*Near Eastern Civilizations 97r. Group Tutorial—Sophomore Year
Catalog Number: 0167
P. Oktor Skjaervo and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
An introduction to the cultures and literatures of the Near East in ancient, classical, and modern times, emphasizing major themes and problems that cut across individual cultures and historical periods.
*Near Eastern Civilizations 98r. Tutorial — Junior Year
Catalog Number: 2612
Peter Machinist and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Designed for juniors concentrating in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
*Near Eastern Civilizations 99r. Tutorial — Senior Year
Catalog Number: 6623
Peter Machinist and members of the Department
Full course. Hours to be arranged.
Note: Designed for seniors concentrating in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
Near Eastern Civilizations 200b. Middle Eastern Studies Research Project: Seminar
Catalog Number: 9274
Susan M. Kahn
Half course (spring term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course introduces students to a range of research methods and scholarly sources in preparation for writing a proposal for the masters thesis in Middle Eastern Studies (students from other areas are welcome). Students are expected to formulate a research question, identify methods appropriate to their inquiry, compile a literature review, and write a thesis proposal. Successful completion of the course depends on the student’s ability to secure the commitment of a thesis advisor by the end of the semester.
Note: Required for students who have elected to write a masters thesis in Middle Eastern Studies; open to graduate students in related fields.
*Near Eastern Civilizations 390. Direction of Doctoral Dissertations
Catalog Number: 3041
Ali S. Asani 7739 (on leave fall term), Shaye J.D. Cohen 4180, William A. Graham, Jr. 4156, William E. Granara 1054 (on leave spring term), Jay M. Harris 2266, Wolfhart P. Heinrichs 4988, Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School) 2264, Peter Machinist 2812, James R. Russell 3411 (on leave fall term), Bernard Septimus 7160 (on leave fall term), P. Oktor Skjaervo 2869, Lawrence E. Stager 1468, Piotr Steinkeller 7337 (on leave fall term), and Ruth R. Wisse 3177
[Ancient Near East 102. Introduction to Mesopotamian Religion]
Catalog Number: 0486
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 11.
A survey of the sources, data, and principal concerns. A selection of texts are read in translation.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3661.
Ancient Near East 104. Babylon - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 63543
Benjamin John Studevent-hickman
Half course (spring term). M., W., (F.), at 2. EXAM GROUP: 7
An introduction to the ancient city of Babylon, including both its history as a seat of political power and its legacy in the Western tradition. Topics include the physical layout of the city, daily life in Babylonian society, what we know about such landmarks as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Tower of Babel, and Babylonian contributions to literature, religion, law, and astronomy. Also covered are the city’s use as a symbol of wickedness in the Judeo-Christian tradition, the future of the site, and the broader cultural heritage of ancient Iraq. The course integrates archaeological, art historical, and textual data from the Near East and beyond to explore these issues.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for either Culture and Belief or Societies of the World, but not both. This course fulfills the requirement that one of the eight General Education courses also engages substantially with Study of the Past. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Historical Study B.
[Ancient Near East 105. History of the Ancient Near East: The Levant (up to Alexander the Great)]
Catalog Number: 0711
Lawrence E. Stager
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 14
The civilization and cultural traditions of the peoples of Syria-Palestine from the third millennium to the time of Alexander the Great.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[Ancient Near East 107. History and Historiography in the Ancient Near East]
Catalog Number: 0665
Peter Machinist
Half course (fall term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Conceptions of history and the practice of historical writing in the ancient Near East. Discussions based on a comparative study of texts from a variety of cultural traditions, such as the Hittites, Mesopotamia, ancient Israel/ Hebrew Bible, and Second Temple Judaism, together with classical Greece.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1427.
[Ancient Near East 109r. History and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East]
Catalog Number: 1822
Lawrence E. Stager and Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Topic for 2009-10: To be announced.
Note: Expected to be given in 2011–12. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1822.
[Ancient Near East 111. Law in the World of the Bible]
Catalog Number: 6397
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
An examination of what law was and how it operated in ancient Israel through its primary expression in the Hebrew Bible. Attention to the wider contexts of law in the ancient Near East, especially Mesopotamia, in which Biblical law originated, and to the legacy of Biblical law in the subsequent traditions of early Judaism.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[Ancient Near East 115. Archaeology of the Levant (Syria-Palestine)]
Catalog Number: 2813
Lawrence E. Stager and Ofer Bar-Yosef
Half course (spring term). F., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A chronological survey of the archaeology of the Levant in which material culture provides a window on human evolution, society, economy, and religion from the Lower Palaeolithic to Hellenistic times. Special topics include the earliest colonization of Homo erectus, the origin of modern humans, the emergence of farming and pastoral societies, the formation and dissolution of Bronze Age city-states, and the rise and fall of Iron Age kingdoms such as Israel, Moab, and Edom.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Includes a lab section.
