Grammar and selected texts. For students with no previous knowledge of Hebrew. NMC236H1
Intensive study of written and spoken Hebrew. NMC237H1 Intermediate Modern Hebrew II (formerly NMC236Y1) 52S NMC330Y1 Study of Hebrew grammar, providing a continuation of NMC230Y1. Through extensive reading of Hebrew in the books of Joshua–2
Kings, grammar is reviewed and consolidated, and vocabulary expanded. (Offered in alternate years) NMC333Y1
Study of Hebrew grammar, providing a continuation of NMC230Y1. Through extensive reading of Hebrew in the books of Genesis–Deuteronomy, grammar is reviewed and consolidated, and vocabulary expanded. (Offered in alternate years) NMC334Y1
Selections from a tractate in Babylonian Talmud in order to gain facility in the understanding of the dialogic structure of the legal
discussions. Practice in the use of classical commentaries and critical aids to allow independent study of the text. (Conducted in
Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years) NMC336H1
Survey of Hebrew literature from post-biblical to contemporary writings. Stylistic analysis of various genres. (Conducted in Hebrew) NMC337H1 Survey of Hebrew literature from post-biblical to contemporary writings. Stylistic analysis of various genres. (Conducted in Hebrew)
This course familiarizes students with the methodology and terminology of the two midrashic systems: Devei R. Akiba and Devei R.
Ishmael. Sections of all the midrashic halakha (Mekhiltot, Sifra and Sifre) are studied and compared to other Tannaitic materials.
(Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years) NMC436H1 A study of the poetic works of a major modern Hebrew poet. (Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years) NMC437H1
A study of an important modern writer of Hebrew fiction. (Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years) PERSIAN NMC240Y1
The fundamentals of modern standard Persian grammar, with emphasis on attaining fluency in reading and writing simple texts. Also
serves as a basis for classical Persian. (Offered in alternate years) NMC242Y1
The fundamentals of modern standard Persian grammar for students who may be native speakers, but who have not had formal
training in Persian grammar. Emphasis on attaining fluency in reading, writing, and translation of Persian texts of moderate difficulty.
Also serves as a basis for classical Persian. (Offered in alternate years) NMC340Y1
Reading of a variety of modern prose texts on the intermediate level, with an emphasis on grammatical analysis and translation.
Introduction to the classical language in the second term, with readings from selected authors. (Offered in alternate years) NMC342Y1 Development of reading and writing skills for native or near-native users, with an emphasis on grammatical analysis, composition,
and translation. Also includes reading and analysis of selected texts in classical Persian. (Offered in alternate years) NMC441Y1 Introduction to classical Persian poetry, including the Persian national epic and the mystical tradition, and survey of the development
of classical Persian prose, based on readings from selected authors. (Offered in alternate years) TURKISH NMC245Y1
The basic features of modern Turkish grammar. In the second term, Turkish prose and newspapers are studied, with some practice in
writing simple Turkish. This course serves as a basis for the study of Ottoman Turkish. (Offered in alternate years) NMC345Y1
Modern texts literary, scholarly and journalistic. Turkish grammar and syntax; the nature of Turkish culture. (Offered in alternate
years) NMC445Y1 Advanced Turkish 78S Literature in Translation Courses NMC255H1
Representative Arabic poems of the pre-Islamic period, followed by certain aspects of the Qur'an. Development of lyric poetry in the
Islamic period and of prose, with emphasis on narrative prose. (Offered in alternate years) NMC350Y1
Selected texts from Syriac literature written between the 3rd and 13th centuries C.E., including versions of the Bible and prominent
authors of biblical commentaries, hymns, acts of martyrs, liturgical texts, historiography, grammatical and lexicographical works, as
well as translations from Greek. (Offered every four years) NMC 355Y1Y A survey of the various themes, ideas and features of the Hebrew Bible and the world that gave rise to it. The historical, literary, and theological dimensions of different texts throughout the Bible will be analyzed. Comparative sources from the Ancient Near East, archaeological records, and different versions of Biblical accounts will be explored. The course will be geared to students who are new to critical and objective readings of Biblical texts, and will present the material in a way that is accessible for those both familiar and unfamiliar with its contents. NMC357Y1 This course examines a) the transformations of Middle Eastern societies in the context of the development of communication technologies and media cultures; and b) Western media constructions of the Middle East and its diasporas in the West. (Offered in alternate years) NMC260Y1
