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Middle East Studies Current Courses

Fall 2025

Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
ARBI 101-01 Elementary Arabic
Instructor: Magda Siekert
Course Description:
An introduction to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Introduction to speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in the standard means of communication in the Arab world.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MTWRF
DENNY 21
ARBI 201-01 Intermediate Arabic
Instructor: Mohammad Abu Shuleh
Course Description:
Introduction to conversation and composition building on the skills developed in 101 and 102. Prerequisite: 102.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MTWRF
DENNY 315
ARBI 301-01 Advanced Arabic
Instructor: Mohammad Abu Shuleh
Course Description:
Advanced Arabic 301 builds on the linguistic and communication skills developed in Intermediate Arabic 202. Students will work on Arabic grammar, syntax, and style in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The course will continue with Al-Kitaab series and introduce supplemental authentic texts as appropriate. Prerequisite: 202.
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
DENNY 315
ARBI 360-01 Current Issues in Arab Media
Instructor: Mohammad Abu Shuleh
Course Description:
This course will focus on the development of Arabic skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Modern Standard Arabic. The course objective is to acquire greater proficiency and overall communication skills in accordance with the ACTFL proficiency guidelines. Students will broaden their vocabulary, enhance their grammatical knowledge and enrich their cultural understanding through study of authentic language materials about current issues in Arab media. Topics include politics, economics, business, and sports. The class will include both written reports and oral presentations in Arabic.
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
DENNY 315
Courses Offered in HEBR
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
HEBR 101-01 Elementary Modern Hebrew
Instructor: Nitsa Kann
Course Description:
Introduction to the modern Hebrew language. Alphabet, phonics and grammatical structures. Emphasizes development of reading comprehension, composition and conversational skills.
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MTWRF
EASTC 108
HEBR 201-01 Intermediate Modern Hebrew
Instructor: Nitsa Kann
Course Description:
Formal study of Hebrew language with emphasis on oral practice and writing skills. Prerequisite: 102 or the equivalent. This course fulfills the language graduation requirement.
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
EASTC 108
Courses Offered in MEST
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
MEST 200-01 Arab Feminism: Then and Now, Image and Reality, Secular and Religious
Instructor: Magda Siekert
Course Description:
Cross-listed with WGSS 201-01. This course will trace Arab feminism from its early years in Egypt and Tunisia to the present day. We will look at the work of the early pioneers fighting for equal rights for women while actively supporting nationalist, anticolonial movements in the region. We will then explore the gains that women made post-independence and the limits placed on their freedoms as voiced in their writing, filmmaking, and activism. Next, we will look at Islamic feminism in its many manifestations, its pursuit of a feminist re-interpretation of the Qu'ran, and role in shaping the dialogue on women's rights. We will focus on diverse voices from Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. Throughout, we will hear women's voices directly in memoires, historical accounts, literature (poetry and short stories), essays, documentaries, and interviews.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
DENNY 103
MEST 266-01 International Politics of the Middle East
Instructor: Ed Webb
Course Description:
Cross-listed with INST 277-01 and POSC 277-01. This course examines key factors and events in the formation of the modern Middle East state system and evolving patterns of conflict and cooperation in the region. Students will apply a range of analytical approaches to issues such as the conflicts between Arabs and Israelis, Iraq's wars since 1980, and the changing place of the region in global politics and economics.Prerequisite: one course in any of International Studies, Middle East Studies, or Political Science. This course is cross-listed as POSC 277 and INST 277.
03:00 PM-04:15 PM, TF
DENNY 103
MEST 272-01 Islam and the West
Instructor: Erik Love
Course Description:
Cross-listed with SOCI 272-01. This course examines the contemporary relationship between the Islamic world and the Western world. In recent years, many interpretations of this relationship have developed, with some claiming a clash of civilizations is underway. The course critically engages the rapidly growing literature on this topic, while providing an introduction to the sociology of religion, an examination of so-called Western values and their Islamic counterparts, an analysis of key moments in recent history, and finally a survey of minority Muslim communities in the West.This course is cross-listed as SOCI 272. Offered every year.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
DENNY 304