Santa Clara University

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ARABIC, ISLAMIC, AND MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES

Director: David Pinault

The interdisciplinary minor in Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern studies (AIMES) provides an introduction to the various cultures, peoples, and religions—Muslim, Jewish, and Christian—of the Middle East, as well as the diverse forms of Islamic practice in Muslim societies throughout the world. This program also encourages the study of diaspora and immigrant communities where Islamic and Middle Eastern populations constitute a religious or ethnic minority.

Students enrolled in this minor have the opportunity to sample a variety of methodologies and academic disciplines—including anthropology, art history, literary criticism, history, political science, and religious studies—that address the Middle East in particular and the Islamic world at large.

The AIMES interdisciplinary minor is ideal for students who want to develop the intellectual resources for thoughtful and informed engagement with current issues in the Middle East and the Islamic world. AIMES is also well suited for students considering work with overseas aid organizations, government service, international business or graduate programs in international studies.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR

Students must complete the following requirements for a minor in Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern studies:

Culture Courses

Students must take a total of six culture courses relating to AIMES (two lower-level and four upper-level) from at least three different departments. No more than two courses may be counted for AIMES credit from the department in which a student majors. A maximum of three courses for AIMES credit may be taken from any one department.

Arabic Language

Three quarters of Arabic are required. Students with prior knowledge of a relevant language may take a test that certifies that they have fulfilled this requirement.

Senior Project

In lieu of one of the six required courses in Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures, students may elect to do an independent study/reading course on a project in consultation with a member of the AIMES Faculty Advisory Council. This project may entail fieldwork with local Islamic and diaspora Middle Eastern communities in the Bay area.

Students enrolled in the AIMES minor are strongly encouraged to participate in SCU-approved study abroad programs that pertain to Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern studies. Before enrolling in any such program, students should check with the director and faculty members of the AIMES minor as well as the International Programs Office.

ANTHROPOLOGY COURSES

ANTH 88. Middle East: Gender and Sexuality
ANTH 156. Anthropology of Muslim Peoples and Practices
ANTH 188. Middle East: Culture and Change

ART HISTORY COURSES

ARTH 121. Venice and the Other in the Renaissance
ARTH 164. Islamic Art, 600-1350 CE

ENGLISH COURSES

ENGL 128. Studies in the Literature of the Middle Eastern and Islamic World

HISTORY COURSES

HIST 142. Modern Middle East and North Africa
HIST 145. Islam in the Modern World

MODERN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

ARAB 1. Elementary Arabic I
ARAB 2. Elementary Arabic II
ARAB 3. Elementary Arabic III
ARAB 21. Intermediate Arabic I
ARAB 22. Intermediate Arabic II
ARAB 23. Intermediate Arabic III
ARAB 50. Intermediate Arabic Conversation
ARAB 137. Arabic Culture and Identity
ARAB 164. The Art of Arabic Calligraphy
ARAB 199. Directed Reading in Arabic

POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES

POLI 139. Religion and Politics in the Developing World
POLI 142. Politics in the Middle East

RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSES

RSOC 81. Islam
RSOC 154. The Islamic Jesus
RSOC 182. Shia Islam in the Contemporary World
RSOC 190. Islam: Reformation and Modernity
SCTR 19. Religions of the Book
SCTR 125. Quran Interpretation
SCTR 126. Sufi Mysticism