Near Eastern Studies

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2017-18 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu.

Overview

Instruction in the Department of Near Eastern Studies (NES) is concerned with the languages, literatures, and civilizations of the ancient, medieval, and modern Near and Middle East. The department offers specialized training in archaeology, art history, Assyriology, Egyptology, Iranian studies, Judaic studies, Islamic studies, comparative Semitics, and Turkish, Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian languages and literatures. Lecture courses offered by the department present a comprehensive body of information on past Near and modern Middle Eastern civilizations. For students in other disciplines, the department provides a wide variety of courses to supplement related fields including anthropology, linguistics, art history, history, political science, comparative literature, and folklore. Courses in the department are often small to medium-sized and afford students an opportunity for close interaction with the instructing staff.

The Department of Near Eastern Studies offers the following undergraduate majors:

  • The Major in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures (emphasis in a Modern Language: Arabic, Hebrew, or Persian; and emphasis in an Ancient Language: Egyptology)
  • The Major in Ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern Art and Archaeology (emphasis in Ancient Near Eastern Art and Archaeology and emphasis in Egyptian Art and Archaeology)
  • The Major in Near Eastern Civilizations (emphasis in Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations and emphasis in Islamic Civilizations)

Minors are also available in Ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern Civilizations and in the modern languages taught in the department

Libraries

The Near Eastern Studies libraries are essential parts of the Department of Near Eastern Studies. These non-circulating libraries are important for research for both graduate and undergraduate students in the department. The libraries house reference materials relating to the various disciplines within NES, as well as more general monographs and serials, and serve as seminar classrooms. 

The Hebrew/Semitics Library and the Islamic Studies Library both contain basic reference materials, including dictionaries and encyclopedias, and some of the most important texts in their fields. Access is generally limited to graduate students in the department. Both libraries are non-circulating. 

The Baer-Keller Library of Egyptology is a non-circulating collection of approximately 9,000 volumes maintained by the Near Eastern Studies Department primarily for the use of UC Berkeley students and faculty pursuing serious study of Ancient Egyptian culture, Coptology and Papyrology. Egyptology students and professionals from other institutions are also welcome. Interested individuals should apply to the Near Eastern Studies Department. The core of the library collection comes from bequests to the Department of Near Eastern Studies by Professors Klaus Baer (1987) and Cathleen (Candy) Keller (2008). Professor Baer was an Associate Professor of Egyptology and History at UC Berkeley before becoming a Professor of Egyptology at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago. Professor Keller was an Associate Professor of Egyptology at UC Berkeley for many years.

Cooperative arrangements between the University and the nearby Graduate Theological Union enable students in the department to use the extensive library holdings of the Union and supplement their programs with selected courses in Palestinian archaeology, Biblical studies, and Semitic epigraphy and philology.

Undergraduate Programs

Ancient Egyptian Near Eastern Art and Archaeology: BA
Near Eastern Civilizations: BA
Near Eastern Languages and Literatures: BA (with emphases in Arabic, Hebrew, or Persian)
Ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern Civilizations: Minor
Arabic: Minor
Hebrew: Minor
Persian: Minor
Turkish: Minor

Graduate Programs

Near Eastern Studies: PhD (with concentrations in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian Languages and Literatures, Near Eastern Archaeology, Art History, Cuneiform, Hebrew Bible, Biblical and Judaic Studies, Old Iranian Studies, Egyptology, and Islamic Studies)

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Courses

Select a subject to view courses

Arabic

ARABIC 1A Elementary Arabic 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
This course emphasizes the functional usage of Arabic in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Authentic audio, video, and reading materials are presented from the beginning, and students are encouraged to be creative with the language in and out of class.
Elementary Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 1B Elementary Arabic 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
This course emphasizes the functional usage of Arabic in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Authentic audio, video, and reading materials are presented from the beginning, and students are encouraged to be creative with the language in and out of class.
Elementary Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 11 Arabic for Reading Knowledge 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 2003 10 Week Session
The course is designed to guide students through Arabic grammar with a systematic treatment of the subject and the use of classical Arabic texts.
Arabic for Reading Knowledge: Read More [+]

ARABIC 15 Spoken Arabic 6 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 2003 10 Week Session, Summer 1997 10 Week Session
Practice in speaking an Arabic dialect.
Spoken Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 15B Spoken Arabic 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2009, Spring 2003
Practice in speaking an Arabic dialect.
Spoken Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 20A Intermediate Arabic 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
This course is proficiency oriented. Authentic reading in modern standard and classical Arabic and the understanding and application of grammatical and stylistic rules are emphasized. Students deliver oral presentations and write academic papers in Arabic.
Intermediate Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 20B Intermediate Arabic 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
This course is proficiency oriented. Authentic reading in modern standard and classical Arabic and the understanding and application of grammatical and stylistic rules are emphasized. Students deliver oral presentations and write academic papers in Arabic.
Intermediate Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 30 Intermediate Arabic 10 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 2017 8 Week Session, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 8 Week Session
This course is equivalent to a full year of intermediate level Arabic. It will deepen skills in speaking, comprehending, reading, and writing Modern Standard Arabic.
Intermediate Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 50 Advanced Arabic 10 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 1997 10 Week Session, Summer 1995 10 Week Session
This course will include grammatical and stylistic analysis of Arabic texts from both the classical and the modern periods. Class will be conducted entirely in Arabic.
Advanced Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 100A Advanced Arabic 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Intensive reading and analysis of texts of different genres. Guest lectures, films, documentaries, oral presentations, research papers. Formal and informal styles of writing and correspondence. Extensive vocabulary building.
Advanced Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 100B Advanced Arabic 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Intensive reading and analysis of texts of different genres. Guest lectures, films, documentaries, oral presentations, research papers. Formal and informal styles of writing and correspondence. Extensive vocabulary building.
Advanced Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 104A Modern Arabic Prose 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on contemporary prose. Reading and analysis of modern Arabic fiction, including short stories, drama, the novel, and expository prose.
Modern Arabic Prose: Read More [+]

ARABIC 104B Classical Arabic Prose 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2015
This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on Arabic of the classical periods of Arab and Islamic civilization. Reading and analysis of literary texts of various genres, including essays, biography, and travel literature.
Classical Arabic Prose: Read More [+]

ARABIC 105A Modern Arabic Poetry 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Readings and analysis of 20th-century Arabic poetry.
Modern Arabic Poetry: Read More [+]

ARABIC 105B Classical Arabic Poetry 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2008, Fall 2006
Readings and analysis of poetry from the pre-Islamic through the classical periods.
Classical Arabic Poetry: Read More [+]

ARABIC 107 Arabic Historical and Geographical Texts 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Readings from the classical historians and geographers and from contemporary scholarship. Development of historiography.
Arabic Historical and Geographical Texts: Read More [+]

ARABIC 108 Islamic Religious and Philosophical Texts in Arabic 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Readings in the basic texts of Islam (Qur'an, Huran, Hadith, Sira, commentary) and in theological, mystical, and philosophical texts.
Islamic Religious and Philosophical Texts in Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 111A Survey of Arabic Literature (in Arabic) 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
This course is designed primarily for majors and prospective majors in Arabic studies. The Classical Periods: A literary-historical survey of Arabic literature from pre-Islamic times to the middle of the thirteenth century, with emphasis on the more important achievements of major Arab authors.
Survey of Arabic Literature (in Arabic): Read More [+]

ARABIC 111B Survey of Arabic Literature (in Arabic) 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
This course is designed primarily for majors and prospective majors in Arabic studies. The Post-Abbasid and Modern Periods: A literary-historical survey of Arabic literature from the middle of the thirteenth century to the present.
Survey of Arabic Literature (in Arabic): Read More [+]

ARABIC 115A Colloquial Arabic 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2017
This course introduces students to a standard colloquial Arabic and the cultures of the region in which it spoken. The colloquial will change based on availability. The focus of the course is on speaking and listening, but also includes readings from printed materials. The course draws on various media including advertisements, theater, and film composed in colloquial style. This course will also expose students to literature composed in colloquial. Moreover, students will study the social stratification in the society along with an analysis of the speech of each social level. Students use their knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic as a platform for learning to communicate in colloquial.
Colloquial Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC 115B Colloquial Arabic 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018
This course introduces students to Egyptian Colloquial Arabic and the cultures of the region in which it is spoken. The focus of the course is on speaking and listening, but also includes readings from printed materials. The course draws on various media including advertisements, theater, and film composed in colloquial style. This course will also expose students to literature composed in colloquial. Moreover, students will study the social stratification in the Egyptian society along with a analysis of the speech of each social level. Students use their knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic as a platform for learning to communicate in Egyptian colloquial.
Colloquial Arabic: Read More [+]