Ancient Near East 117. Biblical Archaeology
Catalog Number: 1371
Lawrence E. Stager
Half course (fall term). F., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Archaeology and texts, such as the Bible, used to reconstruct aspects of social, economic, and religious life (from courtier to commoner) in ancient Israel during the Iron Age.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1422. Includes a lab section.
Ancient Near East 118. Syro-Palestinian Pottery
Catalog Number: 1368
Lawrence E. Stager
Half course (fall term). F., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
A basic introduction to the pottery sequence of Palestine and Syria from Neolithic through Roman times, with emphasis on typological attributes having chronological significance. Conducted in the Harvard Semitic Museum laboratory.
Note: Includes a lab section.
Ancient Near East 120a. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 1: Pentateuch and Former Prophets
Catalog Number: 6544
Andrew Teeter (Divinty School)
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 10 - 11:30 and one hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 99
A critical introduction to the literature and theology of the Hebrew Bible, considered in light ofthe historical contexts of its formation and the interpretive contexts of its reception withinJudaism and Christianity. The course, the first part of a divisible, year-long sequence, will focuson the major biblical narrative traditions, the Pentateuch and Former Prophets.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1102.
Ancient Near East 120b. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 2: Latter Prophets and Writings - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 22968
Andrew Teeter (Divinty School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 10-11:30 and one hour to be arranged.
A critical introduction to the literature and theology of the Hebrew Bible, considered in light ofthe historical contexts of its formation and the interpretive contexts of its reception withinJudaism and Christianity. The course, the second part of a divisible, year-long sequence, willfocus on the Latter Prophets and the Writings.
Note: Offered jointly with the Dvinity School as 1103.
Ancient Near East 124. Myth and Myth-Making in the Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern World
Catalog Number: 7859
Peter Machinist
Half course (fall term). M., W., (F.), at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
An exploration of the nature and function of myth in the context of the ancient Near East. The course focuses on selected mythic texts from various Near Eastern cultures and consider them in the light of general approaches to myth developed in Western scholarship. Particular attention is given to the issue of myth in the Hebrew Bible.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1128/3410.
Ancient Near East 126. History of the Religion of Ancient Israel
Catalog Number: 1672
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 3. EXAM GROUP: 17
The study of ancient Israelite religion and culture in comparative historical context. Topics examined include conceptions of divinity, prophecy, law, kingship, and cult. Through such topics the aim is to see how Israel related to other cultures of the ancient Near East and, thus, of what value the study of the other cultures has in understanding the character of Israelite religion itself.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1110.
[Ancient Near East 127. Prophecy in Ancient Israel]
Catalog Number: 6739
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A study of the phenomenon and history of Israelite prophecy, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible, in the light of prophecy elsewhere in the ancient Near East and in other cultures. Pertinent sociological, literary, and religious issues explored.
Note: Expected to be given in 2011–12. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1125.
Ancient Near East 131. Readings in the Septuagint
Catalog Number: 3661
Richard J. Saley
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 14
This course aims to increase facility with Septuagint Greek by reading representative prose portions of the Septuagint and studying the peculiarities of the grammar inductively. The fundamentals of Koine Greek will be reviewed as necessary.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4215.
Prerequisite: One year of Greek.
Ancient Near East 132. Ancient Jewish Wisdom Literature
Catalog Number: 9522
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 10–11:30.
A close critical reading and interpretation of works thought to derive from the Wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, through the Second Temple period. The workings of the world and the ways of God as they appear in works such as Proverbs, Job, Qohelet, Ben Sira, some Psalms, the Wisdom of Solomon, Fourth Maccabees, and Pseudo-Phocylides as well as narratives such as the Joseph story, Esther, and Daniel. Egyptian and Mesopotamian antecedents and parallels briefly considered. Emphasis on matters of worldview and literary form.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1416.
Prerequisite: Ancient Near East 120 or an equivalent introduction to the historical-critical study of the Hebrew Bible.
Ancient Near East 134. Genesis: Narrative Artistry and Theological Meanings
Catalog Number: 3291
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). M., W., 10–11:30.
A close critical reading in English of the book of Genesis with an eye both to the storytellers’ techniques and to the moral and theological dimensions of the text. Emphasis will be given to literary and religious rather than historical and editorial issues.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1417.
