NMC101Y1
The Ancient Near East (formerly NMC170Y) 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: NMC170Y. NMC370Y/371Y/372Y may not be taken in the same year

NMC136Y1
Elementary Modern Hebrew 78L, 52P

Introduction to the fundamentals of Hebrew grammar and syntax through classroom and language laboratory practice. Emphasis on the development of oral and writing skills.
Exclusion: Those who have completed Grade 4 Hebrew (or Grade 2 in Israel)

NMC185Y1
Introduction to the Religion of Islam 52L

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: RLG204Y

NMC201Y1
Islamic 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 civlizations of the ancient Near East are highlighted, and the diverse cultural traditions that contributed to the formation of Islamic civilization are described.

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

NMC225H1
Introducing the Greek New Testament 39S

The primary focus is a systematic and intensive review of Greek grammar, illustrated by readings from the Gospel of Luke.
Prerequisite: OAC Greek/GRK100Y/102H

NMC227H1
The Greek New Testament and Related Writings 39S

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.
Prerequisite: NMC225H

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)

NMC231H1
Inroduction to Biblical Hebrew I 39S

This course is the equivalent of the fall component of NMC230Y. This one semester introduction to biblical Hebrew covers basic elements of Hebrew grammar and syntax. Attention is given to use of concordances, commentaries, and other tools for help in preparing sermons, special studies and investigation of theological issues.
Exclusion: NMC230Y

NMC232H1
Inroduction to Biblical Hebrew II 39S

This course is the spring component of NMC 230Y.
Exclusion: NMC230Y
Prerequisite: NMC231H

NMC236Y1
Intermediate Modern Hebrew 104S

Intensive study of written and spoken Hebrew conducted in Hebrew.
Exclusion: Those who have completed Grade 8 Hebrew (or Grade 6 in Israel)
Prerequisite: NMC136Y

NMC240Y1
Introductory Persian 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 speakers

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

NMC250H1
Myth, Legend and Law 26L

The first books of the Bible in translation. How the teachers of Israel defined and justified Israel's way of living (Torah), using forms of narrative and instructional literature practised throughout the ancient world. (Offered in alternate years)

NMC251H1
Faith and Fanaticism 26L

The method and message of ancient Israelite prophecy, in translation, from its origin in court politics to its demise in apocalyptic writing. (Offered in alternate years)

NMC252H1
Tradition Challenged 26L

The Wisdom books of the Bible in translation. How revolutionary thinkers of the Persian and Hellenistic periods came to challenge the optimistic and somewhat simplistic understanding of life passed on by older generations. (Offered in alternate years)

NMC253H1
Singers of Israel 26L

The book of Psalms and other lyric poetry in the Bible in translation. The types of psalms and their uses. (Offered in alternate years)

NMC254H1
Visions of the End 26L

A study mainly of Jewish apocalyptic literary works that pre-date the book of Revelation, starting with the proto-apocalyptic passages in the books of the Hebrew prophets and the book of Daniel. The intertestamental apocalypses of 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch. The New Testament book of Revelation and the Christian apocalypses of Peter and Paul.

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)

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.

NMC261H1
Field Archaeology TBA

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.

NMC270Y1
History of Syriac Christianity 52L

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: NMC101Y

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.

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.

NMC277Y1
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.Topic for 1999: History of Israelis and Palestinians in the 19th and 20th centuries.

NMC278Y1
Introduction to the Modern Middle East 52L

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.

NMC285H1
The Qur'an 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 approaches taken in interpreting the Qur'an. Knowledge of Arabic is not required.
Recommended preparation: NMC185Y

NMC299Y1
Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See page 42 for details.

NMC305Y1
Introductory Akkadian 78S

Introduction to Old Babylonian. Grammar and the reading of selected texts. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Arabic or Hebrew, normally NMC136Y/210Y/230Y

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
Prerequisite: NMC210Y or permission of instructor

NMC315Y1
Introductory Aramaic 78S

Introduction to Aramaic grammar. Readings from biblical Aramaic.
Prerequisite: Hebrew, normally NMC136Y/230Y

NMC320Y1
Introduction to Middle Egyptian 78S

Grammar and reading of selected hieroglyphic texts.