ARABIC H195 Senior Honors 2 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2003
Directed study centered upon preparation of an honors thesis.
Senior Honors: Read More [+]

ARABIC 198 Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 2000 10 Week Session
Instruction in areas not covered by regularly scheduled courses.
Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students: Read More [+]

ARABIC 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 1998
Enrollment restrictions apply; see the Introduction to Courses and Curricula section of this catalog.
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Cuneiform

CUNEIF 100A Elementary Akkadian 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Introduction to cuneiform script and grammar, reading of selected cuneiform texts. Sequence begins in fall.
Elementary Akkadian: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 100B Elementary Akkadian 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Introduction to cuneiform script and grammar, reading of selected cuneiform texts. Sequence begins in fall.
Elementary Akkadian: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 101A Selected Readings in Akkadian 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
In each semester of this course, the student who has completed the first year of the study of Akkadian will read a variety of texts in the cuneiform script either of the Old Babylonian or the Neo-Assyrian periods. In any semester, the texts to be read may be drawn from a variety of text genres: legal, mythological, historical, prayer, etc., but each semester will focus on only one genre.
Selected Readings in Akkadian: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 101B Selected Readings in Akkadian 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
In each semester of this course, the student who has completed the first year of the study of Akkadian will read a variety of texts in the cuneiform script either of the Old Babylonian or the Neo-Assyrian periods. In any semester, the texts to be read may be drawn from a variety of text genres: legal, mythological, historical, prayer, etc., but each semester will focus on only one genre.
Selected Readings in Akkadian: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 102A Elementary Sumerian 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
Introduction to Sumerian grammar and writing.
Elementary Sumerian: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 102B Elementary Sumerian 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2013
Introduction to Sumerian grammar and writing.
Elementary Sumerian: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 103A Selected Readings in Sumerian 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
Reading of texts selected for clarity of script, simplicity of vocabulary, and historical and cultural significance.
Selected Readings in Sumerian: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 103B Selected Readings in Sumerian 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Reading of texts selected for clarity of script, simplicity of vocabulary, and historical and cultural significance.
Selected Readings in Sumerian: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 106A Elementary Hittite 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2013, Fall 2008, Fall 2001
Introduction to Cuneiform Hittite language and grammar with reading of selected historical and religious texts.
Elementary Hittite: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 106B Elementary Hittite 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2009, Spring 2002, Spring 2000
Introduction to Cuneiform Hittite language and grammar with reading of selected historical and religious texts.
Elementary Hittite: Read More [+]

CUNEIF H195 Senior Honors 2 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2017
Directed study centered upon preparation of an honors thesis.
Senior Honors: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 198 Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Instruction in areas not covered by regularly scheduled courses.
Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students: Read More [+]

CUNEIF 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2017
Enrollment is restricted by regulations shown in the .
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Egyptian

EGYPT 100A Elementary Egyptian 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2013
Introduction to Middle Egyptian grammar and texts.
Elementary Egyptian: Read More [+]

EGYPT 100B Elementary Egyptian 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2014
Introduction to Middle Egyptian grammar and texts.
Elementary Egyptian: Read More [+]

EGYPT 101A Intermediate Egyptian 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2014
Readings in Middle Egyptian hieroglyphic and hieratic texts.
Intermediate Egyptian: Read More [+]

EGYPT 101B Intermediate Egyptian 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2011
Readings in Middle Egyptian hieroglyphic and hieratic texts.
Intermediate Egyptian: Read More [+]

EGYPT 102A Elementary Coptic 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2002, Fall 2000, Spring 1997
Introduction to Sahidic dialect.
Elementary Coptic: Read More [+]

EGYPT 102B Elementary Coptic 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2003, Spring 2001
Readings in Sahidic, other dialects.
Elementary Coptic: Read More [+]

EGYPT H195 Senior Honors 2 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Directed study centered upon preparation of an honors thesis.
Senior Honors: Read More [+]

EGYPT 198 Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Instruction in areas not covered by regularly scheduled courses.
Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students: Read More [+]

EGYPT 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Enrollment is restricted by regulations shown in the .
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Hebrew

HEBREW 1A Elementary Hebrew 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016

Elementary Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 1B Elementary Hebrew 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016

Elementary Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 10 Intensive Elementary Hebrew 10 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 2007 10 Week Session, Summer 2007 8 Week Session, Summer 2006 10 Week Session
An intensive course in modern Israeli Hebrew. The course covers the basic syntactic and morphological patterns of modern Hebrew through the teaching and practice of communicative and interactive language skills in the four areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course is equivalent to two semesters of Hebrew in the regular academic year.
Intensive Elementary Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 11A Reading and Composition for Hebrew Speaking Students 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Designed for heritage students who possess oral skills (speaking/comprehension, though limited) but need to improve their writing and reading abilities, and expand their knowledge of Hebrew grammar and syntax. Completion of 11A-11B will prepare the student to take Hebrew 20A, Intermediate Hebrew.
Reading and Composition for Hebrew Speaking Students: Read More [+]

HEBREW 11B Reading and Composition for Hebrew-Speaking Students 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Designed for heritage students who possess oral skills (speaking/comprehension, though limited) but need to improve their writing and reading abilities, and expand their knowledge of Hebrew grammar and syntax. Completion of 11A-11B will prepare the student to take Hebrew 20A, Intermediate Hebrew.
Reading and Composition for Hebrew-Speaking Students: Read More [+]

HEBREW 20A Intermediate Hebrew 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016

Intermediate Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 20B Intermediate Hebrew 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2015

Intermediate Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 30 Intermediate Hebrew 10 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 1997 10 Week Session, Summer 1996 10 Week Session, Summer 1995 10 Week Session
This course is equivalent to a full year of intermediate Hebrew. It will deepen skills in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing modern Israeli Hebrew.
Intermediate Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 100A Advanced Hebrew 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Advanced Hebrew, especially designed for those going on to the study of modern Hebrew literature. Vocabulary building, grammar review, and literary analysis of a sampling of modern texts.
Advanced Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 100B Advanced Hebrew 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Advanced Hebrew, especially designed for those going on to the study of modern Hebrew literature. Vocabulary building, grammar review, and literary analysis of a sampling of modern texts.
Advanced Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 102A Postbiblical Hebrew Texts 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2008, Fall 2002, Fall 1998
Texts from the rabbinic period (Mishnah, Tosefta, Talmud, and Midrash) and an introduction to the languages of rabbinic texts.
Postbiblical Hebrew Texts: Read More [+]

HEBREW 102B Postbiblical Hebrew Texts 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2014, Spring 2011, Spring 2009
Texts from the rabbinic period (Mishnah, Tosefta, Talmud, and Midrash) and an introduction to the languages of rabbinic texts.
Postbiblical Hebrew Texts: Read More [+]

HEBREW 103A Later Rabbinic and Medieval Hebrew Texts 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2004
Study of midrashic, exegetical, halakhic (legal), poetic, apocalyptic, messianic, or historical texts.
Later Rabbinic and Medieval Hebrew Texts: Read More [+]

HEBREW 103B Later Rabbinic and Medieval Hebrew Texts 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Study of midrashic, exegetical, halakhic (legal), poetic, apocalyptic, messianic, or historical texts.
Later Rabbinic and Medieval Hebrew Texts: Read More [+]

HEBREW 104A Modern Hebrew Literature and Culture 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
A close reading of selected works of modern Hebrew fiction, poetry, and drama in their cultural and historical contexts. Topics vary from year to year and include literature and politics, eros and gender, memory and nationalism, Middle-Eastern and European aspects of Israeli literature and culture.
Modern Hebrew Literature and Culture: Read More [+]

HEBREW 104B Modern Hebrew Literature and Culture 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
A close reading of selected works of modern Hebrew fiction, poetry, and drama in their cultural and historical contexts. Topics vary from year to year and include literature and politics, eros and gender, memory and nationalism, Middle-Eastern and European aspects of Israeli literature and culture.
Modern Hebrew Literature and Culture: Read More [+]