Prerequisite: Ancient Near East 120 or an equivalent introduction to the historical-critical study of the Hebrew Bible.
[*Ancient Near East 215r. Problems in the Archaeology of Bronze and Iron Age Levant: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 2960
Lawrence E. Stager
Half course (fall term). F., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Topic for 2006-07: To be announced.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Conducted in the Harvard Semitic Museum Laboratory.
[Ancient Near East 222. History of the Study of the Hebrew Bible: From the Renaissance to the Present: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 8086
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Surveys Hebrew biblical scholarship since the Renaissance, focusing on particular scholars and their representative and seminal works. The central theme is the emergence of and reactions to a historical-critical understanding of the Bible.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1425.
Prerequisite: A background in the study of the Hebrew Bible. Also, Biblical Hebrew and at least one of the following: French, German, and Modern Hebrew.
[Ancient Near East 225. The Greek Bible in History and Theology: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 2475
Andrew Teeter (Divinty School)
Half course (fall term). F., at 9.
An exploration of social, historical, interpretive, and theological issues associated with the so-called Septuagint and its complex relationship to early Judaism and Christianity. Emphases include origins, eschatology, messianism, halakhah, NT backgrounds, and biblical theology.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1301.
Prerequisite: Basic reading knowledge of Greek and Hebrew.
*Ancient Near East 320. Reading and Research in Ancient Mesopotamian Civilization
Catalog Number: 5678
Peter Machinist 2812 and Piotr Steinkeller 7337 (on leave fall term)
*Ancient Near East 330. Reading and Research in Biblical Studies
Catalog Number: 1524
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School) 2264, Peter Machinist 2812, and Lawrence E. Stager 1468
Jewish Studies 105. Modern Yiddish Poetry - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 67625
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Introduction to Yiddish poetry 1890s-1970s, tracing its trends and movements through close study of major works in various genres-lyric, dramatic, narrative, epic. Includes poems written in Europe, America, and Israel. Uses bilingual editions with transliteration and voice recordings to examine issues and theories of translation.
Note: No prior knowledge of Yiddish required-though may be acquired.
Jewish Studies 109 (formerly Yiddish 109). The Yiddish Novel Under Tsars and Stripes
Catalog Number: 6009
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (spring term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Studies the emergence of the Yiddish novel as a major literary form in Russia, Poland, and the US. Begins with the pioneer of modern Yiddish and Hebrew prose, Mendele Mocher Sforim, includes Sholem Aleichem, Sholem Asch, David Bergelson, Der Nister, and the family Singer: Israel Joshua, Isaac Bashevis, and Esther Kreitman. Highly compressed development of the genre reflects great artistic, ideological, and thematic variety.
Note: All works available in English translation. There will be an extra section for Yiddish readers.
Jewish Studies 111. Modern Jewish Thought
Catalog Number: 5461
Jay M. Harris
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4.
A study of significant Jewish thinkers in the modern period and their reflections on the past and present meaning of Judaism. All thinkers studied against the background of premodern Jewish thought and the challenges posed by modern Western philosophical systems.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3682.
Jewish Studies 135. Jewish-Arab Encounters: the Classical Age
Catalog Number: 3448
Bernard Septimus
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 12; W., at 4. EXAM GROUP: 14
An examination of Jewish-Arab cultural exchange against its socio-political backdrop, from the pre-Islamic period through the thirteenth century. Topics include: perceptions of the other; social relations; polemics; conversions; interchange in the realms of religion, law, literature, philosophy and mysticism; the end of the classical age. These topics will be explored through primary sources in translation.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Culture and Belief or the Core area requirement for Historical Study B.
This course fulfills the requirement that one of the eight General Education courses also engages substantially with Study of the Past.
Jewish Studies 140. Deconstruction and Questions of Jewish Identity: Seminar
Catalog Number: 2198
Avi Matalon
Half course (fall term). M., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Examines the work of philosopher Jacques Derrida (1930–2004) and the method of deconstruction. Focuses on Derrida’s writings that touch on questions of identity, as developed in his prolific career.
[Jewish Studies 144. History and Memory: Modes of Jewish Discourse]
Catalog Number: 7216
Rachel L. Greenblatt
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3.
Focus on close readings of selected pre-Enlightenment Jewish historical writings, with consideration of relevant theoretical and methodological frameworks. Readings will be available in the original Hebrew and Yiddish and in English translations.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[Jewish Studies 146 (formerly Jewish Studies 215). Does Glikl Stand Alone? Medieval and Early Modern Jewish Autobiographical Writing]
Catalog Number: 9047
Rachel L. Greenblatt
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3.