NMC325H1
Fragmentary Texts of Greek-Speaking Jewry 39S

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)
Prerequisite: Two courses in Greek

NMC326H1
Novels of the Greek Apocrypha 39S

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)
Prerequisite: Two courses in Greek

NMC327H1
Jewish Historians Who Wrote in Greek 39S

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)
Prerequisite: Two courses in Greek

NMC328H1
Jewish Novels Composed in Greek 39S

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)
Prerequisite: Two courses in Greek

NMC330Y1
Intermediate Biblical Hebrew 78S

Study of Hebrew grammar and training in translation providing a continuation of NMC230Y, or the formal grammatical study needed in the modern Hebrew Specialist Program.
Prerequisite: OAC Hebrew/NMC230Y

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/NMC236Y/230Y

NMC336Y1
Advanced Hebrew: Post-Biblical to Modern 78S

Survey of Hebrew literature from post-biblical to contemporary writings. Stylistic analysis of various genres. (Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: Those who have OAC Hebrew or are speakers with (near) native fluency
Prerequisite: NMC236Y

NMC337Y1
Newspaper Hebrew 52S

Intensive study of journalistic Hebrew. Continuation of grammar, syntax, vocabulary building and composition. (Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: Not open to Hebrew speakers with native or near native fluency
Prerequisite: OAC Hebrew/NMC236Y

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: Native speakers
Prerequisite: NMC240Y

NMC341Y1
The Iranian Short Story 52S

Examines the cultural environment for the emergence of the short story in Iran and in world literature and traces the development of the Iranian short story through 20th century examples of this literary genre in Persia. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC356Y
Prerequisite: NMC340Y or adequate reading knowledge of Persian

NMC345Y1
Intermediate Turkish 78S

Modern texts - literary, scholarly and journalistic. Turkish grammar and syntax; the nature of Turkish culture. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC245Y or adequate reading knowledge of Turkish

NMC350Y1
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 every four years)
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y

NMC356Y1
The Iranian Short Story in Translation 52S

Examines the cultural environment for the emergence of the short story in Iran and in world literature and traces the development of the Iranian short story through 20th century examples of this literary genre in English translation of the Persian. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC341Y

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)

NMC360H1
Prehistory of the Near East 26L

A survey of prehistoric culture, concentrating on Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Iran, Syria-Palestine and Egypt to the end of the Early Bronze Age. The Neolithic and Urban Revolutions as social and economic developments. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC260Y

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: NMC260Y

NMC362H1
The Art and Architecture 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: NMC260Y

NMC363H1
The Archaeology of Historical Mesopotamia 26L

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)
Prerequisite: NMC260Y

NMC364H1
Ceramic Analysis 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.
Prerequisite: NMC260Y/ARH305H/312Y

NMC365Y1
Islamic Archaeology 52L

A survey of archaeological investigation of sites in the Middle East from the 7th to the 19th centuries. (Offered in alternate years)

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. (Offered in alternate years)

NMC367H1
Near Eastern Ceramics 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: NMC260Y, 364H

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: NMC101Y may not be taken in the same year
Prerequisite: NMC101Y

NMC371Y1
Ancient Egypt 52L

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. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC101Y may not be taken in the same year
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y

NMC372Y1
Ancient South-Western Asia 52L

The political and cultural history of the peoples of ancient South-Western Asia (Sumerians, Babylonians, Hittites and Persians). (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: NMC101Y may not be taken in the same year
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y

NMC374Y1
History of Islamic Egypt 52L

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: NMC273Y

NMC375Y1
History of Mediaeval Iran and Central Asia 48L,4T

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
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: NMC273Y

NMC377Y1
The Ottoman Empire to 1800 52L

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 Sleyman the Lawgiver. The development of important administrative and military institutions. First military and diplomatic setbacks.

NMC378Y1
Modern Arab History 52L

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.
Recommended preparation: NMC278Y

NMC379H1
History of Science in the Islamic World 26L

An introduction to mathematics, astronomy, alchemy and the medical sciences, as they were known, developed, and applied in practical ways in the mediaeval Islamic world.

