HUM199H1/Y1
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 45.
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,
NMC201Y1
Islamic 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 Courses
Note
The Department reserves the right to place students in the NMC language
course best suited to their linguistic preparation.
Akkadian
NML305Y1
Introductory Akkadian (formerly NMC305Y1) 78S
Introduction to Old Babylonian. Grammar and the reading of selected texts. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Arabic or Hebrew, normally NMC136Y1/210Y1/NMC230Y1/NML155H1/NML156H1/NML210Y1/NML150Y1
Exclusion: NMC305Y1
NML405Y1
Intermediate Akkadian (formerly NMC405Y1) 78S
(Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NML305Y1/NMC305Y1
Exclusion: NMC405Y1
Arabic
NML210Y1
Introductory Standard Arabic (formerly NMC210Y1) 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/NMC210Y1. Priority enrollment will be given to declared NMC majors/specialists.
NML310Y1
Intermediate Standard Arabic (formerly NMC310Y1) 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: NML210Y1/NMC210Y1
Exclusion: NMC310Y1
NML410Y1
Advanced Standard Arabic (formerly NMC410Y1) 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
Exclusion: NMC410Y1
NML411H1
Readings in Arabic Newspapers (formerly NMC411H1) 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: NML310Y1/NMC310Y1 or adequate reading knowledge of Arabic
Exclusion: NMC411H1
NML412Y1
Survey of Classical Arabic Literature (formerly NMC412Y1) 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
Exclusion: NMC412Y1
NML413H1
Islamic Thought in Mediaeval Arabic Sources (formerly NMC413H1) 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
Exclusion: NMC413H1
NML414H1
Qu’ranic Arabic 26L
This course offers students of Arabic the opportunity to study more closely the text of the Qur’an. The course will focus on the Arabic language of the Qur’an and its function both semantically and aesthetically. Selected Qur’anic passages will be examined in detail.
Prerequisite: Completion of Advanced Arabic, or equivalent qualification determined by the Department.
Aramaic/Syriac
NML220Y1
Introductory Aramaic (formerly NMC315Y1) 78S
Introduction to Aramaic grammar. Readings from biblical Aramaic. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Introductory Biblical Hebrew (NMC230Y1/NML150Y1)
Exclusion: NMC315Y1
NML320H1
Intermediate Aramaic: Targum (formerly NMC415H1) 39S
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: NML220Y1/NMC315Y1
Exclusion: NMC415Y1/NMC415H1
NML420Y1
The Jerusalem Talmud: Jewish Western Aramaic (formerly NMC416Y1) 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: NMC315Y1/334Y1/NML220Y1
Exclusion: NMC416Y1
NML421Y1
Classical Syriac 78S (formerly NMC418Y1)
(Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC315Y1/NML220Y1
Exclusion: NMC418Y1
Coptic
NML230H1
Elementary Coptic I (formerly NMC220H) 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.
Exclusion: NMC220H
NML231H1
Elementary Coptic II 26L
A continuation of NML230H1, Elementary Coptic I.
(Ancient) Egyptian
NML240Y1
Introduction to Middle Egyptian (formerly NMC320Y1) 78S
Grammar and reading of selected hieroglyphic texts.
Exclusion: NMC320Y1
NML241Y1
Ancient Egyptian Iconography (formerly NMC321H1) 52S
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/NML240Y1
Exclusion: NMC321H
NML340Y1
Intermediate Egyptian (formerly NMC420Y1) 78S
Middle Egyptian texts.
Prerequisite: NMC320Y1/NML240Y1
Exclusion: NMC420Y1Y
Hebrew
NML150Y1
Introductory Biblical Hebrew (formerly NMC230Y1) 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)/NMC230Y1
NML155H1
Elementary Modern Hebrew I (formerly NMC236H1) 39L, 26P
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/NMC236H1
NML156H1
Elementary Modern Hebrew II (formerly NMC237H1) 39L, 26P
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: NML155H1/NMC236H1 or permission of instructor
Exclusion: Those who have completed Grade 4 Hebrew (or Grade 2 in Israel), NMC136Y/NMC237H1
NML250Y1
Intermediate Biblical Hebrew (formerly NMC330Y1) 78S
Study of Hebrew grammar, providing a continuation of NMC230Y1/NML150Y1. 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/NML150Y1
Exclusion: NMC330Y1
NML251Y1
Intermediate Biblical Hebrew: Pentateuch (formerly NMC333Y1) 78S
Study of Hebrew grammar, providing a continuation of NMC230Y1/NML150Y1. 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/NML150Y1
Exclusion: NMC333Y1
NML255Y1
Intermediate Modern Hebrew (formerly NMC236H1, NMC237H1/ NMC336Y1) 78S
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), NMC236H1/237H1/NMC336Y1
Prerequisite: NMC136Y1/NML156H1
NML350Y1
Advanced Biblical Hebrew (formerly NMC430H1/Y1) 26L
Advanced Biblical Hebrew language, focusing on grammar through an extensive reading of the Hebrew Bible.