Weekly readings of Jewish writings about the self as they appear in a variety of literary genres, alongside recent scholarly literature on "Ego-documents" and Jewish autobiography.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Readings will be in English. Optional extra meetings focusing on the original Hebrew (and/or Yiddish) texts may be arranged in case of interest.
[Jewish Studies 147. Introduction to Pentateuch]
Catalog Number: 0588
Andrew Teeter (Divinty School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30.
A critical introduction to the first five books of the Jewish and Christian Bible - the Pentateuch or Torah - with attention to essential literary, thematic, historical, and theological features, and with a view toward the continuing interpretive afterlife of these texts in Judaism and Christianity.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1303.
Jewish Studies 149. Topics in the Dead Sea Scrolls: Exegesis at Qumran - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 54969
Andrew Teeter (Divinty School)
Half course (spring term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
This course explores the diverse functions of scripture within the literature of the Dead Sea Scrolls, focusing in particular on the forms and methods of interpretation attested, considered in light of other varieties of interpretation in early Judaism. Sessions will be devoted to reading, translation and discussion of primary sources in Hebrew, as well as to discussion of relevant secondary literature.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School.
Prerequisite: Two years of Biblical Hebrew strongly recommended.
Jewish Studies 168. Eighth-Century Prophets - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 14062
Michael D. Coogan
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30.
A close examination of the books of Amos, Hosea, Micah, and Isaiah 1-39, in their historical and social contexts.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1104.
*Jewish Studies 170. Job and the Problem of Suffering - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 80691
Michael D. Coogan
Half course (fall term). F., 9–11.
An examination of the book of Job and its poetic treatment of the human condition. The course will also consider other biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts that deal with the issue of evil in the world from a religious perspective, and later readings and retellings of Job by Frost, MacLeish, Wiesel, Fackenheim, and others.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1106.
Jewish Studies 206. The Origins of Mishnaic Law
Catalog Number: 2808
Shaye J.D. Cohen
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A study of the emergence of Jewish law in antiquity. Theme for 2009: The development of Sabbath law from the Bible to the Mishnah.
Note: Open to undergraduates with the permission of the instructor. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3935.
Prerequisite: Ability to read Qumranic and Mishnaic texts in the original.
[Jewish Studies 207. Rewriting Scripture in Jewish Antiquity: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 9572 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Andrew Teeter (Divinty School)
Half course (spring term). F., 11–1.
A study of the exegetical literature of so-called rewritten Bible texts from the Second Temple period, considered in relation to the received Hebrew Bible and its later interpretive traditions. Examination of exegetical techniques, aims, and presuppositions, with attention to higher level compositional strategies, underlying conceptions of scripture/scriptural authority, and the dynamics of canon formation. Primary sources will include, among others: the book of Jubilees, the Temple Scroll, Reworked Pentateuch, the Genesis Apocryphon, as well as selected prophetic and hymnic exemplars.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1302.
Prerequisite: Ability to read (unpointed) Hebrew.
Early Iranian Civilizations 103. Manicheism
Catalog Number: 2604
P. Oktor Skjaervo
Half course (fall term). F., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Introduction to and readings in Iranian Manicheism (on the basis of translated texts).
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3580.
Islamic Civilizations 145. Introduction to Islamic Philosophy and Theology
Catalog Number: 0292
Khaled El-Rouayheb
Half course (fall term). Th., 3-5, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
An introductory survey of the development of Islamic theology and philosophy. We will examine and discuss some of the central problems that were much debated through the centuries, such as: the relationship between philosophy and faith; whether humans possess free will; how to understand apparently anthropomorphic expressions in Scripture; whether acts are good because God commands them or God commands them because they are good; and proofs for the existence of God.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3602.
*Islamic Civilizations 241r. Approaches to Studying Indo-Muslim Culture and South Asian Islam
Catalog Number: 7515
Ali S. Asani
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A seminar for graduate students focusing on current scholarship on Islamic civilization in South Asia.
Note: Open to undergraduates with a background in Islamic or South Asian studies.
Prerequisite: Introductory coursework on Islam, Religion 1820 or equivalent.
Armenian Studies 105. Survey of 19th and 20th Century Armenian Poetry: From Romantics to Revolutionaries
Catalog Number: 3496
James R. Russell
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A survey of the great innovators and visionaries: Bedros Tourian, Misak Medzarents, Yeghia Demirjibashian, Daniel Varouzhan, Siamanto, Vahan Teryan, Yeghishe Charents, and their English, Russian, and French colleagues and translators. The course spans the fateful epoch from the mid-19th century to the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.
