HUM199Y1
First Year Seminar 52S
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 40.
NMC101Y1
The Ancient Near East 78L
Introduction to the archaeology, history and literature of the ancient Near East. The contributions made by the Egyptians,
Babylonians and Assyrians to the development of civilization.
Exclusion: NMC370Y1/NMC343H1/NMC344H1/NMC346H1/NMC347H1 may not be taken in the same year, NMC371Y1, NMC372Y1
NMC201Y1
Islam's Culture and Civilization 52L
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.
Language and Literature Courses
Note
The Department reserves the right to place students
in the NMC language course best suited to their linguistic preparation.
Akkadian
NMC305Y1
Introductory Akkadian 78S
Introduction to Old Babylonian. Grammar and the reading of selected texts. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Arabic or Hebrew, normally NMC136Y1/NMC210Y1/NMC230Y1
NMC405Y1
Intermediate Akkadian 78S
(Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC305Y1
Arabic
NMC210Y1
Introductory Standard Arabic 78L,26P
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.
Exclusion: Native users. Priority enrollment will be given to declared NMC majors/specialists.
NMC310Y1
Intermediate Standard Arabic 78L,26P
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.
Exclusion: Native users. Priority enrollment will be given to declared NMC majors/specialists.
Prerequisite: NMC210Y1
NMC410Y1
Advanced Standard Arabic 78S
Connected passages of Arabic texts drawn from both classical and modern times are studied in detail.
Exclusion: Native users of Arabic need permission of instructor
Prerequisite: Two years of Arabic
NMC411H1
Readings in Arabic Newspapers 26S
Directed readings of passages drawn from well-known Arabic newspapers such as: al-Ahram (Egypt), al-Ra'y (Jordan), al-Safir
(Lebanon), al-Khalij (UAE), and al-Haya (UK). The course is designed to make advanced students of Arabic familiar with the
language, style and topics of the Arabic Press.
Prerequisite: NMC310Y1 or adequate reading knowledge of Arabic
NMC412Y1
Survey of Classical Arabic Literature 52S
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.
Prerequisite: Two years of Arabic or adequate reading knowledge
NMC413H1
Islamic Thought in Mediaeval Arabic Sources 26S
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)
Prerequisite: Adequate reading knowledge of Arabic
Aramaic/Syriac
NMC315Y1
Introductory Aramaic 78S
Introduction to Aramaic grammar. Readings from biblical Aramaic. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Hebrew, normally NMC136Y1/NMC230Y1
NMC415H1
Intermediate Aramaic: Targum 39S
(formerly NMC415Y)
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)
Prerequisite: NMC315Y1
Exclusion: NMC415Y1
NMC416Y1
The Jerusalem Talmud: Jewish Western Aramaic 52S
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)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Recommended preparation: NMC315Y1/NMC334Y1
NMC418Y1
Classical Syriac 78S
(Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC315Y1
 Coptic
NMC220H1
Elementary Coptic I 26L
Introduces the student to the last stage of the Egyptian language, written
mostly in Greek characters. The course will first concentrate on the grammar
of the language and go on to read short texts.
(Ancient) Egyptian
NMC320Y1
Introduction to Middle Egyptian 78S
Grammar and reading of selected hieroglyphic texts.
NMC321H1
Ancient Egyptian Iconography 26S
This course deals with the recognition and interpretation of ancient Egyptian symbols and the representations of divine and
royal figures as preserved in the epigraphic record.
Prerequisite: NMC320Y1
NMC420Y1
Intermediate Egyptian 78S
Middle Egyptian texts.
Prerequisite: NMC320Y1
Hebrew
NMC230Y1
Introductory Biblical Hebrew 78S
An introduction to biblical Hebrew prose. Grammar and selected texts. For students with no previous knowledge of Hebrew.