HEBREW 105A The Structure of Modern Hebrew 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 1999
An analysis of Hebrew grammar, syntax, semantics, morphology, history of the language, fixed expressions, discourse analysis, contrastive features of Hebrew and English in the context of contemporary linguistic theories.
The Structure of Modern Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 105B The Structure of Modern Hebrew 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2011, Spring 2008
An analysis of Hebrew grammar, syntax, semantics, morphology, history of the language, fixed expressions, discourse analysis, contrastive features of Hebrew and English in the context of contemporary linguistic theories.
The Structure of Modern Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 106A Elementary Biblical Hebrew 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
An introduction to the language of the Hebrew Bible.
Elementary Biblical Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 106B Elementary Biblical Hebrew 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2015
An introduction to the language of the Hebrew Bible.
Elementary Biblical Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW N106 Elementary Biblical Hebrew 6 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 2009 10 Week Session, Summer 2009 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2008 Second 6 Week Session
An introduction to the language of the Hebrew bible.
Elementary Biblical Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW 107A Biblical Hebrew Texts 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2011, Fall 2009
The tools and procedure of biblical exegesis applied to simple narrative texts.
Biblical Hebrew Texts: Read More [+]

HEBREW 107B Biblical Hebrew Texts 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2012, Spring 2010
The tools and procedure of biblical exegesis applied to simple narrative texts.
Biblical Hebrew Texts: Read More [+]

HEBREW 111 Intermediate Biblical Texts 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
A systematic study of the Prophets beginning with Isaiah.
Intermediate Biblical Texts: Read More [+]

HEBREW 148A The Art and Culture of the Talmud: Advanced Textual Analysis 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2011, Fall 2010, Fall 2002
In this course, we will read and analyze closely talmudic texts in the original languages--Hebrew and Aramaic--together with selected medieval commentaries. The primary focus of the course will be on the acquisition of facility in reading the Talmud, comprehension of philological and historical-cultural issues and methods of study, as well as understanding the formative relation of the Talmud to the structures and practices of traditional Jewish cultures.
The Art and Culture of the Talmud: Advanced Textual Analysis: Read More [+]

HEBREW 148B The Art and Culture of the Talmud: Advanced Textual Analysis 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2001
In this course, we will read and analyze closely talmudic texts in the original languages--Hebrew and Aramaic--together with selected medieval commentaries. The primary focus of the course will be on the acquisition of facility in reading the Talmud, comprehension of philological and historical-cultural issues and methods of study, as well as understanding the formative relation of the Talmud to the structures and practices of traditional Jewish cultures.
The Art and Culture of the Talmud: Advanced Textual Analysis: Read More [+]

HEBREW 190B Special Topics in Hebrew 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2011
Topics explore special themes and problems in Hebrew language and literature. They often reflect the research interests of the instructor and supplement regular curricular offerings. Specific descriptions of current offerings are available through the department.
Special Topics in Hebrew: Read More [+]

HEBREW H195 Senior Honors 2 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2003
Directed study centered upon preparation of an honors thesis.
Senior Honors: Read More [+]

HEBREW 198 Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2002, Fall 2001
Instruction in areas not covered by regularly scheduled courses.
Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students: Read More [+]

HEBREW 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2003, Spring 1999
Enrollment is restricted by regulations shown in the .
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Near Eastern Studies

NE STUD R1A Reading and Composition in Near Eastern Studies 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Summer 2018 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session
Expository writing based on analysis of selected texts or literatures in translation or writings interpreting the material culture of the ancient Near or modern Middle East. Specific topics vary with instructor. R1A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R1B satisfies the second half.
Reading and Composition in Near Eastern Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD R1B Reading and Composition in Near Eastern Studies 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Expository writing based on analysis of selected texts or literatures in translation or writings interpreting the material culture of the ancient Near or modern Middle East. Specific topics vary with instructor. R1A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R1B satisfies the second half.
Reading and Composition in Near Eastern Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD 10 Introduction to the Near East 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
The background and present status of the ethnic and religious groups in the Arab states, Turkey, Israel, and Iran.
Introduction to the Near East: Read More [+]

NE STUD 15 Introduction to Near Eastern Art and Archaeology 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
The ancient Near East (present-day Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey) is considered the cradle of civilization. Here in Mesopotamia and its neighboring regions, the first cities arose, writing was invented, armies forged the earliest empires, and complex religious beliefs were expressed in art and architecture. This course surveys the major archaeological sites and monuments from the earliest settlements to the conquest of the Near East by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE.
Introduction to Near Eastern Art and Archaeology: Read More [+]

NE STUD N16 Introduction to Islamic Art 4 Units

Terms offered: Summer 1997 10 Week Session
The art and architecture of the Islamic lands from the seventh to the seventeenth centuries.
Introduction to Islamic Art: Read More [+]

NE STUD 18 Introduction to Ancient Egypt 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Fall 2017
A general introduction to ancient Egypt, providing overview coverage of ancient Egyptian culture and society (history, art, religion, literature, language, social structure), Egyptian archaeology (pyramids, tombs, mummies, temples, cities, monuments, daily life), and the history and development of the modern discipline of Egyptology. Assumes no prior knowledge of subject. Almost all lectures are illustrated extensively by ​power point presentation. Discussion sections ​include meetings in the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, which has the best collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts west of Chicago.
Introduction to Ancient Egypt: Read More [+]

NE STUD 24 Freshman Seminars 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.
Freshman Seminars: Read More [+]

NE STUD 25 Ancient Babylonian Legends and Myths 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2001, Fall 1996
Lectures on and readings of the Gilgamesh Epic, Creation and Flood Myths and other Mesopotamian literary texts in translation.
Ancient Babylonian Legends and Myths: Read More [+]

NE STUD C26 Introduction to Central Asia 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
This course will introduce the student not only to ancient and modern Central Asia, but also to the role played by the region in the shaping of the history of neighboring regions and regimes. The course will outline the history, languages, ethnicities, religions, and archaeology of the region and will acquaint the student with the historical foundations of some of the political, social and economic challenges for contemporary post-Soviet Central Asian republics.
Introduction to Central Asia: Read More [+]

NE STUD 34 Hebrew Bible in Translation 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2001 10 Week Session, Summer 2000 10 Week Session, Fall 1996
Readings from the Hebrew Bible in English translation.
Hebrew Bible in Translation: Read More [+]

NE STUD 39A Freshmen & Sophomore Seminars 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2016
A freshmen and sophomore seminar course will be taught by NES faculty in Fall 2016.
Freshmen & Sophomore Seminars: Read More [+]

NE STUD 39B The Abrahamic Religions 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017
A freshmen and sophomore seminar course will be taught by NES faculty in Fall 2016.
The Abrahamic Religions: Read More [+]

NE STUD C92 Imagining Arab Civilization 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This course examines major aspects of Arab culture through literature, art, film, and other media. Questions of religious, political, and philosophical nature co-exist in Arab culture with literary conventions and aesthetic norms. The course explores the dynamic interaction among these abiding concerns of Arab culture from pre-Islamic times to the present.
Imagining Arab Civilization: Read More [+]

NE STUD 98 Directed Group Study for Lower Division Students 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Spring 2005
Topics vary.
Directed Group Study for Lower Division Students: Read More [+]

NE STUD 99 Supervised Independent Study 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011
Topics vary.
Supervised Independent Study: Read More [+]

NE STUD 101 Women and Gender in Ancient Egypt 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2015
Women have been ignored or marginalized in much of past scholarship on ancient Egypt despite their highly visible presence in and importance to ancient Egyptian society. This course examines the roles of women and gender in ancient Egyptian society and belief systems. It reviews sources of evidence and interpretive frameworks for understanding the public and private roles of women and the definition of gender in ancient Egypt. It also places the women of ancient Egypt and ancient Egyptian gender constructions into comparative contexts with other ancient eastern Mediterranean and Near Eastern societies.
Women and Gender in Ancient Egypt: Read More [+]

NE STUD 102A Archaeology of Ancient Egypt 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2013
Archaeological survey of historical eras, major monuments and sites of ancient Egypt from the Neolithic to end of the Old Kingdom/First Intermediate Period, incorporating methodological and theoretical issues and developments as relevant.
Archaeology of Ancient Egypt: Read More [+]

NE STUD 102B Archaeology of Ancient Egypt 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
Archaeological survey of historical eras, major monuments and sites of ancient Egypt from the First Intermediate Period/Middle Kingdom to the end of the New Kingdom, incorporating methodological and theoretical issues and developments as relevant.
Archaeology of Ancient Egypt: Read More [+]

NE STUD 103 Religion of Ancient Egypt 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Summer 2012 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2011 First 6 Week Session
A survey of the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, based primarily upon the written sources.
Religion of Ancient Egypt: Read More [+]