Note: Knowledge of Armenian preferred but not required.
Akkadian 120. Intermediate Akkadian
Catalog Number: 3724
Benjamin John Studevent-hickman
Full course (indivisible). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
Akkadian 141r (formerly Ancient Near East 141r). Akkadian Myths and Epics
Catalog Number: 7618
Peter Machinist
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3.
Examination of selected Assyrian and Babylonian myths and epics from the latter second and first millennia B.C. Topic for 2009-10: TBA.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
[Akkadian 143. Akkadian Literary Texts]
Catalog Number: 4815
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Readings and analysis of a variety of literary texts.
Note: Expected to be given in 2011–12.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
[Akkadian 144. Akkadian Divination Texts]
Catalog Number: 6734
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). W., 1–4. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
Note: Expected to be given in 2011–12.
[Akkadian 148. Old Babylonian Letters]
Catalog Number: 0975
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Note: Expected to be given in 2011–12.
Prerequisite: Akkadian A.
Akkadian 149. Akkadian Legal and Economic Texts
Catalog Number: 6703
Benjamin John Studevent-hickman
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1:30–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
[Akkadian 152. Texts and History of Imperial Assyria]
Catalog Number: 3226
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Readings and analysis of a variety of texts from the Neo-Assyrian period illustrating issues in Assyrian imperial history, culture, and language.
Note: Expected to be given in 2011–12.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of a cuneiform script.
[Akkadian 153. Old Akkadian]
Catalog Number: 8334
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Readings in representative historical, epistolary, literary, and economic texts with emphasis on the grammar.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
[Akkadian 154a. Peripheral Akkadian]
Catalog Number: 2416
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Two full courses in Akkadian.
[Akkadian 155r. Akkadian Historical Grammar and Dialectology]
Catalog Number: 0232
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Two full courses in Akkadian.
[Akkadian 156. Neo-Babylonian Inscriptions]
Catalog Number: 4024
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Readings and analysis of a variety of texts from the Neo-Babylonian period.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
Sumerian 120. Intermediate Sumerian
Catalog Number: 7399
Piotr Steinkeller and assistant
Full course (indivisible). Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic Sumerian grammar, vocabulary, and cuneiform script.
[Sumerian 141. Sumerian Myths and Epics]
Catalog Number: 9858
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Sumerian 146. Sumerian Religious Literature
Catalog Number: 2605
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Sumerian 149. Sumerian Legal and Economic Texts
Catalog Number: 8820
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–4.
Arabic Ba (formerly Arabic 120a and 121a). Intermediate Arabic I
Catalog Number: 1106
William E. Granara and staff
Half course (fall term). M. through F., at 10, 11, or 12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
A thorough review and continuation of literary (classic and modern) Arabic grammar with emphasis on reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. Course materials draw from both classical and modern Arabic literature and culture.
Note: Not open to auditors. Cannot be taken pass/fail. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4351.
Prerequisite: Arabic A or equivalent.
Arabic Bb (formerly Arabic 120b and 121b). Intermediate Arabic II
Catalog Number: 0973
Mostafa Atamnia and Feryal Hijazi
Half course (spring term). M., through F., at 10, 11, or 12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
A continuation of Arabic Ba.
Note: Not open to auditors. Cannot be taken pass/fail. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4361.
Prerequisite: Arabic A or equivalent.
Arabic 130a. Upper-Level Classical Arabic I
Catalog Number: 4591
Khaled El-Rouayheb
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Concentration on readings from classical Islamic texts, with emphasis on Qur’an, hadîth, sîra, and tafsîr literature; directed readings and textual analysis; review of classical Arabic morphology and syntax.
Note: Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4353.
Prerequisite: Arabic 120b or equivalent.
Arabic 130b. Upper-Level Classical Arabic II
Catalog Number: 2964
Khaled El-Rouayheb
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Continuation of Arabic 130a or may be taken separately with permission of the instructor. Readings from corpus of "Adab" (Belles-Lettres) literature, as well as various pieces of classical Arabic poetry.
Note: Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4354.
Prerequisite: Arabic 130a or equivalent.
Arabic 131a. Upper-Level Modern Arabic l
Catalog Number: 0739
Sayed Abdallah Ali Elsisi
Half course (fall term). M., Tu., W., Th., at 12, and 1. EXAM GROUP: 5, 14
Reading and discussion of selections from Arabic newspapers and journals on contemporary political, social, religious, and cultural issues in the Arab world. Emphasis on developing advanced reading and speaking skills, with some attention to writing and listening comprehension.
