PDF reflects print version of the catalogue (beginning to East Asian Languages and Cultures)Middle East Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies
This major is an interdisciplinary degree which draws on courses from anthropology, classics, economics, history, international relations, Judaic studies, linguistics, political science and religion. It offers students interested in exploring the richness and complexity of the Middle East, broadly defined as extending from Morocco through Iran, a framework for developing both expertise and wide-ranging critical perspectives on the region’s past, present and future. The variety of courses will allow students to tailor their choices to a range of possible emphases. Two options are also available regarding language study. The first, which is strongly recommended for all students, but especially for those who seek to pursue a career using Middle East studies, stresses the importance of a regional language (at this point, Arabic or Hebrew), along with other disciplinary offerings. The second allows students to gain an in-depth understanding of the region, but without the requirement of a regional language.Requirements for the degree are: HIST 180 (an introductory survey course) which is a prerequisite for the major. Students must also take: a) seven more courses, six of which must be upper division courses, chosen from the list below; b) an eighth course, which may be either an upper division course from the list below or the fourth semester of Arabic or Hebrew for those studying a regional language.
No more than two courses may be counted toward this major and another major.
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 180 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 4 |
| Seven of the following courses, six of which must be upper division courses: | ||
| ANTH 327 | Anthropology of the Middle East and Islam | 4 |
| ANTH 335 | Comparative Muslim Societies | 4 |
| CLAS 360 | Classical Arabic Literature in Translation | 4 |
| ECON 322 | Economic History and Modernization of the Middle East | 4 |
| ECON 342 | Economic Development of the Middle East | 4 |
| HEBR 315 | Biblical Hebrew Literature (Hebrew IV) | 4 |
| HIST 280 | The Modern Middle East | 4 |
| HIST 275 | The Worlds of the Silk Road | 4 |
| HIST 324 | Islam in Russia and the Soviet Union | 4 |
| HIST 382 | The Middle East, 500-1500 | 4 |
| HIST 384 | Popular Culture in the Middle East | 4 |
| HIST 480 | Seminar in Middle East History | 4, max 8 |
| IR 362 | The International Relations of the Contemporary Middle East | 4 |
| IR 363 | Middle East Political Economy | 4 |
| JS 214 | Zionism, Israel and the Modern World | 4 |
| JS 361 | Scripture and Polemic in Judaism, Christianity and Islam | 4 |
| JS 465 | Medieval Jewish Philosophy | 4 |
| LING 252* | Arabic IV | 4 |
| LING 295 | The Ancient Near East: Culture, Archaeology, Texts | 4 |
| POSC 351 | Middle East Politics | 4 |
| REL 315 | Thought and Life of Islam | 4 |
| REL 317 | Ancient Near Eastern Myth and Literature | 4 |
| REL 394 | Near Eastern and Mediterranean Archaeology | 4 |
| REL 494 | Advanced Near Eastern and Mediterranean Archaeology | 4 |
Students majoring in Middle East studies are strongly encouraged to study in the Middle East in one of USC’s study abroad programs. USC currently has programs at the American University in Cairo, the Hebrew University (Jerusalem) and Tel Aviv University.
Unlike the other majors offered through the School of International Relations, advisement for the Middle East major is done through the College advisement office.
Minor in Middle East Studies
Drawing on courses from nine different departments, this interdisciplinary minor offers students interested in exploring the richness and complexity of the Middle East, broadly defined as extending from Morocco through Iran, a framework for developing a basic but solid understanding of the region. Students may select courses that provide a broad introduction across disciplines, or they may choose courses that address a particular historical period or theme.Twenty units (five courses) are required. All students must take HIST 180. To complete the minor a student must also take four upper division courses from the list below from at least three departments. Students who are also studying Arabic may substitute LING 252 Arabic IV for one of the four upper division courses. However there is no language requirement for the minor.
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 180 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 4 |
| Four of the following courses: | ||
| ANTH 327 | Anthropology of the Middle East and Islam | 4 |
| ANTH 335 | Comparative Muslim Societies | 4 |
| CLAS 360 | Classical Arabic Literature in Translation | 4 |
| ECON 322 | Economic History and Modernization of the Middle East | 4 |
| ECON 342 | Economic Development of the Middle East | 4 |
| HEBR 315 | Biblical Hebrew Literature (Hebrew IV) | 4 |
| HIST 324 | Islam in Russia and the Soviet Union | 4 |
| HIST 382 | The Middle East, 500-1500 | 4 |
| HIST 384 | Popular Culture in the Middle East | 4 |
| HIST 480 | Seminar in Middle East History | 4, max 8 |
| IR 362 | The International Relations of the Contemporary Middle East | 4 |
| IR 363 | Middle East Political Economy | 4 |
| JS 361 | Scripture and Polemic in Judaism, Christianity and Islam | 4 |
| JS 465 | Medieval Jewish Philosophy | 4 |
| LING 252 | Arabic IV | 4 |
| POSC 351 | Middle East Politics | 4 |
| REL 315 | Thought and Life of Islam | 4 |
| REL 317 | Ancient Near Eastern Myth and Literature | 4 |
| REL 394 | Near Eastern and Mediterranean Archaeology | 4 |
| REL 494 | Advanced Near Eastern and Mediterranean Archaeology | 4 |
Unlike the other minors offered through the School of International Relations, advisement for the Middle East minor is done through the College advisement office.
Courses of Instruction
MIDDLE EAST STUDIES (MDES)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.MDES 120 Persian I (4) Introduction to contemporary Persian (Farsi). Oral practice, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary necessary for simple spoken and written expression.
MDES 150 Persian II (4) Continuation of Persian I. Prerequisite: MDES 120.
MDES 220 Persian III (4) Intermediate Persian (Farsi). Building conversational skills, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary necessary for intermediate level spoken and written expression. Prerequisite: MDES 150.
MDES 250 Persian IV (4) Continuing Intermediate Persian (Farsi). Building conversational skills, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary necessary for intermediate level spoken and written expression. Prerequisite: MDES 220.
MDES 490x Directed Research (2-8, max 8, FaSpSm) Individual research and readings. Not for graduate credit.
MDES 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Selected topics in Middle East studies.