A general introduction to the archaeology of the ancient Near East including prehistory, Syria-Palestine, and the high civilizations of
Mesopotamia and Egypt. Organized chronologically to trace the historical development of agriculture, urbanism, and complex state-ordered societies in the region. NMC261Y0 Field Archaeology (formerly NMC261H)
Participation for 4 - 7 weeks during the summer in an approved archaeological excavation in the eastern Mediterranean. This
experience is then critiqued in a previously assigned essay researched and written under guidance upon return. Departmental
permission is required in December-February prior to the fieldwork. Registration in the course will take place in the fall
following field activity. NMC361Y1
From the Paleolithic to the Persian period, with primary emphasis on the Bronze and Iron Ages. The historical development of
Palestinian archaeology, current field methods and interpretive strategies, and the relationship of archaeological discoveries to written
records, including the Hebrew Bible. (Offered in alternate years) NMC362Y1 The Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt (formerly NMC362H1) 26L NMC363H1 The archaeology, art and architecture of Iraq, North Syria and western Iran from ca. 3000 B.C.E. to the Persian period. The
civilizations of Sumer, Akkad, Babylonia and Assyria, as well as their relationship to those of the surrounding areas. (Offered in
alternate years) NMC365Y1 A survey of archaeological investigation of sites in the Middle East from the 7th to the 19th centuries. (Offered every three years) NMC366Y1
Architectural studies, historical sources and archaeological research are used to examine the physical and social morphology of the
pre-industrial Islamic city from Central Asia to North Africa and Spain, from the 7th to the 17th centuries. (Offered every three years) NMC369H1
Materials and technology help define the cultures and civilizations that use them, especially for archaeologists. Focusing on the Near
and Middle East, this course is aimed at promoting understanding of the nature of materials used by the peoples of the region from the
earliest prehistory until recent times. This course has a hands-on emphasis. (Offered in alternate years) NMC461Y1
Prerequisite: NMC462Y1
The use of polarized-light microscopy in the examination of ceramics, stone, other materials, and microstratigraphy. Lectures in
elementary optical mineralogy and case-studies are followed by lab sessions in which typical thin-sections of pottery, rocks, soils and
other materials are studied. (Offered in alternate years) NMC464H1 An intense view of the basic corpus of pottery from the Middle East, ca. 700-1800 C.E. The identification of technology, form, and
style of the main ceramic groups, enabling identification, dating and attribution of original provenance. (Offered in alternate years) NMC465H1 A survey of methods of classification and analysis (form, fabric and style) involved in the study of archaeological ceramics, and the
use of ceramics to infer patterns of production, distribution, and social organization; linking research questions with appropriate
analytical techniques. NMC466H1 An introduction to the basic corpus of Near Eastern ceramics, from the invention of pottery production in the Neolithic until the
Persian period, utilizing existing collections at the University and in the Royal Ontario Museum. NMC467Y1 The archaeology and material culture of ancient Egypt from the Predynastic through the Ptolemaic Period, with emphasis on the
theoretical and methodological issues inherent in interpreting the archaeological record. Students will also work directly with
artifactual material from the Egyptian collection of the ROM. NMC270Y1
The birth of Christianity in Syria and Mesopotamia and the rise of the Monophysite and Nestorian Churches; their life under the NMC273Y1 Features of the pre-Islamic Middle East inherited by Islamic civilization, birth of Islam, life and times of Muhammad, formation of
Islamic empire and civilization, political disintegration of the caliphate, emergence of autonomous dynasties, the fall of Baghdad to
Mongols in 1258 and the rise of the Mamluks. NMC274Y1
The remarkable career of nomads in the Eurasian steppes (Turks, Mongols) and of their Islamicized, but far from assimilated
descendants in the Middle East — slave-soldiers, raiders, migrants, conquerors, and state-builders (e.g. Ghazanavids, Seljuks,
Mamluks, Ottomans, Safavids). Topics to be covered include pastoral nomadism, steppe and other warfare, clan, tribal and state
structure, ethnicity, sedentarization, the role of geography and ecology. (Offered in alternate years) NMC275Y1
An examination of the Jewish-Muslim encounter during the Middle Ages and its treatment in scholarly literature. An overview of the
religious, political, communal, material and intellectual settings of this foundational Judaeo-Muslim experience prepares the stage.