Exclusion: Those who have completed Grade 8 Hebrew (or Grade 6 in Israel)
NMC236H1
Elementary Modern Hebrew I 39L, 26P
(formerly 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. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: Those who have completed Grade 4 Hebrew (or Grade 2 in Israel), NMC136Y
NMC237H1
Elementary Modern Hebrew II 39L, 26P
(formerly 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. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC236H1 or permission of instructor
Exclusion: Those who have completed Grade 4 Hebrew (or Grade 2 in Israel), NMC136Y
NMC330Y1
Intermediate Biblical Hebrew: Historical Books 78S
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)
Prerequisite: OAC Hebrew/NMC230Y1
NMC331H1
Mishnah and Tosefta 26L
Introduction to Mishnah and Tosefta, two of the three foundational documents of Middle Hebrew. In addition to studying
specific features of this level of Hebrew, examining these compositions independently, and analyzing their interaction, students
will examine current scholarly literature on these documents and their relationship to each other. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Intermediate Hebrew (Modern or Biblical)
NMC333Y1
Intermediate Biblical Hebrew: Pentateuch 78S
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)
Prerequisite: OAC Hebrew/NMC230Y1
NMC334Y1
Topics in Babylonian Talmud 52S
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)
Prerequisite: OAC Hebrew/NMC237H1/NMC230Y1
NMC336Y1
Intermediate Modern Hebrew 78S
(formerly NMC236H1, NMC237H1)
Intensive study of written and spoken Hebrew. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: Those who have completed Grade 8 Hebrew (or Ulpan level 2 in Israel), old numberings NMC236H1/NMC237H1
Prerequisite: NMC136Y1, new numberings NMC236H1/NMC237H1
NMC430H1
Advanced Biblical Hebrew 26L
Advanced Biblical Hebrew language.
Exclusion: NMC430Y1
Prerequisite: At least 2 years of Biblical Hebrew; permission of instructor
NMC432H1
Halakhic Midrashim 26S
(formerly NMC432Y1)
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)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Recommended preparation: NMC237H1/NMC330Y1/NMC333Y1/NMC334Y1
Exclusion: NMC432Y1
NMC434Y1
Advanced Modern Hebrew 52S
(formerly NMC 336H1, 337H1)
Advanced intensive study of written and spoken Hebrew. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC336Y1, old numberings NMC236H1/NMC237H1
Exclusion: OAC Hebrew, old numberings NMC336H/337H
NMC436H1
Modern Hebrew Poetry 26S
A study of the poetic works of a major modern Hebrew poet. (Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
NMC437H1
Modern Hebrew Prose 26S
A study of an important modern writer of Hebrew fiction. (Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
NMC438H1
Prophetic Literature 26S
An examination of different concepts of prophecy in the Hebrew Bible and in later Second Temple traditions, such as Dead Sea
Scrolls, Hellenistic Jewish writings, and early Christian writings.
Prerequisite: Advanced reading knowledge of Hebrew/Aramaic.
Persian
NMC240Y1
Persian for Beginners 78S
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)
Exclusion: Native users. Priority enrollment will be given to declared NMC majors/specialists.
NMC340Y1
Intermediate Persian 78S
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)
Exclusion: NMC242Y1/Native users. Priority enrollment will be given to declared NMC majors/specialists
Prerequisite: NMC240Y1
NMC441Y1
Survey of Classical Persian Literature 52S
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)
Prerequisite: NMC340Y1 or adequate knowledge of Persian
NMC442H1
Modern Persian Poetry 26L
A survey of modern Persian poetry using connected passages of Persian texts.
Prerequisite:
NMC340Y1 or adequate reading knowledge
NMC443H1
Modern Persian Prose 26L
A survey of modern Persian prose using connected passages of Persian texts.
Prerequisite: NMC340Y1 or adequate reading knowledge
Turkish
NMC245Y1
Introductory Turkish 78S
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)
Exclusion: Native speakers
NMC345Y1
Intermediate Turkish 78S
Modern texts literary, scholarly and journalistic. Turkish grammar and syntax; the nature of Turkish culture. (Offered in alternate
years)
Prerequisite: NMC245Y1 or adequate reading knowledge of Turkish
Literature in Translation Courses
NMC251H1
Ancient Egyptian Literature in Translation 26S
Explores a variety of different genres of ancient Egyptian literature, including wisdom literature, funerary texts, poetry, stories
and other literary texts.