Prerequisite: At least 2 years of Biblical Hebrew; permission of instructor
Exclusion: NMC430Y1
NML351H1
History Writings 26L
This course examines ancient Israel’s history writers, focusing on the Deuteronomistic History and the Chronicler’s History. Attention will be given to linguistic forms, rhetorical style and goals, and comparison of national or ethnic self-perceptions.
Prerequisite: NMC230Y1/NML150Y1
NML352H1
Myth and Story 26L
An investigation of two closely related types of ancient Hebrew narrative: myth and story. Focus will be equally on Hebrew language, rhetorical style and goals, and when appropriate, the comparative ancient near eastern backdrop for the Hebrew texts.
Prerequisite: NMC230Y1/NML150Y1
NML353H1
Jewish Apocalyptic Literature 26L
This course provides an introduction to the study of the origin, form and function of ancient Jewish and related apocalyptic literature which flourished between 200 BCE and 200 CE, understood in its cultural and literary contexts.
Exclusion: RLG325H1
Recommended Preparation: NMC150H1/NMC151H1/280H1/280Y1
NML355Y1
Advanced Modern Hebrew (formerly NMC336H1/337H1/434Y1) 52S
Advanced intensive study of written and spoken Hebrew. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC336Y1
Exclusion: OAC Hebrew, old numberings NMC336H1/337H1/434Y1
NML356Y1
Babylonian Talmud (formerly NMC334Y1) 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/NML150Y1/NML156H1
NML357H1
Midrash Aggadah 26L
The themes of Eros and Thanatos will be explored in Aggadic texts from Song of Songs Rabbah. This Midrashic text stands halfway in the tradition, both making use of earlier texts and being used by editors of later compilations. These interrelations will be the focus of our study as well as the relationship of work to Scripture.
Prerequisite: NML250Y1/NML255Y1/NMC330Y/NMC333Y1/NMC336Y1
NML358H1
Mishnah and Tosefta (formerly NMC331H1) 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)
Exclusion: NMC331H1
NML450Y1
Topics in Advanced Biblical Hebrew 26S
Students will address special topics in Biblical Hebrew grammar.
Prerequisite: NML350Y1
NML451H1
Advanced Babylonian Talmud 13S
Students will be introduced to the problems of text criticism involving variant readings and the redaction of Talmudic texts. Problems of transmission of the text, its relationship to the Palestinian Talmud, Tosefta and other texts will be explored. Use of Medieval Talmudic commentaries will be addressed.
Prerequisite: NML250Y1/NML251Y1/NML255Y1/NMC330Y1/NMC333Y1/NMC336Y1
NML452H1
Halakhic Midrashim (formerly NMC432H1) 26S
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: NMC336Y1/330Y1/NMC333Y1/334Y1/NML250Y1/NML251Y1/NML357H1
Exclusion: NMC432Y1/NMC432H1
NML453H1
Prophetic Literature 13S
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.
 NML454H1
Midrash Before the Rabbis 26L
An examination of how the Bible was interpreted in the closing centuries
BCE and the first century CE, beginning with the Book of Jubilees. This text
will
be read in combination with related material from the Dead Sea Scrolls and
the Biblical Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha.
Prerequisite: Two years of Biblical Hebrew or Aramaic or Greek; or permission
of instructor
NML455H1
Modern Hebrew Poetry 13S
A study of the poetic works of a major modern Hebrew poet. (Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
NML456H1
Modern Hebrew Prose 13S
A study of an important modern writer of Hebrew fiction. (Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Persian
NML260Y1
Introductory Persian (formerly NMC240Y1) 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/NMC240Y1. Priority enrollment will be given to declared NMC majors/specialists
NML360Y1
Intermediate Persian (formerly NMC340Y1) 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: NMC340Y/Native users. Priority enrollment will be given to declared NMC majors/specialists
Prerequisite: NMC240Y1/NML260Y1
NML460Y1
Classical Persian Literature (formerly NMC441Y1) 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/NML360Y1 or adequate knowledge of Persian
Exclusion: NMC441Y1
NML461H1
Modern Persian Poetry (formerly NMC442H1) 26L
A survey of modern Persian poetry using connected passages of Persian texts.
Prerequisite: NML360Y1/NMC340Y1 or adequate reading knowledge
NML462H1
Modern Persian Prose (formerly NMC443H1) 26L
A survey of modern Persian prose using connected passages of Persian texts.
