Course Offerings: Fall 2009

Department of Near Eastern Studies, Home Page

For the Current Semester, the course titles, instructors, schedule and location can be found on the Registrar's on-line schedule, at http://schedule.berkeley.edu/. After choosing the semester, click on the line "Search Schedule of Classes." For the "Department Name," select one of the following: Near Eastern Studies, Arabic, Cuneiform, Egyptian, Hebrew, Iranian, Persian, Semitics, Turkish. Click on "begin search," for an updated list of courses being offered in that term. Schedule updates are also posted at the office of the Near Eastern Studies Department, 250 Barrows Hall. Short Course Descriptions of the entire course offerings of the Department can be found through the Registrar's on-line General Catalog at http://sis.berkeley.edu/gc/curricula.html.

NES COURSES

R1A Composition in Connection with Reading Ancient Near Eastern Literature. (4; 4)   Expository writing is based on the analysis of selected masterpieces of the ancient Near East in translation, such as the Bible, Code of Hammurabi, Epic of Gilgamesh, etc. R1A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R1B satisfies the second half.
Instructor: R. Graybill; MWF 3-4P, 54 BARROWS

10. Introduction to the Near East (4) Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. The background and present status of the ethnic and religious groups in the Arab states, Turkey, Israel, and Iran.
Instructor: J. Hayes; MWF 9-10A, 3 LECONTE
Discussion Section: S. Levin; M 3-4P, 271 BARROWS
Discussion Section: D. Loepp; Tu 2-3P, 121 WHEELER
Discussion Section: M. Pruitt; W 12-1P, 271 BARROWS
Discussion Section: D. Fisher; Th 1-2P, 271 BARROWS

18. Introduction to Ancient Egypt. (4) Three hours of illustrated lecture and one hour of museum section per week. 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 slides. Discussion sections are held in the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, which has the best collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts west of Chicago.
Instructor: C. Redmount; TuTh 2-330P, 160 KROEBER
Discussion Section: E. Minor; Tu 1-2P, 271 BARROWS
Discussion Section: C. Ausec; M 12-1P, 271 BARROWS
Discussion Section: L. Jimenez; M 4-5P, 271 BARROWS
Discussion Section: J. Li; Tu 12-1P, 271 BARROWS
Discussion Section: J. Kaiser; Tu 4-5P, 101 WHEELER

 24. Freshman Seminar. (1) Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. One hour of seminar per week. Sections 1-2 to be graded on a letter-grade basis. Sections 3-4 to be graded on a passed/not passed basis. 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.
Instructor: C. Redmount; M 1-2P, 271 BARROWS
Instructor: M. Siddiq; Tu 10-11A, 180 BARROWS

C26. Introduction to Central Asia. (3) Three hours of lecture per week. 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. Also listed as Geography C55.
Instructor: S. Mehendale; TuTh 1230-2P, 182 DWINELLE

109. Mesopotamian History. (3) Three hours of lecture per week. 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.
Instructor: F. Rochberg; TuTh 330-5P, 206 WHEELER

C120B. The Art of Ancient Mesopotamia: 1000-330 BCE. (4) Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. 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. Also listed as History of Art C120B.
Instructor: M. Feldman; TuTh 11-1230P, 103 MOFFITT
Discussion Section: S. Langin-Hooper; M 9-10A, 425 DOE LIBRARY, M 8-9A, 425 DOE LIBRARY

124A. Archaeology of the Southern Levant. (3; 3) Three hours of illustrated lecture per week. The course provides a general survey of the archaeology of the Southern Levant (Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Southern Syria, Palestine) from Natufian through Persian times. The material culture of the region is emphasized, along with the major theoretical and interpretive frameworks and issues affecting our understanding of the archaeological record.
Instructor: B. Porter; TuTh 930-11A, 102 BARROWS

146A. Islam. (3; 3) Three hours of lecture per week. 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.
Instructor: H. Algar; TuTh 11-1230P, 170 BARROWS

162A. History of Persian Literature. (4; 4) Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Near Eastern Studies 162A-162B 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.
Instructor: W. Ahmadi; TuTh 1230-2P, 185 BARROWS

223A. Seminar in Near Eastern Archaeology. (4; 4) Course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of seminar per week. Research into a major aspect or problem of Mesopotamian archaeology.
Instructor: B, Porter; F 10-1P, 275 BARROWS

290A. Special Studies: Near Eastern Studies (1-5) Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Students may enroll in more than one section of 290, but the total number of units of Special Study in any one semester may not exceed 12.
Instructor: C. Redmount; W 2-5P, 271 BARROWS