NMC255H1
Arabic Literature in Translation 26S
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)
NMC256Y1
Literature and Culture of Modern Israel 52L
Introduces students to the culture of modern Israel through Israeli literature produced from 1948 - present. Focus will be
primarily on selected short fiction, poems, plays, songs and films. Some themes explored are: tradition and modernity; traumas
of war; the call of history; religion and secularism; and challenges of independence. In English translation. (Offered in alternate
years)
NMC257H1
Introduction to the Literature of the Jewish Sages 26L
(formerly NMC257Y1)
A gateway course designed to introduce students to the variety of literary works produced by the Jewish sages who became
known as the rabbis. These works are the classical texts of Judaism which, after the Bible, created normative Judaism. Sample
reading in translation will acquaint students with these works. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC257Y1
NMC258H1
Tales from the Masnavi of Rumi 26L
(formerly NMC258Y1)
Introduces students to the greatest mystical poet of the Perso-Islamic tradition, Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi (d. 1273). Topics
include divine love and mystical union, imagination, and esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an. Also introduces the main ideas of
Sufism and the figurative language of Persian mystical poetry. In English translation. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC258Y1
NMC350H1
Syriac Literature in Translation 52L
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 in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
NMC352H1
Faith and Doubt in Modern Hebrew Poetry 26L
An exploration of the relationship of modern Heberw poetry to the Jewish religious tradition. The focus of the course will be to
discern whether modern Hebrew poetry constitutes a rebellion against that tradition, or whether it is a source of continuity and
revitalization. (Offered in alternate years)
Archaeology Courses
NMC260Y1
The Archaeology of the Ancient Near East 78L
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 TBA
(formerly NMC261H1)
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.
Exclusion: NMC261H1
NMC361Y1
Archaeology of Palestine in the Biblical Period 52L
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)
Prerequisite: NMC260Y1
NMC362Y1
The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt 26L
Architecture, formal arts, and decorative arts to the end of the Pharaonic period. Cultural evolution rather than art history.
(Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC260Y1
NMC363H1
The Archaeology of Historical Mesopotamia I
3000-1600 BCE 52L
(Formerly NMC363Y1)
The archaeology, art and architecture of Iraq, North Syria and western Iran from ca. 3000 - 1600 BCE. The civilizations of
Sumer, Akkad, Babylonia and Assyria, as well as their relationship to those of the surrounding areas. (Offered in alternate
years)
Exclusion: NMC363Y1
Prerequisite: NMC260Y1
NMC364H1
The Archaeology of Historical Mesopotamia II
1600-330 BCE 52L
(Formerly NMC363Y1)
The archaeology, art and architecture of Iraq, North Syria and western Iran from ca. 1600 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)
Exclusion: NMC363Y1
Prerequisite: NMC260Y1
NMC366Y1
The Islamic City 52L
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.
NMC369H1
Archaeological Materials and Industries 26L
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)
Recommended preparation: NMC260Y1
NMC461Y1
Problems in the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East 52S
Prerequisite: 1.5 courses from NMC361Y1/NMC362Y1/NMC363H1/NMC364H1/363Y/NMC465H1/NMC466H1;
two courses from NMC370Y1/371Y1/372Y1/343H/344H/346H/347H
NMC462Y1
Polarized-light Microscopy in Archaeology 13L, 39P
(formerly NMC462H1)
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)
Exclusion: NMC462H1
Prerequisite: NMC369H1
NMC463Y1
Landscapes of the Ancient Near East 26P
Providing students with a solid understanding of the concepts and techniques used in landscape studies as applied to the Near
East. The course uses a thematic approach, studying the theories and methodologies of landscape archaeology and case
studies, and introduces students GIS and the use of remote sensing data. (One-time only)
Prerequisite: NMC260Y1 and an upper level course in Near Eastern archaeology
NMC464H1
Mediaeval Middle Eastern Ceramics 13L, 26P
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)
Prerequisite: NMC260Y1
NMC465H1
Ceramic Analysis 26S
(formerly NMC364H1)
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.
Exclusion: NMC364H1
Prerequisite: ARH312Y1/NMC361Y1/NMC369H1
NMC466H1
Near Eastern Ceramics 26S
(formerly NMC367H1)
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.
Prerequisite: NMC260Y1, NMC465H1
NMC467H1
Archaeology and Material Culture of Ancient Egypt I:
Predynastic Period to Middle Kingdom 26S
The archaeology and material culture of ancient Egypt, 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.
Prerequisite: NMC371Y1/NMC343H1 and NMC344H1
NMC468H1
Archaeology and Material Culture of Ancient Egypt
II:
Second Intermediate Period to
Greco-Roman Period 26S
The archaeology and material culture of ancient Egypt, 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.
Prerequisite: NMC371Y1/NMC343H1 and NMC344H1
History Courses
NMC270H1
History of Syriac Christianity 26L
The birth of Christianity in Syria and Mesopotamia and the rise of the Monophysite and Nestorian Churches; their life under the
Byzantines, Sassanians, Arabs, Mongols and Ottomans. The role of Syrian Christians in diplomacy, science, missions, and
relations with other churches. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
NMC271H1
Arabia Before Islam 26L
Surveying conditions present in the region dominated by the Byzantine and Sasanian empires prior to the rise of Islam (6th-7th
C.E.) in order to better understand the environment in which Islam was born, and the features which allowed for the birth of a
new religion and a new civilization.