NMC380H1
Ancient Western Asiatic Religions 26L

Religious belief and practice in Mesopotamia and Syria (Ugarit). (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y

NMC382Y1
Ancient Egyptian Religion 52L

Religious belief and practice in Egypt. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: NMC101Y

NMC384Y1
Life Cycle and Personal Status in Judaism 52L

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)

NMC391H1
Mediaeval Islamic Architecture in the Mediterranean Basin 26L

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)
Prerequisite: Two courses in NMC

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: NMC391H, 394H or 2 courses in FAH

NMC393H1
Early Islamic Art and Architecture (formerly NMC390Y) 26L

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)
Prerequisite: FAH290Y or a course in Islamic history

NMC394H1
Later Islamic Art and Architecture (formerly NMC390Y) 26L

A continuation of NMC 393H, covering the years from the 13th century C.E. to the modern period. Workshop sessions with Royal Ontario Museum objects. (Offered every three years)
Prerequisite: NMC391H/392H/393H

NMC405Y1
Intermediate Akkadian 78S

(Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC305Y

NMC410Y1
Advanced Standard Arabic 78S

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.
Exclusion: Native users of Arabic need permission of instructor
Prerequisite: Two years 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

NMC415Y1
Intermediate Aramaic: Targum 78S

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: NMC315Y

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: NMC315Y/334Y

NMC418Y1
Classical Syriac 78S

(Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC315Y
(ANCIENT) EGYPTIAN

NMC420Y1
Intermediate Egyptian 78S

Middle Egyptian texts.
Prerequisite: NMC320Y
(HELLENISTIC) GREEK

NMC430Y1
Advanced Biblical Hebrew: Prophets 52S

Readings from the prophetic literature. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

NMC431Y1
Advanced Biblical Hebrew: Psalms 52S

(Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

NMC432Y1
Halakhic Midrashim 52S

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: NMC236Y/330Y/334Y

NMC433Y1
Topics in Midrashic Literature 78S

Traditional Jewish concepts as discussed in rabbinic and mediaeval literature of various literary genres. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

NMC434Y1
Advanced Babylonian Talmud 52S

The purpose of the course is to deepen and broaden the students' understanding of the Babylonian Talmud. In addition to the traditional mediaeval commentaries, the students are introduced to manuscript use, text criticism and redactional theories of the Babylonian Talmud. (Conducted in Hebrew) (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Recommended preparation: NMC334Y

NMC435Y1
Mediaeval Hebrew Literature 52S

Selected topics from mediaeval Hebrew texts drawn from exegetical/philosophical/ mystical/polemic/belletristic/historical literature. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

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

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: NMC340Y or adequate knowledge of Persian

NMC445Y1
Advanced Turkish 78S

Literary texts and composition in modern Turkish. Introduction to Ottoman Turkish. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC345Y or adequate reading knowledge of Turkish

NMC455Y1
Women's Stories of the Middle East 52S

Examines literature by women from the various cultures of the Middle East. Readings are selected to illustrate the theme of the search for public and personal direction through writing. Course materials are in English translation and include autobiographical as well as literary sources.

NMC461Y1
Problems in the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East 52S

Prerequisite: 1.5 courses from NMC360H/361Y/362H/363H/364H/367H; two courses from NMC370Y/371Y/372Y/470Y

NMC470Y1
The Hellenistic Near East 52S

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)
Prerequisite: Two courses from CLA320H/345H/GRK311H/NMC273Y/370Y/371Y/372Y

NMC477Y1
Nationalism, Ethnicity and Minority Rights in the Middle East 52S

This course examines the formation of nations and nation-states, national and ethnic conflicts, self-determination, conflict resolution, and national and ethnic minority rights.

NMC478Y1
Social and Economic History of the Modern Middle East 52S

An issue-oriented seminar organized around readings pertaining to the modern Middle East and North Africa, ca. 1800-present. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC378Y or permission of instructor

NMC479Y1
Topics in Modern Middle Eastern History 52S

A seminar organized around readings in selected topics. The topics are related to the instructor's research interests. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: NMC378Y or permission of instructor

NMC484Y1
Gender-related Topics in Law and Religion 52L

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

NMC486Y1
Islamic Theology and Philosophy 52S

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.
Prerequisite: One full course in the history of European philosophy

NMC487Y1
Topics in Islamic Mystical Thought 52S

Mysticism and spirituality in Islam, the Qur'an, doctrine, prayer, Sufism, Irfan (Shi'i mysticism). Themes include: love, knowledge, authority, being, interpretation.
Prerequisite: NMC185Y

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