NE STUD C103 Religion of Ancient Egypt 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2009
A survey of the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, based primarily upon the written sources.
Religion of Ancient Egypt: Read More [+]

NE STUD 104 Babylonian Religion 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 1997
A survey of Babylonian religious beliefs and practices based on indigenous texts and monuments.
Babylonian Religion: Read More [+]

NE STUD C104 Babylonian Religion 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2015 Second 6 Week Session, Spring 2015
A survey of Babylonian religious beliefs and practices based on indigenous texts and monuments.
Babylonian Religion: Read More [+]

NE STUD 105A Ancient Mesopotamian Documents and Literature 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2014
A representative survey of original 3rd-1st millennium Cuneiform texts in translation. The Sumerian religious and scholastic tradition; myths of creation, hymns, epics and early historical material.
Ancient Mesopotamian Documents and Literature: Read More [+]

NE STUD 106A Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2010, Fall 2007, Fall 2005
Stylistic and iconographic study of Egyptian art and architecture from Predynastic times through the end of the pharaonic period. Discussion sections will focus on Egyptian material in the Hearst Museum collection. Will cover the period from Predynastic times until the end of the First Intermediate Period (ca. 5000-2000 BC).
Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt: Read More [+]

NE STUD 106B Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2011, Spring 2008, Spring 2006
Stylistic and iconographic study of Egyptian art and architecture from Predynastic times through the end of the pharaonic period. Discussion sections will focus on Egyptian material in the Hearst Museum collection. Will consider the period from the end of the First Intermediate Period through the Graeco-Roman Period (ca. 2000 BC - 1st century AD).
Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt: Read More [+]

NE STUD 108 Ancient Astronomy 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
The course focuses on ancient astronomy from Babylonia to the Greco-Roman world. Readings from primary texts, including Babylonian astronomical and astrological documents (MUL.APIN, Enuma Anu Enlil, etc.) and Greek treatises such as Geminos= Introduction to the Phenomena and Ptolemy's Almagest are used. Problems of the calendar and of planetary motion are of special interest. Two different approaches to celestial phenomena are covered, one from cuneiform texts, predominantly arithmetical and linear and the other from hellenistic Greek antiquity, characteristically geometrical and introducing a quantitative dimension only after contact with and borrowing from Babylonian astronomy.
Ancient Astronomy: Read More [+]

NE STUD 109 Mesopotamian History 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Ancient Mesopotamian political, cultural, and economic history from the invention of script to the Persian conquest of Babylon will be presented in survey, and one topic will be selected for in-depth study.
Mesopotamian History: Read More [+]

NE STUD 110 Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt in the First Millennium B.C 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Spring 2008, Spring 2003
The course surveys the art and/or archaeology of ancient Egypt in the first millennium B.C. It covers ancient Egyptian material culture of the Third Intermediate, Late, Ptolemaic, and Early Roman periods.
Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt in the First Millennium B.C: Read More [+]

NE STUD 112 Survey of Ancient Egyptian History 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2013, Spring 2006
A concise survey of Ancient Egyptian history from Late Predynastic times to the conquest of Alexander the Great.
Survey of Ancient Egyptian History: Read More [+]

NE STUD 113 Gilgamesh: King, Hero, and God 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Spring 2014
The most famous of Babylonian heroes is Gilgamesh, King of Uruk. The Gilgamesh Epic, recorded on twelve tablets in cuneiform, follows him in his quest for fame and eternal life. In this course, we will read the Gilgamesh Epic as well as several earlier texts around the same character. Moreover, we will read additional ancient texts that elucidate one or another aspect of the Epic. We will follow the traditions around Gilgamesh and see how his fame was used for literary, religious, and political purposes. Finally, we will look at some of the modern Gilgamesh interpretations.
Gilgamesh: King, Hero, and God: Read More [+]

NE STUD 114 Digital Ancient Near East 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017
Today, much of the information we gather on any topic comes from Internet sources. Goal of this class is to increase students' skills in critically evaluating the scholarly value of information on the Ancient Near East that is to be found in web pages, e-journals, and online books. We will consider the goal and context of sources of information (touristic, commercial, scholarly, religious, etc.) and how this influences and filters the information provided. Although the class will focus on Internet resources, we will not neglect to use the same critical eye when using print media. The class will feature a number of collaborative projects in which this critical attitude may be practiced.
Digital Ancient Near East: Read More [+]

NE STUD C119 Disciplining Near Eastern Archaeology: Explorers, Archaeologists, and Tourists in the Contemporary Middle East 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2012, Spring 2011
This course examines the roles that Near Eastern archaeology plays within the context of recent Middle Eastern history and society, from 1800 to the present day. Topics include the discipline's entanglement with imperialism, nationalism, science, tourism, the antiquities trade, media, and war. Students will examine and discuss ethnographies, technical reports, memoirs, films, and images.
Disciplining Near Eastern Archaeology: Explorers, Archaeologists, and Tourists in the Contemporary Middle East: Read More [+]

NE STUD C120A The Art of Ancient Mesopotamia: 3500-1000 BCE 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2011, Fall 2006
The art and architecture of early Mesopotamia will be explored in terms of the social, political, and cultural context of ancient Sumer, Babylonia, and Assyria during the period of urbanization and early kingdoms. The course provides an integrated picture of the arts of Mesopotamia and neighboring regions from 3500-1000 BCE with an emphasis on the development of visual narrative, the use of art in the expression of authority and legitimacy, and artistic interconnections between cultures. Collections on campus or in the area will be incorporated whenever possible.
The Art of Ancient Mesopotamia: 3500-1000 BCE: Read More [+]

NE STUD C120B The Art of Ancient Mesopotamia: 1000-330 BCE 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2012, Fall 2009, Fall 2004
The royal art and architecture of later Mesopotamia will be explored in terms of the social, political, and cultural context of the great empires of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. The course provides an integrated picture of the arts of Mesopotamia and neighboring regions from 1000-330 BCE with an emphasis on the development of visual narrative, the use of art in the expression of authority and legitimacy, and artistic interconnections between cultures. Collections on campus or in the area will be incorporated whenever possible.
The Art of Ancient Mesopotamia: 1000-330 BCE: Read More [+]

NE STUD C121A Topics in Islamic Art 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2013, Fall 2012
The course will treat in depth topics in Islamic architecture and topics in Islamic art. Subjects addressed may include painting, calligraphy, and book production.
Topics in Islamic Art: Read More [+]

NE STUD C121B Topics in Islamic Art 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2007, Fall 2005, Spring 2003
The course will treat in depth topics in Islamic architecture and topics in Islamic art. Subjects addressed may include painting, calligraphy, and book production.
Topics in Islamic Art: Read More [+]

NE STUD 122 Iranian Archaeology 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015
A survey of the archaeology of Iran and its neighbors from the Paleolithic Era to the Sasanian period. Students will analyze architecture, artifacts, and written sources, discuss debates, and learn archaeological methods.
Iranian Archaeology: Read More [+]

NE STUD 123 Mesopotamian Archaeology 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2013
A survey of Mesopotamian archaeology from the Paleolithic Era to 300 BCE investigating the origins of agriculture, urbanism, states, and empires in ancient Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Students will analyze architecture, artifacts, and written sources, discuss current debates, and learn archaeological research methods.
Mesopotamian Archaeology: Read More [+]

NE STUD 124 Levantine Archaeology 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2014
A survey of Levantine archaeology from the Paleolithic Era to 300 BCE investigating the origins of agriculture, technologies, villages, and states in ancient Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. Prehistoric, Canaanite, and Israelite societies are emphasized. Students will analyze architecture, artifacts, and written sources, discuss debates, and learn archaeological methods.
Levantine Archaeology: Read More [+]

NE STUD 126 Silk Road Art and Archaeology 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
The course will outline art and archaeology of the Silk Roads from the 5th century BCE to the 10th century CE. A number of specific sites located along the Silk Roads will be selected and explored in depth, as examples which reveal the manifold cultural currents along the trade routes. Special attention will be paid to the eclecticism in Silk Road cultures brought about by the movement of peoples and merchandise which facilitated the spread and fusion along these trading routes of various ideas, cultural forms, art styles, and religious concepts. The social and political underpinnings of this eclecticism will be examined.
Silk Road Art and Archaeology: Read More [+]