NMC272H1
Byzantine Empire and its Civilization 26L
Rather than being a survey of political history of the Byzantine Empire this course covers selected topics relating to institutions,
society, economy, and culture.
NMC273Y1
Islamic History to the Fall of Baghdad (1258) 52L
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.
NMC274H1
The Steppe Frontier in Islamic History 26L
(formerly NMC274Y1)
Eurasian steppe nomads as slave-soldiers, conquerors, world-empire builders throughout pre-modern Islamic Middle East and
Central Asia. Topics include pastoral nomadism, steppe politics and warfare, conversion, jihad. Provides basis for
understanding past and present issues of lands, such as Iran, Afghanistan, India, Syria, Egypt and Turkey, where Turks and
Mongols played decisive historical roles. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: 274Y1
NMC275H1
Muslims & Jews: The Medieval Encounter 26L
An introduction to the encounter between Jews and Muslims in medieval times, when a majority of Jewish people subsisted
under Muslim rule. An overview of religious/political/intellectual settings of the Judeo-Muslim experience is followed by
exploring cultural cross-pollination, the Jews' legal status under Islam, and interfaith politics. Source materials in translation.
Exclusion: NMC275Y1
NMC276Y1
Social Movements and Civil Society in the Middle East 52L
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
Special Topics 52L
A course offered only at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in conjunction with Woodsworth College. Specific topics each year
determined by the instructor.
NMC278H1
Introduction to the Modern Middle East 26L
(formerly 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.
Exclusion: NMC278Y1
NMC324H1
Greek Speaking Judaism of the Second Temple Period 26L
A study of the Jewish community that produced the Greek Bible (Septuagint). Philosophical texts (Philo of Alexandria),
historical narratives (Pseudo-Aristeas, Josephus), liturgical (Synagogue Prayers) and interpretive texts (Testaments of the
Twelve Patriarchs, Joseph and Asenath). No Greek/Hebrew required; students with background in these languages will have
opportunities to use them.
NMC329H1
Dead Sea Scrolls 26L
An examination of the political context in which these scrolls were produced and preserved.; different theories of who produced
these texts, e.g., Sadduccees, Zadokite Priests or Essenes; the way the scrolls use earlier biblical traditions. No
Hebrew/Aramaic required; students with background in these languages will have opportunities to use them.
Exclusion: NMC331H1, last offered in 2001-02 in Hebrew language
NMC343H1
History of Ancient Egypt I: Predynastic Period to Middle
Kingdom 26L
(formerly NMC371Y1)
The political and cultural history of Egypt from the later predynastic period through the Middle Kingdom; the use of both
archaeological and literary evidence.
Exclusion: NMC101Y1 may not be taken in the same year, NMC371Y1
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
NMC344H1
History of Ancient Egypt II:Second Intermediate Period to
Greco-Roman Period 26L
(formerly NMC371Y1)
The political and cultural history of Egypt from the Second Intermediate Period through the Middle Greco-Roman Period; the
use of both archaeological and literary evidence.
Exclusion: NMC101Y1 may not be taken in the same year, NMC371Y1
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
NMC346H1
Ancient Mesopotamia I: Sumerians and Akkadians 26L
(formerly (NMC372Y1)
The political and cultural history of the peoples of ancient South-Western Asia from 3000BCE to the destruction of Babylon by
the Hittites ca. 1600 BCE. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC101Y1 may not be taken in the same year, NMC372Y
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
NMC347H1
Ancient Mesopotamia II: Assyrians and Babylonians 26L
(formerly (NMC372Y1)
The political and cultural history of the peoples of ancient South-Western Asia from ca. 1600 BCE to the conquest of Babylon
by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC101Y1 may not be taken in the same year, NMC372Y
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
NMC348H1
History of Mediaeval Iran I: The Legacy of Ancient Iran 26L
(formerly NMC375Y1)
The history and cultural achievements of the ancient Persian empires before the Arab invasions and the advent of Islam.
Recommended preparation: NMC 274Y/NMC274H1
Exclusion: NMC375Y1
NMC349H1
History of Mediaeval Iran II: The Samanids to the Safavids 26L
(formerly NMC375Y1)
The Islamic conquests of the 7th century CE, and the transformation of Persian culture in the renaissance of the 10th century.