Prerequisite: NML360Y1/NMC340Y1 or adequate reading knowledge
Turkish
NML270Y1
Introductory Turkish (formerly NMC245Y1) 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/NMC245Y1
NMC370Y1
Intermediate Turkish (formerly NMC345Y1) 78S
Modern texts literary, scholarly and journalistic. Turkish grammar and syntax; the nature of Turkish culture. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC245Y1/NML270Y1 or adequate reading knowledge of Turkish
Exclusion: NMC345Y1
Literature in Translation Courses
NMC150H1
Hebrew Bible and Ancient Jewish Literature (formerly (NMC280Y/280H1) 26L
An introduction to the critical study of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and related literature of ancient Jewish communities (Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Dead Sea Scrolls). No prior work in biblical studies or knowledge of Hebrew is required.
Exclusion: NMC280H1/280Y1
NMC151H1
The Bible and Its Interpreters 26L
Acquainting students with the principal parts of the Hebrew Bible and studying some of the different ways in which it has been read and interpreted in various periods, from antiquity to modern times, the course will concentrate on the central biblical figures whose stories will be examined in the ancient Israelite context, then compared with later elaborations by Jewish and Christian interpreters. Offered on a one-time only basis in 2006-07.
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 52
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 (formerly NMC257Y1) 26L
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 (formerly NMC258Y1) 26
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
NMC259H1
Armenian Literature in Translation 26L
This course offers selected texts written between the 5th and the 19th centuries CE, including pre-Christian epic stories, the Armenian version of the Bible, hagiography, chronicles, translations from Syriac and Greek; poetry and secular literature of the early modern period. All works studied are in English translation.
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 (formerly NMC261H1) TBA
Participation for 4 - 7 weeks during the summer in an approved archaeological excavation in the eastern Mediterranean/Middle East. 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.
Exclusion: NMC261H1
NMC360H1
Archaeology of Palestine in the Biblical Period I: The Bronze Ages (formerly
NMC361Y1) 26L
The archaeology of Syria-Palestine from prehistoric times until the end of the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1200 BCE), with a special emphasis on the development of complex society, and inter-relations with the neighboring regions of Egypt and Syro-Mesopotamia. Attention will also be given to the history of archaeological research in the region, current field techniques and methods of archaeological analysis, and the relationship between archaeological evidence and contemporary written records, including the Hebrew Bible. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC260Y1
Exclusion: NMC361Y1
NMC361H1
The Archaeology of the Biblical World II: The Iron Age (formerly
NMC361Y1) 26L
The archaeology of Syria-Palestine from the collapse of the Late Bronze Age until the Persian Period, with a special emphasis on the emergence of Israel and the small territorial nation-states of the eastern Mediterranean seaboard. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between the archaeological evidence and contemporary written records, including the Hebrew Bible. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC260Y1
Exclusion: NMC361Y1
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 (Formerly
NMC363Y1) 52L
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 (Formerly
NMC363Y1) 52L
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.
NMC369Y1
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
Exclusion: NMC369H1
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/NMC343H1/NMC344H1/NMC346H1/NMC347H1
NMC462Y1
Polarized-light Microscopy in Archaeology (formerly NMC462H1) 13L, 39P
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/NMC369Y1
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 (formerly NMC364H1) 26S
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/NMC361Y1/369H1/NMC369Y1
NMC466H1
Near Eastern Ceramics (formerly NMC367H1) 26S
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 (formerly NMC274Y1) 26L
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: NMC274Y1
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.
NMC278H1
Introduction to the Modern Middle East (formerly NMC 278Y1) 26L
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
NMC279H1
History of Armenian Christianity 26L
A survey covering early Christianity in Greater Armenia – the role of Gregory the Illuminator; Christological controversies of the 5th century and Armenian Christianity; early Christian art and architecture; the life of the Armenians under the Sassanians and the Byzantines; and subsequently under the Abbasids, Saljuks, Mongols, Safavids and Ottomans.
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 (formerly
NMC371Y1) 26L
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 (formerly NMC371Y1) 26L
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 (formerly (NMC372Y1) 26L
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 (formerly (NMC372Y1) 26L
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 (formerly NMC375Y1) 26L
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 (formerly NMC375Y1) 26L
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
NMC 355H1
The Ottoman Empire in the Age of Reform, 1808-1918 26L
The last phase of the Ottoman empire has long been viewed by Orientalists
and Middle East nationalists as a period of inevitable decline. More recently,
cultural historians of the Middle East have framed the long 19th. century
as a period of grand reforms - or Tanzimat. This course seeks to critically
examine the notions of ‘reform of the state’ and ‘reform of the individual’ between Sultan Mahmud II’s accession and the defeat of the Ottoman empire in World War I. Focusing largely on Istanbul and the Ottoman capital’s political relations with the Arab provinces, we will relate economic, social and intellectual transformations to state laws and policies, Mediterranean capitalism and the rise of sectarianism and nationalism in the Middle East.