NE STUD 127 Art and Archaeology of Ancient Syria 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2005
The course provides a broad introduction to the cultures of ancient Syria from the Neolithic period to 500 BCE. The diversity of cultures and their development over time will be assessed in light of the built environment and artistic production. Emphasis is placed on interpreting the material culture of the region within its social and political contexts.
Art and Archaeology of Ancient Syria: Read More [+]

NE STUD 128 The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Turkey 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This course explores the art and archaeology of ancient Turkey from the Neolithic period to the time of Alexander's conquest of the Near East (330 BCE). The survey will include geographic and historical considerations and will focus in particular on the ancient sites and monuments. Topics of discussion may include the Anatolian mother goddess, resource procurement, trade contacts, the Trojan war, and the rise of Phrygia and Lydia. A general theme throughout the course is the issue of defining indigenous, regional cultures and the ways in which they interacted with the broader ancient world.
The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Turkey: Read More [+]

NE STUD 129 Arts of Iran and Central Asia 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2015
This course focuses on the arts of the Iranian cultural environment from the mid-first Millennium BCE through the first Millennium CE. Geographically, it covers a region stretching east from modern Iran to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and north towards the Central Asian steppes, the ancestral home of important ancient Iranian pastoral nomadic tribes. The course will, among others, explore the art and archaeology of the Achaemenids, Parthians, Sasanians, and Sogdians to come to a better understanding of the social, political, and cultural underpinnings of the pre-Islamic Iranian world.
Arts of Iran and Central Asia: Read More [+]

NE STUD C129 Minoan and Mycenaean Art 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2010, Fall 2005
This course analyzes the art, architecture, and archaeology of prehistoric Greece, concentrating on the Minoan and Mycenaean palatial arts of the Bronze Age (3000-1200 BCE). The evocative yet still enigmatic remains of palaces and funerary complexes, frescoes and vase paintings, and precious worked pieces will be closely examined in terms of their forms and cultural contexts. The place of prehistoric Greece in the international world of the eastern Mediterranean will also be explored.
Minoan and Mycenaean Art: Read More [+]

NE STUD 130 Men, Women and Gods: Common Themes in Biblical and Ancient Mediterranean Texts 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
The Hebrew Bible is deeply embedded in the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. In this course we will look at common biblical themes such as the creation of the world, the creation of men and women, the purpose of men and women in the world, as well as various stories relating to humankind, and see how these themes/stories are treated similarly and differently in various ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures by examining connections with the myths and literatures of ancient Mesopotamia and Greece, as well as Canaan. Biblical material will include the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Jephtah's daughter, and David and Jonathan.
Men, Women and Gods: Common Themes in Biblical and Ancient Mediterranean Texts: Read More [+]

NE STUD 130A History of Ancient Israel 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 1998
The patriarchal age through the Hellenistic period.
History of Ancient Israel: Read More [+]

NE STUD 130B History of Ancient Israel 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
The patriarchal age through the Hellenistic period.
History of Ancient Israel: Read More [+]

NE STUD 131 Aspects of Biblical Religion 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2004, Fall 2002, Spring 1998
The teachings of ancient Israel's priests, prophets and sages on various universal problems.
Aspects of Biblical Religion: Read More [+]

NE STUD 132 Biblical Poetry 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2008
A survey of the poetics and genres of poetry in the Hebrew Bible, focusing on close reading of selected texts. Theoretical issues will include the dynamics of parallelism, metaphor, intertextuality, agency, and gender. Historical issues will include the ancient Near Eastern literary genres and the political and ritual dynamics of the biblical poems. Throughout the course, we will also be reading selected modern poems that respond to biblical poetry. Primary texts will be largely drawn from the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and the prophets. All texts will be read in translation.
Biblical Poetry: Read More [+]

NE STUD C133 Judaism in Late Antiquity 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2007, Spring 2006, Spring 2004
This class will examine the emergence and development of classical Judaism, its piety, institutions, thought, and literature.
Judaism in Late Antiquity: Read More [+]

NE STUD 135 Jewish Civilization I: The Biblical Period 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018
Our understanding of the biblical period has been transformed in recent decades due to the rediscovery of Israel’s cultural context and the influence of literary and anthropological forms of interpretation. We will explore Israel’s culture from its inception through the Second Temple period, emphasizing the close readings of texts and the diversity of biblical worldviews.
Jewish Civilization I: The Biblical Period: Read More [+]

NE STUD 136 History and Historiography in the Hebrew Bible 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2006, Spring 2002
A critical examination of the form and content of history-like narratives of the Hebrew Bible in the light of concepts of history and historiographic practices in the ancient Near East and in contemporary historical studies. Selective focus on one or more books in Genesis through Kings, Chronicles, and Ezra-Nehemiah.
History and Historiography in the Hebrew Bible: Read More [+]

NE STUD 137 Modern and Contemporary Jewish Thought 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 1995
An analysis of modern Jewish movements and ideas. Topics include Spinoza, Hasidism, the Enlightenment, Jewish religious movements in America, Zionism, Buber, Rosensweig, Kaplan, Heschel.
Modern and Contemporary Jewish Thought: Read More [+]

NE STUD 138 The Hero in the Bible and the Ancient Near East 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2004, Spring 2003, Spring 2000
An investigation of concepts of the hero/heroine in the literature of ancient Mesopotamia, Canaan, and Israel. The importance of heroic epic in defining and exploring morality, the self, and the cosmos will be a guiding concern. Texts include the epics of Gilgamesh and Aqhat, the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament. All texts are read in translation.
The Hero in the Bible and the Ancient Near East: Read More [+]

NE STUD 139 Modern Jewish Literatures 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2013, Spring 2010, Spring 2005
Trends and genres in modern Jewish literatures--translated from Hebrew and Yiddish, with selected texts translated from other Jewish languages like Ladino and Judeo-Arabic. Focus will be on developments in Jewish literary traditions since the enlightenment in the context of tensions between occidental and oriental formations of Jewish culture.
Modern Jewish Literatures: Read More [+]

NE STUD 140 Topics in Islamic Thought and Institutions 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Selected topics from Islamic intellectual history.
Topics in Islamic Thought and Institutions: Read More [+]

NE STUD 141 Modern and Contemporary Islamic Thought 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
A survey of leading Muslim thinkers and movements of the past two centuries.
Modern and Contemporary Islamic Thought: Read More [+]

NE STUD 142 Shi'ite Islam 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2007, Fall 2001, Fall 1997
The beliefs, traditions, and practices of the Shi'ite school of Islam.
Shi'ite Islam: Read More [+]

NE STUD 143A Islam in Iran 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2008, Fall 2004, Fall 2000
A general survey of the religious history of Iran in the Islamic period, covering the rise and development of religious institutions, the elaboration of the religious sciences, Sufism, and sectarian movements.
Islam in Iran: Read More [+]

NE STUD 143B Islam in Iran 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2009, Spring 2005, Spring 2001
A general survey of the religious history of Iran in the Islamic period, covering the rise and development of religious institutions, the elaboration of the religious sciences, Sufism, and sectarian movements.
Islam in Iran: Read More [+]

NE STUD 144 Sufism: The Mysticism of Islam 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
A general presentation of Sufism that, while not aiming at exhaustiveness, will seek to acquaint students with the place and function of Sufism in Islam; the main outlines of its history; doctrinal and ritual features; the relationship between Sufism and literature, especially poetry; the principal Sufi orders; leading figures in the elaboration of Sufism as a distinct mode of Islamic practice; and the great diversity of Sufism as reflected in its geographic spread throughout the Muslim world.
Sufism: The Mysticism of Islam: Read More [+]

NE STUD 146 Islam 4 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2015 Second 6 Week Session
This course aims at introducing students to some of the most important features of the Islamic religious tradition. The main subjects of discussion include life of Muhammad, the Quran, Tradition, Law, Sufism, Theology, Philosophy, and Politics. The course will cover both medieval and modern Islam and will touch upon all major sects. In reference to the modern period, particular emphasis will fall on the relationship of medieval and modern interpretations and on the emergence of “political” and “liberal” Islam with reference to the history of the modern Middle East. Students will also be exposed to important theories and methods in the academic study of the discipline.
Islam: Read More [+]

NE STUD 146A Islam 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2018 Second 6 Week Session, Fall 2017, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session
A comprehensive and detailed introduction to the sources, doctrines, practices, and institutions of Islam, together with their historical development and elaboration in a select number of ethnic and geographic environments and an overview of Islam in the world today.
Islam: Read More [+]