Survey of the major dynasties, including the Samanids, Saljuqs, and Timurids, terminating with the Safavids in the 16th
century.
Recommended preparation: NMC 274Y/NMC274H1
Exclusion: NMC375Y1
NMC353H1
Pre-Ottoman Anatolia and the Ottoman State 26L
Surveying the Anatolian Seljuk and early Ottoman Sultanates prior to the foundation of the classical Ottoman Empire in the
reign of Mehmed the Conqueror. Topics include the Turkification of Asia Minor; roles of nomads and frontiers in the state
foundation; relations of Turkish and non-Turkish societies; and economic factors.
Prerequisites: NMC273H/NMC273Y1/NMC274H1/274Y
NMC354H1
Intellectuals of the Arab World in the Late Ottoman
Period 52L
(formerly 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. (Offered in alternate
years)
Recommended preparation: NMC276Y1/NMC278H1/NMC278Y1/NMC353H1/NMC377H1/377Y1/NMC378H1/378Y1
Exclusion: NMC385Y1
NMC355H1
Intellectuals of the Arab World in the 20th Century 52L
(formerly 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. (Offered in alternate
years)
Recommended preparation: NMC276Y1/NMC278H1/NMC278Y1/NMC353H1/NMC377H1/377Y1/NMC378H1/378Y1
Exclusion: NMC385Y1
NMC357Y1
Mass Media and/in the Middle East 52L
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)
NMC359H1
Iranian Constitutional Revolution 26L
(formerlyNMC359Y1)
Explores competing narratives of the Constitutional Revolution (1906-1911), particularly the transformation of public and
private spheres and their corresponding modes of collective and personal self-presentation. Students explore revolutionary
legacies, and the ways in which competing political, religious and ideological forces have attempted to shape the Revolution's
memory. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC373H1 may not be taken in the same year; NMC359Y1
Recommended preparation: NMC278H1 (formerly NMC278Y1)
NMC370Y1
Ancient Israel 52L
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)
Exclusion: NMC101Y1 may not be taken in the same year
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
NMC373H1
Turkey and Iran in the 20th Century 26L
(formerly 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)
Recommended preparation: NMC278Y1
Exclusion: NMC359Y1 may not be taken in the same year, NMC373Y
NMC374H1
History of Islamic Egypt 26L
(formerly 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)
Recommended preparation: NMC273Y1
Exclusion: NMC374Y1
NMC376H1
History of Islamic Spain and North Africa (640-1492) 26L
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)
Recommended preparation: NMC273Y1
NMC377H1
The Ottoman Empire to 1800 26L
(formerly NMC377Y)
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 Sleyman the Lawgiver. The development of
important administrative and military institutions. First military and diplomatic setbacks.
Recommended preparation: NMC353H1
Exclusion: NMC377Y
NMC378H1
Modern Arab History 26L
(formerly 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)
Recommended preparation: NMC278Y1/NMC278H1
Exclusion: NMC378Y1
NMC471H1
Topics in Early & Medieval Islamic History 26S
A seminar organized around readings on a topic selected by the instructor. Possible topics might include authority and power in
medieval Islamic society in the Middle East, slavery, women, taxation, landholding, iqta' and payment of the military, waqf, etc.
(Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
NMC472H1
Theory & Method in Middle East Studies 26S
Examines current theoretical and methodological trends in the study of the Near/Middle East. A seminar course, it consists of
presentations, discussions, lectures, guest speakers, and documentaries. No previous knowledge of methodology required.
Special attention will be paid to the politics, culture, political economy, gender, and ethics of various research practices.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
NMC475H1
Orientalism & Occidentalism 26S
This course probes the contemporaneous formation of modern Oriental Studies in Europe and the emergence of discourses on
Europe (Ifranj/Farang) in the Middle East from the eighteenth century to the present. Special emphasis will be devoted to
encounters between scholars in Western Europe, Iran, India, and the Ottoman Empire. This seminar-style course explains that
Orientals gazed and returned the gaze, and in the process of "cultural looking," they, like their Occidental counterparts,
exoticized and eroticized the Farangi-Other. In the interplay of looks between Orientals and Occidentals, there was no steady
position of spectatorship, no objective observer, and no "aperspectival" position.
NMC477Y1
Nationalism, Ethnicity and Minority Rights in the Middle
East 78S
This course examines the formation of nations and nation-states, national and ethnic conflicts, self-determination, conflict
resolution, and national and ethnic minority rights.