290C. Special Studies: Cuneiform (1-5) Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Students may enroll in more than one section of 290, but the total number of units of Special Study in any one semester may not exceed 12.
Instructor: N. Veldhuis; Th 2-5P, 12 BARROWS

298. Seminar. "Modern Moroccan Fiction of French & Arabic Expression." (1-4) Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Special topics in Near Eastern Studies. Topics vary and are announced at the beginning of each semester.
Instructor: M. Larkin; W 3-6P, 252 BARROWS

 

ARABIC COURSES

1A. Elementary Arabic. (5; 5) Five hours of recitation per week. Prerequisites: 1A is a prerequisite to IB. 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.
Instructor: S. Shiri; MW 10-11A, 103 WHEELER
Instructor: H. Bazian; MTWTF 11-12P, 271 BARROWS
Instructor: H. Neale; MTWTF 3-4P, 223 WHEELER
Instructor: M/ El-Sherif; MTWTF 9-10A, 140 BARROWS
Instructor: K. Schwartz; MTWTF 9-10A, 223 WHEELER
Instructor: E. Saylor; MTWTF 8-9A, 223 WHEELER

20A. Intermediate Arabic. (5; 5) Five hours of recitation per week. Prerequisites: IB or equivalent; 20A is a prerequisite to 20B. 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.
Instructor: S. Shiri; MW 11-12P, 252 BARROWS
Instructor: H. Bazian; MTWTF 9-10A, 224 WHEELER
Instructor: K. Abu-Zeid; MTWTF 8-9A, 252 BARROWS

104B. Classical Arabic Prose. (3) Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 20B or equivalent. 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.
Instructor: M. Larkin; Tu 2-5P, 252 BARROWS

107. Arabic Historical and Geographical Texts. (3) Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 20B or equivalent. Readings from the classical historians and geographers and from contemporary scholarship. Development of historiography.
Instructor: J. Hayes; MW 1230-2P, 252 BARROWS

111A. Survey of Arabic Literature (in Arabic). (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 100A. This course is designed primarily for majors and prospective majors in Arabic studies.
A. 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.
Instructor: M. Siddiq; TuTh 11-1230P, 115 BARROWS

245. Seminar: Modernist Arabic Poetics. (3) Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. Three hours of seminar per week. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. This course examines the origins, status, and function of literary theory in the making of modern Arabic literature. Questions of cultural influence, literary genres, forms, modes, and techniques of representation are all central to the interests of this course.
Intructor: M. Siddiq; TuTh 1230-2P, 115 BARROWS

 

CUNEIFORM COURSES

100A. Elementary Akkadian. (5; 5) Four hours of lecture per week. Introduction to cuneiform script and grammar, reading of selected cuneiform texts. Sequence begins in fall. Offered alternate years.
Instructor: L. Pearce; TuTh 930-11A, 12 BARROWS

103A. Selected Readings in Sumerian. (4; 4) Three hours of lecture per week. Introduction to Sumerian grammar and writing.
Instructor: N. Veldhuis; TuTh 1230-2P, 12 BARROWS

200A. Advanced Akkadian. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 101A-101B. Reading of a variety of genres of Akkadian documents and literature. Texts selected are based on the individual needs of participating students.
Instructor: F. Rochberg; W 2-5P, 12 BARROWS

 

EGYPTIAN COURSES

100A. Elementary Egyptian. (5; 5) Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Introduction to Middle Egyptian grammar and texts.
Instructor: B. Richter; TuTh 1230-2P, 2305 TOLMAN; M 2-3P, 2305 TOLMAN

202A. Egyptian Texts. Later Stages of Efyptian. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Concurrent or previous enrollment in 201A-201B or consent of instructor. Philological analysis of texts of a single genre and period.
Instructor: D. Larkin; TuTh 330-5P, 18 BARROWS



HEBREW COURSES

1A. Elementary Hebrew. (5; 5) Five hours of recitation and one hour of laboratory per week.
Instructor: C. Boyarin; MTWTF 8-9A, 271 BARROWS, MTWTF 9-10A, 129 BARROWS

20A.  Intermediate Hebrew. (5; 5) Five hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 1A-1B.
Instructor: R. Adler;

100A. Advanced Hebrew. (3; 3) Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 20A-20B or equivalent. 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.
Instructor: R. Adler; TuTh 1230-2P, 252 BARROWS