Note: Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4363.
Prerequisite: Arabic Ba or equivalent.
Arabic 131b. Upper-Level Modern Arabic II
Catalog Number: 0697
Sayed Abdallah Ali Elsisi
Half course (spring term). M., Tu., W., Th., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 5, 14
A continuation of Arabic 131a or may be taken separately with permission of the instructor. Continued emphasis on advanced reading and speaking skills, and introduction to contemporary Arabic fiction, with emphasis on short stories and essays.
Note: Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4364.
Prerequisite: Arabic 131a or equivalent.
Arabic 133. Upper-Level Spoken Modern Standard Arabic
Catalog Number: 4747
Sayed Abdallah Ali Elsisi
Half course (fall term). M., W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
This course emphasizes the development of advanced speaking and listening skills by exposing students to the contemporary media and academia. Some reading and writing will be required, but classes will revolve around oral presentations and directed conversations.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Two years of Standard Arabic or the equivalent.
[Arabic 134. Colloquial Levantine Arabic]
Catalog Number: 4154
Khaled Al-Masri
Half course (spring term). M., W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Introduces students to Colloquial Levantine Arabic of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel/Palestine. The course emphasizes the develo[ment of speaking and listening skills through the reinforcement of grammar and vocabulary.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Not open to auditors. Students who have completed Arabic 135 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite: Two years of Standard Arabic or the equivalent.
Arabic 135. Colloquial Egyptian Arabic
Catalog Number: 4454
Sayed Abdallah Ali Elsisi
Half course (spring term). M., W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Introduces students to Egyptian Arabic, the most widely recognized dialect in the Arab world. The course emphasizes the development of speaking and listening skills through the reinforcement of grammar and vocabulary.
Note: Not open to auditors. Students who have completed Arabic 134 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite: Two years of Standard Arabic or the equivalent.
Arabic 146r. History of the Arabic Languages
Catalog Number: 8526
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
A presentation of the linguistic and cultural history of the various forms of Arabic, including Old North Arabian, Early Classical Arabic (pre-Islamic poetry and Koran), medieval Islamic Arabic, Middle Arabic (with Judeo-Arabic) and the dialects.
Prerequisite: Two years of Arabic or equivalent.
[Arabic 150r. History of Classical Arabic Literature: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 7759
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4.
Overview of Classical Arabic literature, including reading and discussion of selected texts.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Knowledge of Arabic advantageous but not required. An additional hour may be set aside for reading in the originals.
Arabic 158. Modern Arabic Literature Seminar: Lebanese Civil War in Fiction
Catalog Number: 5145
William E. Granara
Half course (fall term). W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Examines the roots and issues of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-90) and its enormous impact on modern Arabic fiction. The syllabus pairs realistic and romanticized representations of family, sectarian, and gender binaries against the destruction and fantasy of the urban landscape. Themes include nostalgia and memory, exile and return. Films and documentaries will also be viewed.
Note: Arabic helpful but not required. Open to both undergraduates and graduates.
This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Foreign Cultures or Literature and Arts C, but not both.
[Arabic 160r. Readings in Arabic Historians, Geographers, and Biographers]
Catalog Number: 5617
Roy Mottahedeh
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Arabic 162. Introduction to the Modern Arab World I
Catalog Number: 5643
William E. Granara and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 10, an additional hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 3
A survey of significant events and issues in the modern Arab world from the later years of the Ottoman Empire to the eve of WWI. Topics include the Arab renaissance, the challenges of modernity, reformist movements, colonialism, and the emergence of the modern nation states.
Note: No knowledge of Arabic required, but bilingual sectioning will be provided for students who select to read primary sources either in Arabic or English. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3623.
Arabic 170. Introduction to the Arab World II: Politics, Religion, and Culture from World War I to Present
Catalog Number: 9471
William E. Granara and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 10, and an additional hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 3
The course examines the major intellectual, political and sociocultural trends in the Arab world, from the anti-colonial struggle to self-determination. Topics include Arab nationalism, political reform, cultural production, economic development, and the emergence of the Arabian Gulf.
Note: Bi-lingual sectioning will be provided for students who select to read primary sources either in Arabic or English. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3626. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Historical Study A..
[Arabic 231b. Qur’an II: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 0619 Enrollment: Limited to 18.
M. Shahab Ahmed
Half course (spring term). M., 2–5.
Continuation of Arabic 231a.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3977.
Prerequisite: Arabic 231a and advanced proficiency in Arabic.