NMC479H1
Histories of Nationalism in the Arab World 52S
(formerly NMC479Y1)
A seminar organized around readings in selected topics. The topics are related to the instructor's research interests. (Offered
in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC378H1/NMC378Y1 or permission of instructor
Exclusion: NMC479Y
Religion and Philosophy Courses
NMC185H1
Introduction to the Religion of Islam 26L
(formerly 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.
Exclusion: RLG204Y1, NMC185Y1
NMC252H1
Prophets: Ancient Jewish Prophecy and Inspired Exegesis 26L
Practices and concepts of prophecy in the Hebrew Bible and Second Temple traditions such as Dead Sea Scrolls, Hellenistic
Jewish writings, and early Christian writings. How did prophets, priests and scribes claim divine inspiration? How did they
connect revelation and heavenly journey to textual authority and the production of Scripture?
NMC280H1
The Bible (formerly (NMC280Y) 26L
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.
Exclusion: NMC280Y1
NMC284H1
Judaism and Feminism 26S
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
The Qur'an (formerly NMC285Y1) 26L
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 apporaches taken in interpreting the Qur'an. Knowledge of Arabic is not required. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: NMC185H1/185Y1/RLG204Y1
Exclusion: NMC285Y1
NMC380Y1
Religion and Myth in the Ancient Near East 52L
(formerly NMC380H1)
Religious belief and practice in Mesopotamia and Syria (Ugarit). (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC380H1
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
NMC381Y1
Modern Islamic Thought 52L
This course covers the intellectual activity of Muslim scholars and thinkers in recent centuries. The main focus is writings on
and about the Qur'an in an attempt to refine our thinking about the problem of modernity and its meanings in an Islamicate
context. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: NMC185H1/185Y1/RLG204Y1
NMC382H1
Ancient Egyptian Religion I 26L
(formerly NMC382Y1)
Religious belief and practice in ancient Egypt. The course will focus on gods and mythology, which will be studied through
primary sources in translation. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
Exclusion: NMC382Y1
NMC383H1
Ancient Egyptian Religion II 26L
(formerly NMC382Y1)
A continuation of NMC382H1. A number of themes including instructional texts, cult & ritual and the afterlife, will be studied
through primary sources in translation. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
Exclusion: NMC382Y1
NMC384H1
Life Cycle and Personal Status in Judaism 26L
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)
NMC387H1
Islamic Mystical Tradition 26L
Mysticism and spirituality in Islam: the Qur'an; doctrine; prayer;
Sufism; Irfan (Shi'i mysticism). Themes include love, knowledge, authority, being, interpretation.
Prerequisite: NMC185H1/185Y/RLG204Y1
NMC388H1
Shi'i Islam I 26L
(formerly NMC386H1)
Subjects covered include: the rise and development of the Shi'i version of Islamic "orthodoxy" from the mid-7th to the mid-13th
centuries CE. Distinctive Shi'i interpretations of the Qur'an will be examined.
Prerequisite: NMC185H1/185Y1/RLG204Y1
Exclusion: NMC386H1
NMC389H1
Shi'i Islam II 26L
(formerly NMC386H1)
This course continues the study of Shi'ism from 1258 to the present day and will include the history and teachings of the
various members of the Shi'i family of Islamic religion.
Prerequisite: NMC185H1/185Y/RLG204Y1
Exclusion: NMC386H1
NMC484H1
Gender-related Topics in Law and Religion 26L
(formerly NMC484Y1)
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)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Exclusion: NMC484Y1
Art and Material Culture Courses
NMC392H1
The Taj Mahal and Its Origins 26L
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)
Prerequisite: NMC391H1, 394H1 or 2 courses in FAH
NMC393H1
Early Islamic Art & Architectures 26L
A survey of the arts of the Islamic world from the 7th century to the Mongol conquest in the mid-13th century.
Prerequisite: One full course in Near Eastern/Islamic art & material culture
NMC396Y1
From Alexander to Muhammad 52L
An overview of late antique Greek, Arab and Persian material culture, as seen through the archaeological record of Syria, Iraq,
and Iran.
Research Courses
NMC299Y1
Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See page 43 for details.
NMC398H0/399Y0
Independent Experiential Study Project
An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See page 43 for details.
NMC495Y1
Independent Studies
A scholarly project chosen by the student, approved by the Department and supervised by one of the instructors. See
Department Handbook for further information.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
NMC496H1
Independent Studies
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
NMC497H1
Independent Studies
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
NMC499Y1
Directed Reading
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.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
Neuroscience: see Life Sciences: Neuroscience
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