Recommended preparation: NMC276Y1/NMC278H1/NMC278Y1/NMC353H1/NMC377H1/377Y1/NMC378H1/NMC378H1
NMC357Y1
Mass Media and 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 (formerlyNMC359Y1) 26L
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/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 (formerly NMC373Y1) 26L
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: NMC278H1/NMC278Y1
Exclusion: NMC359H1 may not be taken in the same year, NMC373Y1
NMC374H1
History of Islamic Egypt (formerly NMC374Y1) 26L
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 (formerly NMC377Y) 26L
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.
Recommended preparation: NMC353H1
Exclusion: NMC377Y1
NMC378H1
Themes In Modern Arab History (formerly NMC378Y1) 26L
A thematic treatment of the Arab lands of the Middle East and North Africa from 1700 onward, focusing on the Ottoman and colonial periods.
Recommended preparation: NMC278H1/NMC278Y1
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
NMC473H1
Intellectuals of the Arab World in the 20th Century (formerly NMC385Y1/NMC355H1) 26L
The course is designed to re-examine the role of intellectuals in the Arab world and political events that shaped their thinking. It introduces the life and thought of some leading thinkers of the Arab world and relates their thought to the lived experience of political, social, economic and cultural change in the Middle East. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: NMC276Y1/NMC278H1/NMC278Y1/NMC353H1/NMC377H1/377Y1/NMC378H1/378Y1
Exclusion: NMC385Y1/NMC355H1 from 2005-06
NMC475H1
Orientalism & Occidentalism 13S
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 26S
This course examines the formation of nations and nation-states, national and ethnic conflicts, self-determination, conflict resolution, and national and ethnic minority rights.
NMC 478H1 Readings in the Modern 26S History of Arab Societies
A seminar built around thematic readings of social and economic history of the modern Arab world. Offered every other year.
Prerequisite: NMC378H1/378Y1
NMC479H1
Histories of Nationalism in the Arab World (formerly NMC479Y1) 52S
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: NMC479Y1
Religion and Philosophy Courses
NMC185H1
Introduction to the Religion of Islam (formerly NMC185Y1) 26L
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
NMC281H1
Prophets: Ancient Jewish Prophecy and Inspired Exegesis (formerly NMC252H1) 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?
Exclusion: NMC252H1
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: Spirit and Form (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/RLG351H1
NMC286H1
The Qur’an: Reading and Transformation 26L
This course is a continuation of NMC285H1F. Students will be required to engage directly with the text in English or French translation, to discuss and write on major and minor quranic topics and themes and to study the works of other astute readers of the text. Arabic is not required or expected.
Prerequisite: NMC285H1
Exclusion: NMC285Y1/RLG351H1
NMC 287H1
Mystical Dimensions of Islam and Judaism 26L
The phenomenon of mysticism and the forms it took in the religions of Judaism
and Islam. A survey of the main trends in each mystical tradition,
with a focus on Sufism (Islamic mysticism) and Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism),
both of which flourished during the mediaeval period. Parallel developments
will be identified and possible mutual influences suggested. Readings
in English translation include Attar’s Conference of the Birds, Ruzbihan Baqli’s
Unveiling of Secrets, the Book Bahir, and the Zohar.
Exclusion: HUM199H1/Y1Y
L0302 (2003-2006)
NMC380Y1
Religion and Myth in the Ancient Near East (formerly NMC380H1) 52L
Religious belief and practice in Mesopotamia and Syria (Ugarit). (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC380H1
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y1
NMC381H1
Modern Islamic Thought 52L
A survey of major intellectual trends in the Islamic religious tradition,
particularly those identified with Middle Eastern Muslim thinkers, from the
eighteenth century until the present.
Prerequisite: NMC185H1/201Y1 or RLG204Y1
Exclusion: NMC381Y1
NMC382Y1
Ancient Egyptian Religion (formerly NMC382H1 and 383H1) 52L
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: NMC382H1/NMC383H1
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 (formerly NMC386H1) 26L
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 (formerly NMC386H1) 26L
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
NMC481H1
Muslim Gnostics and Mystics 26L
This course will present for study a different prominent figure each year: Hallaj, Ghazali, Suhrawardi, Ibn Arabi, Rumi, Mulla Sadra, and so on. Attention will be given to their respective social and historical milieux, their modes of expression and experience, an the nature of their literary productions.
There is no Prerequisite, but students must be advanced undergraduates in the Humanities.
Recommended preparation: NMC285H1/NMC286H1/RLG351H1
NMC484H1
Gender-related Topics in Law and Religion (formerly NMC484Y1) 26L
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 45 for details.
NMC398H0/399Y0
Independent Experiential Study Project
An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See page 45 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
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