Arabic 240r. Classical Arabic Philology
Catalog Number: 5920
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Full course (indivisible). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Arabic philology, including discussion of difficult grammatical problems, introduction to manuscript and editorial work, and readings from the ‘ulûm al-lugha (fall) and ‘ulûm al-dîn (spring).
Note: This constitutes the fourth and final year of the Classical Arabic track.
Arabic 241ar. Advanced Modern Arabic Bridge: Language, Literature, and Culture I
Catalog Number: 3309
Khaled Al-Masri
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30-1, and an additional hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
This constitutes the final year of Modern Arabic track. Representative readings from contemporary literature and culture will form bases of discussions on major themes in contemporary Arab society.
Note: Conducted in Arabic. Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Advanced proficiency in Arabic.
Arabic 241br. Advanced Modern Arabic Bridge: Language, Literature, and Culture II
Catalog Number: 6399
Khaled Al-Masri
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30-1, and an additional hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
A continuation of Arabic 241ar.
Note: Conducted in Arabic. Not open to auditors.
Arabic 245r. Classical Arabic Literature: Seminar
Catalog Number: 4854
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (fall term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Topic for 2009-10: Fiction in Classical Arabic Literature
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Arabic.
[Arabic 246r. Andalus, Sicily, and the Maghrib in Literary and Cultural Texts: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 6196
William E. Granara
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Literary and historical texts of the Arabo-Islamic cultures of Spain (al-Andalus), Sicily, and North Africa. Examines the emergence of a "Maghribi" identity amidst cross-cultural relations with the Christian North and the Muslim East.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Three years of Arabic, or permission from the instructor.
[Arabic 248r. Medieval Arabic Writings on Literary Theory and Criticism: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 1440
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4.
Introduction to the study of the medieval Arabic disciplines dealing with literature. Discussion of selected topics on the basis of text readings and recent secondary literature.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Arabic.
Arabic 249r. Arabic Philosophical Texts: Seminar
Catalog Number: 3572
Khaled El-Rouayheb
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
An introduction to Arabic Logic.
Prerequisite: Three years of Arabic or equivalent.
[Arabic 250r. Arabic Theological Texts: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 7849
Khaled El-Rouayheb
Half course (fall term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Imitation and Verification in Ash’ari Theology.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3883.
Prerequisite: Three years of Arabic or equivalent.
*Arabic 320. Reading and Research in Modern Arabic Literature and Literary Criticism
Catalog Number: 9167
William E. Granara 1054 (on leave spring term)
Aramaic 128. Introduction to Turoyo
Catalog Number: 3747
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Turoyo is the Neo-Aramaic (originally, and to some extent still) spoken in the Tur Abdin area of Mardin province, SE Turkey, as well as in the Western diaspora (predominantly in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US).
Prerequisite: Some knowledge of Syriac or any other classical Aramaic language.
Armenian B. Elementary Modern Eastern Armenian
Catalog Number: 7168
James R. Russell
Half course (spring term). W., 3–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Introduction to the spoken and literary language of the Republic of Armenia.
Armenian 120. Armenian Magical Texts
Catalog Number: 7221
James R. Russell
Half course (spring term). Th., 3–6. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Armenian magical texts include codices, scrolls, and separately-printed saints’ lives used for good or ill, containing magic squares and symbols, the latter mostly deriving from Islamic magic. The course will consider literary sources of magic texts (e.g., the prayer Havatov khostovanim, the meditations of Narek), parallel traditions (esp. Christian Ethiopia), and the consideration of the paintings in Armenian magical manuscripts from the standpoint of the genre of Outsider Art.
[Armenian 130. Advanced Classical Armenian]
Catalog Number: 4926
James R. Russell
Full course. W., 5:30–7:30 p.m.
The text of St. Grigor Narekats’i Matean olbergut’ean, with other mystical texts from Armenian and Eastern Christian traditions.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Armenian A.
Hebrew 140. The Poetics of Midrash: Approaches to Rabbinic Hermeneutics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 84646
Jonathan Schofer (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3.
This seminar examines the forms and contents of late ancient rabbinic midrash or biblical interpretation, addressing both legal and non-legal forms. Each session will include consideration of both primary sources and recent scholarship. The course will center on studies of midrash as a form of literature by Boyarin, Fishbane, Fraade, Kugel, Stern, and Yadin.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School.
Prerequisite: Two years of Hebrew, any period, is strongly recommended
Hebrew 143. Deuteronomy - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 68289
Andrew Teeter (Divinty School)
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 99
A critical and exegetical study of Deuteronomy, carried out through a close reading of the bookin Hebrew. Special attention given to the literary form, hermeneutic aims, and theological profile of the work, considered in relation to other scriptural and non-scriptural traditions.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1306.