The second part explores such themes as cultural cross-pollination, the Jews’ legal status under Islam in theory and practice, interfaith
polemics, Messianism and religious unorthodoxy as arenas of interaction and the limits of Jewish communal autonomy in Islamic
lands. (Offered on a one time only basis) NMC276Y1
This course examines the transformation of Middle Eastern societies form the perspective of non-state actors, especially the social
and political movements of peasants, women, labour, students, and other social groups. NMC277Y0
A course offered only at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in conjunction with Woodsworth College. Specific topics each year
determined by the instructor. NMC278Y1
Historical survey of the principal countries of the Middle East in the 19th and 20th centuries. Themes include the interplay of imperial
and local interests, the emergence of national movements, and the formation of modern states. NMC370Y1
The political and cultural history of ancient Israel from the origin of the Hebrews to the exile and restoration in the Persian period.
(Offered in alternate years) NMC371Y1 The political and cultural history of Egypt from the close of the predynastic period to its conquest by Alexander the Great; the use of
both archaeological and literary evidence. NMC372Y1 The political and cultural history of the peoples of ancient South-Western Asia (Sumerians, Babylonians, Hittites and Persians).
(Offered in alternate years) NMC373Y1 A survey of the social, cultural, and political transformations of Turkey and Iran in the context of Eurasian and international relations.
(Offered in alternate years) NMC374Y1 A survey of the history of Egypt under Islamic rule from the Arab to the Ottoman conquest (1517 C.E.), including the Fatimid,
Ayyubid and Mamluk dynasties. Issues treated thematically include conversion and inter-communal relations, relations with Syria,
militarization of the political structure, including the military slave (mamluk) institution, religious currents, the impact of the Crusades
and Mongol invasions, commercial and diplomatic relations, the emergence of Cairo as the centre of the later mediaeval western
Islamic world. (Offered in alternate years) NMC375Y1 The transformation of ancient Persian civilization by the Islamic conquests, the “New Persian” renaissance of the 10th century and
Turkish ascendancy. The Mongol invasions and successor states. Nomads and the empires of Tamerlane and the Safavids. The start of
western influence in the 18th century. (Offered in alternate years) NMC376H1
Muslim conquest of North Africa and Spain, history of Spain under Muslim rule to 1492. Attention given to institutional and cultural
development, Islamic Spain's relations with the Islamic east and neighbours in Europe. (Offered in alternate years) NMC377Y1 History of the emergence of the Ottoman state and its evolution from a border principality in Asia Minor into an empire. Ottoman
expansion into Europe, Asia and Africa. The empire at its height under Süleyman the Lawgiver. The development of important
administrative and military institutions. First military and diplomatic setbacks. NMC378Y1
Political, social and economic history of the Arab lands of North Africa and the Middle East from 1700 to the present. Arabs under
Ottoman rule, western colonial rule, emergence of independent states, current problems and prospects. (Offered in alternate years)
NMC379H1 History of Science in the Islamic World 26L NMC470Y1
Survey of Achaemenid Persia; effects of Alexander the Great and Greek culture on the Near East. In consultation with the co-ordinator, students choose their own research topic and submit, following a directed reading program, a research paper. (Offered in
alternate years) NMC477Y1
This course examines the formation of nations and nation-states, national and ethnic conflicts, self-determination, conflict resolution,
and national and ethnic minority rights. NMC479Y1
A seminar organized around readings in selected topics. The topics are related to the instructor's research interests. (Offered in
alternate years) NMC185Y1
The place of Islam in world history, its central beliefs and practices. The Islamic contribution to world civilization; the pluralistic
community, learning and the arts. Islam and modernity. NMC280Y1 The Bible looked at as a whole. Lectures are centred around large themes that occur throughout and straddle both Testaments (in