107A. Biblical Hebrew Texts. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 20A-20B or 106A-106B. The tools and procedure of biblical exegesis applied to simple narrative texts.
Instructor: R. Adler; Tu 2-5P, 275 BARROWS

201A. Advanced Biblical Hebrew Texts. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 101A-101B. The exegesis of a biblical book in the light of its ancient Near Eastern background.
Instructor: R. Coote; Th 2-5P, 252 BARROWS

202A. Advanced Late Antique Hebrew Texts. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit as texts vary. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 102A-102B. Historical and literary study of Hebrew and Aramaic Judaic texts (e.g., Talmud and Midrash).
Instructor: D. Boyarin; Tu 2-5P, 8B BARROWS

204A. Advanced Modern Hebrew Literature and Culture. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. Three hours of seminar per week. Prerequisites: Two semesters of 104A-104B or 105A, or equivalent. Critical approaches to the history and textual practices of modern Hebrew poetry and fiction. Alternating focus between period, genre, and author, seminar topics include stylistic developments in Hebrew poetry and fiction from the Enlightenment to the present, modernism, and modernity, the creation of the modern Hebrew novel, women writers and the Hebrew canon, and single-author seminars.
Instructor: C. Kronfeld; W 2-5P, 8B BARROWS

 

PERSIAN & IRANIAN COURSES

110A. Middle Persian. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Persian 100A-100B or equivalent; background in German or French recommended, but not required. Manichaean Middle Persian texts, with an introduction to Pahlavi.
Instructor: M. Schwartz;

201A. Iranian Philology. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 110A-110B, 111A-111B, or con­sent of instructor. Reading of texts in Avestan, western Middle Iranian, and Sogdian, taken from Zoroastrian, Manichaean, and Buddhist texts.
Instructor: M. Schwartz; TuTh 330-5P, 8A BARROWS

1A. Elementary Modern Persian. (5; 5) Five hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite for Persian IB is Persian 1A, or consent of instructor.
Instructor: S. Alavi; MTWTF 9-10A, 271 BARROWS

11A. Reading and Composition for Persian Speaking Students. (5; 5) Five hours of recitation per week. Prerequisites: Rudimentary knowledge of spoken Persian and consent of instructor. Designed for students with rudimentary knowledge of the Persian language: students who have oral skills (speaking/comprehension, though limited), but lack writing and reading abilities, and grammatical and syntactic knowledge. Completion of 11A-11B will prepare the student to take Persian 100A, Intermediate Persian.
Instructor: J. Pirnazar; MTWTF 9-10A, 106 DWINELLE

100A. Intermediate Modern Persian. (5; 5) Five hours of lecture per week. Prerequi­sites: Persian 1A-1B or consent of instructor. Sequence begins Fall.
Instructor: J. Pirnazar; MTWTF 10-11A, 271 BARROWS

101A. Selected Readings in Persian Literature (classical). (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Persian 100A-100B or consent of instructor. Readings in both prose and poetry, drawn chiefly from Persian literature, de­signed to increase reading skills and vocabulary and to provide a transition to the study of more challenging texts.
Instructor: J. Pirnazar; TuTh 1230-2P, 20 WHEELER

102A. Readings in Classical Persian Prose. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Persian 101A or 10IB or consent of instructor. Sys­tematic study of representative selections from all periods of classical Persian literature, with atten­tion to the historical and intellectual context.
Instructor: W. Ahmadi; TuTh 330-5P, 221 WHEELER

200A. Advanced Persian. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Twelve units of upper division coursework in Persian or con­sent of instructor. Advanced topics in Persian literature from various periods of Persian culture and literary history.
Instructor: H. Algar; M 1-4P, 275 BARROWS



SEMITICS COURSES

 205A. Ugaritic. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 101A-101B or 100A-100B or equivalent. Ugarit language and literature with stress on comparative morphology and lexicography. Sequence begins Fall.
Instructor: J. Hayes; M 3-6P, 8B BARROWS

 

TURKISH COURSES

1A. Elementary Modern Turkish. (5; 5) Five hours of lecture per week. Sequence begins Fall.
Instructor: A. Algar; MTWTF 10-11A, 129 BARROWS

100A. Intermediate Modern Turkish. (5; 5) Five hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 1A-1B or equivalent. Sequence begins Fall.
Instructor: A. Algar; MTWTF 11-12P, 8A BARROWS

101A. Readings in Modern Turkish. (3; 3) Course may be repeated for credit. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 100A-100B or consent of instructor. Selected topics from modern Turkish literary works.
Instructor: A. Algar; MW 1-230P, 8A BARROWS

 

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