NE STUD 146B Islam 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
A comprehensive and detailed introduction to the sources, doctrines, practices, and institutions of Islam, together with their historical development and elaboration in a select number of ethnic and geographic environments and an overview of Islam in the world today.
Islam: Read More [+]

NE STUD 147 The Rise of Islamic Civilization 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Spring 2006, Spring 2004
A survey of Islamic civilization in the Middle East during the medieval period. Topics include the emergence of Islam in Arabia and the role of the Prophet Muhammad; the rapid rise of an Islamic empire and its effects on the societies it governed; the creation of an Islamic civilization and the religious, political, and intellectual debates it engendered; contact with Europe and Asia through trade, Crusades, and nomadic conquest; the contributions of non-Muslims, women, slaves.
The Rise of Islamic Civilization: Read More [+]

NE STUD 150A Arabic Literature in Translation 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 1998, Fall 1997, Fall 1996
No knowledge of Arabic is required. Survey of Arabic literature from its origins in pre-Islamic poetry through its historical development during the Umayyad, and Abbasid periods.
Arabic Literature in Translation: Read More [+]

NE STUD 150B Arabic Literature in Translation 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017
No knowledge of Arabic is required. Survey of Arabic literature in its development from the post-Abbasid period to the present.
Arabic Literature in Translation: Read More [+]

NE STUD 152 Cultural Encounters in Modern Arabic Literature 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2002, Fall 2001
This course is organized around two broad but inter-related issues: the quest for identity and the representation of the "other" in modern Arabic literature. Central to both concerns is the treatment of colonialism, nationalism, and gender in modern Arabic literature and Arab culture in general.
Cultural Encounters in Modern Arabic Literature: Read More [+]

NE STUD 153 Synagogues, Cathedrals, and Mosques: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018
This course focuses on the cultural history of Islamic Spain (Al-Andalus) from the Muslim conquest of 711 until the expulsion of Moriscos in 1609. Topics covered include the history, literature, architecture, arts, and music of Al-Andalus. The major aim is for students to develop an understanding of and a sensibility to the history, politics, and cultures of Al-Andalus as well as its social and cultural relevance to contemporary audiences.
Synagogues, Cathedrals, and Mosques: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain: Read More [+]

NE STUD 154 Narratives of Identity in Israeli and Palestinian Fiction 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
The dynamics of identity in contemporary Israeli and Palestinian fiction. Since in both literary traditions the quest for identity invariably involves an encounter with the cultural "other," the examination of this phenomenon within a single context can be revealing. We will approach the subject through lectures, discussion, and the viewing of video and film dramatizations of Arabic and Hebrew works that deal with identity, and make use of the class location to significantly enhance learning by visiting Arabic and Hebrew theaters and literary establishments and by meeting and interacting with Israeli and Palestinian writers, critics, and scholars. English is the language of instruction, and the required readings of novels, novellas, short stories, and works of literary and cultural criticism are in English translation. A midterm, final examination, and two short analytical papers are required.
Narratives of Identity in Israeli and Palestinian Fiction: Read More [+]

NE STUD 155 Wonder and the Fantastic: <The Thousand and One Nights> in World Literary Imagination 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2010, Spring 2009
After studying the tales themselves and examining their structure and how they fit into the genre of folk literature, we will investigate how the was transmitted, translated, and received in Europe, as a window on 19th-century gender and racial attitudes, especially Western views of the "oriental" other. How the was creatively manipulated by Western writers will be studied, as will the influence of these tales on modern Arabic literature itself. Several examples of how the have been represented in Western films will be considered. All works will be read in English translation.
Wonder and the Fantastic: <The Thousand and One Nights> in World Literary Imagination: Read More [+]

NE STUD 160 Religions of Ancient Iran 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Spring 2011, Spring 2009
Principally devoted to Zoroastrianism and Manicheanism but with some attention to Indo-Iranian origins, and relevance of Iranian religion for the history of Hellenistic Gnosticism, Judaism, and Islam.
Religions of Ancient Iran: Read More [+]

NE STUD 162A History of Persian Literature 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2012, Fall 2010
These courses offer a comprehensive introduction to the main currents in Persian literature from the 10th century to the contemporary period. They introduce students to various genres, period styles, and crucial formal and thematic elements necessary to the understanding of Persian literature. While 162A deals with classical Persian literature, 162B deals with Persian literature since the advent of modernity in Persian-speaking lands, namely the 19th century. Both courses emphasize the impact of social factors, political events, and intellectual currents on Persian literary production. The course is taught in English. Knowledge of Persian is desirable but not required.
History of Persian Literature: Read More [+]

NE STUD 162B History of Persian Literature 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2011, Spring 2009
These courses offer a comprehensive introduction to the main currents in Persian literature from the 10th century to the contemporary period. They introduce students to various genres, period styles, and crucial formal and thematic elements necessary to the understanding of Persian literature. While 162A deals with classical Persian literature, 162B deals with Persian literature since the advent of modernity in Persian-speaking lands, namely the 19th century. Both courses emphasize the impact of social factors, political events, and intellectual currents on Persian literary production. The course is taught in English. Knowledge of Persian is desirable but not required.
History of Persian Literature: Read More [+]

NE STUD 165 Film and Fiction of Iran 4 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2018 First 6 Week Session, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Introduces students to major themes in modern Iranian literature and cinema. Short story readings and discussions provide an analytical framework of the screening of films covering diverse topics of significance in Iran today. All films have English subtitles; lectures and readings are in English. No prior history of Iranian history or literature is required.
Film and Fiction of Iran: Read More [+]

NE STUD 170 Islamic History and Historiography (600-1050) 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015
The course introduces students to Islamic history and challenges of Islamic historiography from the rise of Islam (ca.600 CE) to the coming of the Seljuks (1050CE). Students will gain an understanding of the religious, social, and political institutions of Islam in their historical contexts. Throughout the course, they will be exposed to various primary and secondary sources that help them develop a sense of how the historical narrative was produced.
Islamic History and Historiography (600-1050): Read More [+]

NE STUD 170A Turkish Literature in Translation 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
A study of Turkish literature in translation, drawing on texts from the 8th to the 20th century. Readings will be chosen to illustrate the development within specific genres: lyric poetry, drama, folktale, etc.
Turkish Literature in Translation: Read More [+]

NE STUD 170B Turkish Literature in Translation 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
A study of Turkish literature in translation, drawing on texts from the 8th to the 20th century. Readings will be chosen to illustrate the development within specific genres: lyric poetry, drama, folktale, etc.
Turkish Literature in Translation: Read More [+]

NE STUD 173A Topics in the History of Central Asia and the Turks 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 1998, Spring 1996
A survey of the main themes in the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic history of Central Asia and adjacent regions, principally from the rise of Islam down to the present. The first half of the course will deal with the Iranian element in Central Asia, and particularly with the Tajiks. The second half will be devoted to the Turks, including their history and expansion, not only in Central Asia but also in Anatolia and South East Europe.
Topics in the History of Central Asia and the Turks: Read More [+]

NE STUD 173B Topics in the History of Central Asia and the Turks 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2004
A survey of the main themes in the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic history of Central Asia and adjacent regions, principally from the rise of Islam down to the present. The first half of the course will deal with the Iranian element in Central Asia, and particularly with the Tajiks. The second half will be devoted to the Turks, including their history and expansion, not only in Central Asia but also in Anatolia and South East Europe.
Topics in the History of Central Asia and the Turks: Read More [+]

NE STUD 174 Law and Society in the Early Modern Middle East 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 1999
This course examines the social and religious lives of women and men through the lens of the law. A major concern is the relationship between law and culture, namely, the ways in which the law reflected ideals and tensions ranging from ideological competition between states to the problems of ordinary townspeople and peasants. In analyzing actual court cases, we will ask how individuals participated in the life of the court, and how they used the court to articulate their own self-interest and sense of moral worth. Readings will be in English. Students wishing to work with sources in the original Ottoman Turkish should also enroll in Turkish 104 (1 unit).
Law and Society in the Early Modern Middle East: Read More [+]

NE STUD 175 History and Culture of Afghanistan 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2012, Fall 2008
This course will discuss Afghanistan from ancient times to the present, including the emergence of Afghanistan as a modern nation-state and its geo-strategic importance. The Soviet invasion and aftermath will be emphasized, along with issues of state and society, ethnic diversity and tribal structure, challenges of modernization, and nationalism and political identity. The role of religion and mystical orders and the role of art, music, and literature will also be discussed.
History and Culture of Afghanistan: Read More [+]