English translation). Topics include: the origin and interpretation of the Bible; creation, history, and salvation; theology, law and
philosophy; community and individual expressions of belief. NMC284H1
Explores the interaction between Jewish religious and secular movements and feminism. Investigates Jewish law (halakha) and the
Jewish legal (halakhic) process in terms of feminist critique. Marriage, divorce, Torah study, bat mitzvah, other ceremonies, female
rabbinic ordination and women’s prayer groups are some of the topics considered. (Offered in alternate years) NMC285H1
Concern is mainly with the sacred character of the Qur'an (Koran), its preeminence in Islam. Topics include: the idea of the sacred
book, the Qur'an and the Bible, the influence of the Qur'an on Islamic spirituality, literature, theology, law, philosophy, and the various
approaches taken in interpreting the Qur'an. Knowledge of Arabic is not required. NMC380Y1 Religious belief and practice in Mesopotamia and Syria (Ugarit). (Offered in alternate years) NMC382Y1 Religious belief and practice in Egypt. (Offered in alternate years) Jewish attitudes to various personal status issues, such as the foetus, the minor, the pubescent child, and the mentally and physically
challenged adult from biblical and rabbinic sources to modern Jewish positions. (Offered in alternate years) NMC385Y1
The course examines the 19th and 20th century Arab world through the lenses of its intellectuals, their debates and political activism.
It asks how intellectuals reflected and shaped their environment and their times. A major theme is the interconnectedness of (post-)
colonial politics and intellectual production in the modern Middle East.
Abortion, rape, family violence and similar topics from the perspective of historical and legal development, scientific theory, socio-ethical attitudes and anthropological comparison in the Bible and other ancient Near Eastern sources, through Jewish legal texts to
modern responses. (Offered in alternate years) NMC486Y1
The development of mediaeval Islamic theology (kalam) and philosophy (falsafa). The metaphysics of such philosophers as Kindi,
Alfarabi and Avicenna, Ghazali's occasionalist critique of the concept of casual necessity, Averroes' Aristotelian defence of
philosophy. The relationship of metaphysics to political theory in the writings of Alfarabi and his successors. Art & Material Culture Courses NMC391H1
The architecture of the Islamic Mediterranean arose out of a dialogue between its classical origins, its Christian neighbours and its
allegiance to the Islamic world. Developments (e.g., ribbed dome, arabesque and palace) in Spain, Sicily, North Africa, Egypt, Syria
and Turkey. (Offered every three years) NMC392H1
Monumental architecture, whether for secular or religious purposes, played a special role in Muslim societies, particularly in major
centres such as Isfahan, Samarkand and Delhi. Beginning with the Taj Mahal (1632) the best-known elements of Islamic architecture
the double dome, the pointed arch, glazed tiles are traced retroactively in Iran, Central Asia, and India, and their social context is
studied. (Offered every three years) NMC393H1
Islamic culture and society as documented by its art and archaeological remains, examined in their social contexts as well as for their
form and style. Area of study from Spain to India, but with emphasis on the shifting of creativity from the 7th to the 13th century C.E.
Workshop sessions with Royal Ontario Museum objects. (Offered every three years) NMC394H1 A continuation of NMC 393H1, covering the years from the 13th century C.E. to the modern period. Workshop sessions with Royal
Ontario Museum objects. (Offered every three years) NMC396Y1 An overview of late antique Greek, Arab and Persian material culture, as seen through the archaeological record of Syria, Iraq, and Iran. (Offered every three years) NMC299Y1
NMC398H0/399Y0
NMC495Y1
A scholarly project chosen by the student, approved by the Department and supervised by one of the instructors. See Department
Handbook for further information. NMC496H1
Prerequisite:
Permission of Department NMC497H1
Prerequisite:
Permission of Department NMC499Y1
A course of study tailored to the individual needs or interests of advanced undergraduate students. A selection of readings chosen by
the student, under the supervision of a faculty member on which the student may be examined serves as background preparation for
the writing of a research paper.
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