Courses

A general survey and examination of the socio-cultural structure of the modern Arab world.  Taught in English. This course explores the intersecting political, artistic, and intellectual currents and practices that have shaped contemporary Arab cultures. It is organized as a survey of different cultural phenomena in Arab societies and diasporas including: the Arabic language and its varieties, music, poetry, law, television & cinema, and more. We will critically examine various meanings of the term “culture,” such as social norms, popular culture, and the arts, asking: what is “Arab culture” and how should we study it? In the class, we will engage in self-reflective practices where we examine our experiences and shifting understandings of culture and put these in dialogue with scholarly sources. We will read essays from The Cambridge Companion to Modern Arab Culture (Ed. Dwight F. Reynolds) and engage with literary narrative, poetry, film, music, theater, and architecture from Arab regions. This course takes an active learning approach; we will cultivate a learning community that supports the intellectual development of each member and the whole. Students will play an active role in curating course content. GE Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies, GE Foundation: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Diversity

An introduction to the culture of modern Israel: historical roots, socio-political institutions and developments, and literary and artistic creations reflecting the realities of contemporary Israeli society.  Prereq: 2241H requires Honors standing, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 241. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course.  Cross-listed in Jewish Studies 2242. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with contemporary Israeli culture in all of its diversity.  Since the founding of the State in 1948, Israeli society has faced a series of dramatic challenges and has undergone tremendous changes.  This course will survey the major social, cultural, religious and political trends in Israel, with special emphasis on the post-1967 period.  We will explore developments in music, dance, poetry, and archaeology; responses to founding ideals and ideologies; the impact of the Arab-Israeli conflict; efforts to absorb new waves of immigration and to deal with questions of ethnicity; and the roles of religion and secularism in Israeli society.  We will draw on a broad range of material, including print media, films, and YouTube clips.   By the end of the course, students should have an insight into the complexity of Israeli society and the richness of Israeli culture, as well as an understanding of Israel’s role in Jewish life, the Middle East, and the world at large.

Examination of the position on women in the contemporary Middle East; impact of regional environment on gender identity; gender bias studies in various Middle Eastern countries. Prereq: English 1100. Not open to students with credit for NELC 3205. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies.

An introduction to the Culture of modern Israel: historical roots, socio-political institutions and developments, and literary and artistic creations reflecting the realities of contemporary Israeli society. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 2242H, Hebrew 2241 (241), or 2241H (241H). GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. Cross-listed in Hebrew 2241.