NE STUD 180 The Quran and Its Interpretation 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2015
The course introduces students to Quran and to methods of its interpretation, as adopted in the exegetical (tafsir) literature. In addition to being exposed to secondary academic literature on the Quran and its exegesis, students will be offered a high dose of primary exegetical texts in translation. Passages from a number of periods and denominations will be selected, so that students may develop an appreciation of the interpretive range of a constantly-evolving tradition.
The Quran and Its Interpretation: Read More [+]

NE STUD C188 Magic, Religion, and Science: The Ancient and Medieval Worlds 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016
This course will explore magic as an experimental science within the learned traditions of civilizations that we consider as fundamental for a modern Western identity: from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome to the medieval and early modern Middle East, Byzantium, and Europe. The primary sources used for this exploration will be texts on demons, magic, divination, and the sophisticated philosophical background to such beliefs. In addition, archeological remains pertinent to these practices such as talismans, amulets, and other magical objects will be discussed.
Magic, Religion, and Science: The Ancient and Medieval Worlds: Read More [+]

NE STUD 190A Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Ancient Near Eastern Studies 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Topics explore themes and problems in the various fields of Near Eastern studies. They often reflect the research interests of the instructor and supplement regular curricular offerings. Specific descriptions of current offerings in this series are available through the department.
Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Ancient Near Eastern Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD 190B Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Egyptian Studies 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Spring 2016, Fall 2003
Topics explore themes and problems in the various fields of Near Eastern studies. They often reflect the research interests of the instructor and supplement regular curricular offerings. Specific descriptions of current offerings in this series are available through the department.
Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Egyptian Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD 190C Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Jewish Studies 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
Topics explore themes and problems in the various fields of Near Eastern studies. They often reflect the research interests of the instructor and supplement regular curricular offerings. Specific descriptions of current offerings in this series are available through the department.
Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Jewish Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD 190D Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Islamic Studies 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2014, Summer 2009 First 6 Week Session, Spring 2009
Topics explore themes and problems in the various fields of Near Eastern studies. They often reflect the research interests of the instructor and supplement regular curricular offerings. Specific descriptions of current offerings in this series are available through the department.
Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Islamic Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD 190E Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Arabic 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2016
Topics explore themes and problems in the various fields of Near Eastern studies. They often reflect the research interests of the instructor and supplement regular curricular offerings. Specific descriptions of current offerings in this series are available through the department.
Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Arabic: Read More [+]

NE STUD 190H Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Hebrew 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2013, Spring 2013
Topics explore themes and problems in the various fields of Near Eastern studies. They often reflect the research interests of the instructor and supplement regular curricular offerings. Specific descriptions of current offerings in this series are available through the department.
Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Hebrew: Read More [+]

NE STUD 190I Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Iranian/Persian 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Spring 2009, Spring 2007
Topics explore themes and problems in the various fields of Near Eastern studies. They often reflect the research interests of the instructor and supplement regular curricular offerings. Specific descriptions of current offerings in this series are available through the department.
Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies: Iranian/Persian: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192A Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Ancient Near Eastern Studies 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2014, Spring 2009, Fall 2007
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Ancient Near Eastern Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192B Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Egyptian Studies 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Egyptian Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192C Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Jewish Studies 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Jewish Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192D Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Islamic Studies 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Islamic Studies: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192E Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Arabic 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2003
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Arabic: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192F Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Cuneiform 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Cuneiform: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192G Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Egyptian 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Egyptian: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192H Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Hebrew 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Hebrew: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192I Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Iranian/Persian 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2005
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Iranian/Persian: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192J Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Semitics 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Semitics: Read More [+]

NE STUD 192K Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Turkish 2 or 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This series is designed to acquaint upper division students with advanced research strategies in specific areas of Near Eastern Studies. The course may reflect current research and interests of the instructors and will introduce students to specialized problems in the field. Two units for presentation; four units for paper and presentation.
Undergrad Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies: Turkish: Read More [+]

NE STUD 193 Near Eastern Archaeological Field School 6 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This course teaches archaeological field methods through hands-on instruction. Students work with the project staff and receive exposure to techniques like excavation, survey, illustration, photography, and artifact processing. Students also learn local archaeology and history through weekly lectures and field trips.
Near Eastern Archaeological Field School: Read More [+]

NE STUD H195 Senior Honors 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Directed study centered upon preparation of an honors thesis.
Senior Honors: Read More [+]

NE STUD 198 Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2010, Fall 2006
Instruction in areas not covered by regularly scheduled courses: Phoenician, Cypriote, Syrian Archaeology.
Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students: Read More [+]

NE STUD 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Enrollment is restricted by regulations shown in the
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Persian

PERSIAN 1A Elementary Modern Persian 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Introduction to Persian language, covering basics of the language skills in all aspects of reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking with emphasis on culture and communicative methods.
Elementary Modern Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 1B Elementary Modern Persian 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Introduction to Persian language, covering basics of the language skills in all aspects of reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking with emphasis on culture and communicative methods.
Elementary Modern Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 10 Intensive Elementary Persian 10 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 2017, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2015 8 Week Session
This course is equivalent to a full year of elementary Persian. It will train students in the four language skills: speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing. Emphasis will be placed on the functional usage of the language.
Intensive Elementary Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 11A Reading and Composition for Persian Speaking Students 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Designed for heritage students who possess oral skills (speaking/comprehension, though limited) but need to improve their writing and reading abilities, and expand their knowledge of Persian grammar and syntax. Completion of 11A-11B will prepare the student to take Persian 20A, Intermediate Persian.
Reading and Composition for Persian Speaking Students: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 11B Reading and Composition for Persian-Speaking Students 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Designed for heritage students who possess oral skills (speaking/comprehension, though limited) but need to improve their writing and reading abilities, and expand their knowledge of Persian grammar and syntax. Completion of 11A-11B will prepare the student to take Persian 20A, Intermediate Persian.
Reading and Composition for Persian-Speaking Students: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 20 Intensive Intermediate Persian 10 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 2017 8 Week Session, Summer 2007 10 Week Session, Summer 2007 8 Week Session
A year or more of advanced level Persian with emphasis on advanced grammar and vocabulary build up. Newspaper clippings, film reviews and cultural awareness through introduction of literature will be covered.
Intensive Intermediate Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 20A Intermediate Modern Persian 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
The sequence begins in the fall. This course emphasizes reading of simple literary texts, expository writing and composition, formal conversation, grammar, and syntax. It involves intensive vocabulary building in preparation for advanced reading and comprehension of standard literary texts.
Intermediate Modern Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 20B Intermediate Modern Persian 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
The sequence begins in the fall. This course emphasizes reading of simple literary texts, expository writing and composition, formal conversation, grammar, and syntax. It involves intensive vocabulary building in preparation for advanced reading and comprehension of standard literary texts.
Intermediate Modern Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 50 Persian Reading and Composition 10 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 1997 10 Week Session, Summer 1995 10 Week Session
This course is designed to promote advanced literacy skills in students with different levels of spoken Persian but little or no reading and writing skills in the language. This course will prepare students to take advanced literature courses in the Persian language.
Persian Reading and Composition: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 100A Advanced Persian 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Emphasis on intensive vocabulary building, comprehensive grammar review, reading and analysis of short literary texts of various genres from classical and modern periods, and reading newspaper clips and other original sources in Persian media.
Advanced Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 100B Advanced Persian 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Emphasis on intensive vocabulary building, comprehensive grammar review, reading and analysis of short literary texts of various genres from classical and modern periods, and reading newspaper clips and other original sources in Persian media.


Advanced Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 101A Readings in Persian Literature 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011
Readings in both prose and poetry, drawn chiefly from classical and modern Persian literature, designed to increase reading skills and vocabulary and to provide a transition to the study of more challenging literary texts.
Readings in Persian Literature: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 101B Readings in Persian Literature 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012
Readings in both prose and poetry, drawn chiefly from classical and modern Persian literature, designed to increase reading skills and vocabulary and to provide a transition to the study of more challenging literary texts.
Readings in Persian Literature: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 102A Readings in Classical Persian Prose 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2014, Fall 2011
Systematic study of representative selections from all periods of classical Persian literature, with attention to the historical and intellectual context.
Readings in Classical Persian Prose: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 102B Readings in Classical Persian Prose 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2008, Spring 2006, Spring 2003
Systematic study of representative selections from all periods of classical Persian literature, with attention to the historical and intellectual context.
Readings in Classical Persian Prose: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 103A Classical Persian Poetry 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2012, Fall 2010
Systematic study of poems belonging to all genres of classical Persian poetry, with consideration of questions of prosody, rhetoric, and style.
Classical Persian Poetry: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 103B Classical Persian Poetry 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Systematic study of poems belonging to all genres of classical Persian poetry, with consideration of questions of prosody, rhetoric, and style.
Classical Persian Poetry: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 104A Contemporary Persian Literature 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2013, Summer 1996 10 Week Session
This course will deal with significant works of Persian prose and poetry from the beginning of the 19th century down to the present. Complete works or extracts from them will be read in the original as a preliminary to their analysis in terms of literary and stylistic development, as well as the changing role of literature in society. The works of the 19th century and the period of the Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911).
Contemporary Persian Literature: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 104B Contemporary Persian Literature 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2013, Spring 2007
This course will deal with significant works of Persian prose and poetry from the beginning of the 19th century down to the present. Complete works or extracts from them will be read in the original as a preliminary to their analysis in terms of literary and stylistic development, as well as the changing role of literature in society. The literature of the rest of the 20th century.
Contemporary Persian Literature: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 105 Modern Analytical Prose in Persian 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2015, Spring 2010
This course deals with modern/contemporary critical theory, literary history, aesthetics and philosophy, and various theories of literary and cultural criticism in Persian. It concentrates on selected modern analytical, discursive, and expository texts in Persian. The course explores, from an inter- and multi-disciplinary perspective, how different movements, genres, and rhetorical aspects of modern/contemporary literature and culture have been perceived, historically contextualized, and critically positioned within the larger intellectual and scholarly domain in Persian. All texts will be read in the original Persian.
Modern Analytical Prose in Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 120 Intensive Intermediate Persian 10 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
A year or more of advanced level Persian with emphasis on advanced grammar and vocabulary build up. Newspaper clippings, film reviews and cultural awareness through introduction of literature will be covered.
Intensive Intermediate Persian: Read More [+]

PERSIAN H195 Senior Honors 2 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Directed study centered upon preparation of an honors thesis.
Senior Honors: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 198 Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Instruction in areas not covered by regularly scheduled courses.
Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students: Read More [+]

PERSIAN 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2003, Fall 2002
Enrollment is restricted by regulations shown in the .
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Semitics

SEMITIC 100A Aramaic 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2013
Biblical and Ancient Aramaic, including study of the Aramaic parts of Daniel and Ezra and the inscriptions and papyri from Syria, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Persian Empire. Sequence begins Fall.
Aramaic: Read More [+]

SEMITIC 100B Aramaic 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2014
Biblical and Ancient Aramaic, including study of the Aramaic parts of Daniel and Ezra and the inscriptions and papyri from Syria, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Persian Empire. Sequence begins Fall.
Aramaic: Read More [+]

Turkish

TURKISH 1A Elementary Modern Turkish 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Sequence begins Fall.
Elementary Modern Turkish: Read More [+]

TURKISH 1B Elementary Modern Turkish 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Sequence begins Fall.
Elementary Modern Turkish: Read More [+]

TURKISH 10 Elementary Turkish 10 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Summer 1997 10 Week Session, Summer 1995 10 Week Session
This course is equivalent to a full year of elementary Turkish. It will train students in the four language skills speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing. It will be taught with an interactional approach, aiming at communicative competence.
Elementary Turkish: Read More [+]

TURKISH 100A Intermediate Modern Turkish 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2015
Sequence begins Fall.
Intermediate Modern Turkish: Read More [+]

TURKISH 100B Intermediate Modern Turkish 5 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Sequence begins Fall.
Intermediate Modern Turkish: Read More [+]

TURKISH 101A Readings in Modern Turkish 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Selected topics from modern Turkish literary works.
Readings in Modern Turkish: Read More [+]

TURKISH 101B Readings in Modern Turkish 3 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Selected topics from modern Turkish literary works.
Readings in Modern Turkish: Read More [+]

TURKISH H195 Senior Honors 2 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Directed study centered upon preparation of an honors thesis.
Senior Honors: Read More [+]

TURKISH 198 Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Instruction in areas not covered by regularly scheduled courses.
Directed Group Study for Upper Division Students: Read More [+]

TURKISH 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Offered through: Near Eastern Studies
Terms offered: Fall 2000
Enrollment is restricted by regulations in the .
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Faculty and Instructors

Faculty

Wali Ahmadi, Associate Professor. Persian languages, Persian literature.
Research Profile

Asad Ahmed, Associate Professor. Islam (social and intellectual history).
Research Profile

Daniel Boyarin, Professor. Talmud, rhetoric, Christianity, genealogy of, invention of Judaism.
Research Profile

Ahmad Diab, Assistant Professor. Modern Arabic Literature.

Ronald Hendel, Professor. Textual criticism, Hebrew bible, ancient Near Eastern religion and mythology, Northwest Semitic linguistics.
Research Profile

Chana Kronfeld, Professor. Comparative literature, modernism, Hebrew, Yiddish, modern poetry, minor literatures, politics of literary history, feminist stylistics, intertextuality, translation studies.
Research Profile

Margaret Larkin, Professor. Near Eastern studies.
Research Profile

Rita Lucarelli, Assistant Professor. Egyptology.
Research Profile

Sabrina Sonia Maras, Assistant Adjunct Professor.

Maria Mavroudi, Professor. Byzantine studies.
Research Profile

Benjamin Porter, Assistant Professor. Archaeology, Near Eastern archaeology, Middle East, Arid Environments, anthropology, Heritage, tourism, and Museum Studies.
Research Profile

Carol A. Redmount, Associate Professor. Egyptology.
Research Profile

Carol Redmount, Associate Professor. Near Eastern Studies.

Francesca Rochberg, Professor. History of science, ancient near east, cuneiform studies.
Research Profile

Niek Veldhuis, Professor. Digital humanities, intellectual history, Sumerian, cuneiform.
Research Profile

Lecturers

Rutie Adler, Lecturer.

Hatem A. Bazian, Lecturer. Near Eastern studies.
Research Profile

Chava Boyarin, Lecturer.

Elsa Elmahdy, Lecturer.

Gholam-Reza Ghahramani, Lecturer.

John L. Hayes, Lecturer.

Lissette M. Jimenez, Lecturer.

Nawal M. Laymoun, Lecturer.

Sanjyot Mehendale, Lecturer. Near Eastern studies, Central Asia, Central Asian studies, archaeology and art history.
Research Profile

Haitham S. Mohamed, Lecturer.

Laurie Pearce, Lecturer.

Barbara Richter, Lecturer.

Jason Christopher Vivrette, Lecturer.

Visiting Faculty

Manuel Duarte De Oliveira, Visiting Professor.

Emeritus Faculty

Ayla Algar, Lecturer Emeritus. Turkish language and literature, language pedagogy.

Hamid Algar, Professor Emeritus.

Robert B. Alter, Professor Emeritus. Comparative literature, Near Eastern studies, 19th-century European and American novel, modernism, literary aspects of the bible, modern and biblical Hebrew literature.
Research Profile

Guitty Azarpay, Professor Emeritus. Art and archaeology of the ancient Near East and Central Asia.
Research Profile

Ariel A. Bloch, Professor Emeritus.

Wolfgang J. Heimpel, Professor Emeritus. Near Eastern studies.
Research Profile

Anne D. Kilmer, Professor Emeritus.

David Larkin, Lecturer Emeritus. Egyptology.

James T. Monroe, Professor Emeritus.

Jaleh Pirnazar, Lecturer Emeritus. Modern Iranian history. Persian language and literature, Iranian Cinema.

Martin Schwartz, Professor Emeritus. Near Eastern studies.
Research Profile

Muhammad Siddiq, Professor Emeritus. Near Eastern studies.
Research Profile

David B. Stronach, Professor Emeritus.

Contact Information

Department of Near Eastern Studies

250 Barrows Hall

Phone: 510-642-3757

Fax: 510-643-8430

nes@berkeley.edu

Visit Department Website

Department Chair and Associate Professor of Egyptian Archaeology

Carol Redmount, PhD

242 Barrows Hall

Phone: 510-642-3757

redmount@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Adviser for Islamic, Arabic, Hebrew, & Persian Studies

Wali Ahmadi

284 Barrows Hall

Phone: 510-642-3757

ahmadi@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Adviser for Ancient Studies

Benjamin Porter

240 Barrows Hall

Phone: 510-642-3757

bwporter@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Assistant

Rania Shah

250 Barrows Hall

Phone: 510-642-3758

rania.shah@berkeley.edu

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