Prerequisite: Biblical Hebrew
[Hebrew 176. Aristotle’s Ethics in Medieval Jewish Thought]
Catalog Number: 4571
Bernard Septimus
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: A reading knowledge of Hebrew
Hebrew 177. Introduction to Critical Talmud Scholarship
Catalog Number: 6485
Bernard Septimus
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Designed to introduce students to the philological, historical and source-critical methods used in the contemporary academic study of Talmud and Midrash, through the study of selected passages.
Prerequisite: Ability to prepare a Talmudic text.
Classical Hebrew 120a. Intermediate Classical Hebrew I
Catalog Number: 5545
Peter Machinist and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Readings in prose books; review of grammar.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4020.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew A or equivalent.
Classical Hebrew 120b. Intermediate Classical Hebrew II
Catalog Number: 8494
Peter Machinist and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Readings in prose and poetic books; review of grammar.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4021.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew 120a or equivalent.
Classical Hebrew 130ar. Rapid Reading Classical Hebrew I
Catalog Number: 7895
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1625/4030.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew A, 120a, and 120b, or equivalent.
Classical Hebrew 130br. Rapid Reading Classical Hebrew II
Catalog Number: 7896
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1626/4031.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew 130a or equivalent.
[Classical Hebrew 138. Historical Grammar of Biblical Hebrew ]
Catalog Number: 4415
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 11.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew 130, or equivalent.
Modern Hebrew B. Elementary Modern Hebrew
Catalog Number: 4810
Irit Aharony
Full course (indivisible). M. through F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
For students with no previous instruction in Hebrew and for those who have had some unsystematic exposure to the language. The course emphasizes the development of all skills necessary for reading, speaking, comprehension and writing, and offers students a glimpse of Israeli culture.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4015.
Modern Hebrew 120a. Intermediate Modern Hebrew I
Catalog Number: 1711
Irit Aharony
Half course (fall term). M. through F., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4, 13
Continuation and development of Modern Hebrew B. Reading materials include literary texts, newspapers and on line publications. The course also offers an exposure to various facets of Israeli high and popular culture.
Note: Conducted primarily in Hebrew. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4040.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew B or passing of special departmental placement test.
Modern Hebrew 120b. Intermediate Modern Hebrew II
Catalog Number: 2563
Irit Aharony
Half course (spring term). M. through F., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4, 13
Continuation of Modern Hebrew 120a.
Note: Conducted primarily in Hebrew. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4041.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew 120a.
Modern Hebrew 125. Advanced Modern Hebrew I: "All About Boys and Girls"
Catalog Number: 4985
Anna Grinfeld
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1:10-2:40. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Continuation of Intermediate Modern Hebrew 120a and 120b. The course goal is to further develop practical skills in the language. The course will explore various topics in Israeli society and culture through a variety of texts and audio visual materials.
Note: Conducted in Hebrew. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4042.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew 120a, 120b, or equivalent.
Modern Hebrew 126. Advanced Modern Hebrew - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 28788
Irit Aharony
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 3–4:30. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
This course aims at further developing aural and reading comprehension of Modern Hebrew, as well as speaking and writing skills in the language. We will study a variety of texts, watch movies, and examine the multifaceted of Israeli contemporary Hebrew including slang.
Modern Hebrew 130r. Advanced Seminar in Modern Hebrew
Catalog Number: 8127
Irit Aharony
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
A deep survey of foundational elements in Israeli culture: texts, movies, songs and other media. The goal of the course is to both enhance the student’s proficiency in the language and their knowledge of the culture of the land.
Note: Discussion, papers, and texts presented in Hebrew.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew 125 or equivalent.
Modern Hebrew 136ar (formerly Modern Hebrew 136r). Hebrew for Academic Reading
Catalog Number: 3383
Anna Grinfeld
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 3–4:30. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Hebrew for academic reading is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a strong background knowledge of Hebrew, seeking to master reading skills in a range of Hebrew texts in the fields of Jewish studies, Middle Eastern studies, government, literature, religion, and history. Some selections of the reading material will be decided by the individual needs and interests of the students.
Note: Conducted in Hebrew.
[Modern Hebrew 136br (formerly Modern Hebrew 136r). Hebrew for Academic Reading]
Catalog Number: 3114
Anna Grinfeld
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Hebrew for academic reading is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a strong background knowledge of Hebrew, seeking to master reading skills in a range of Hebrew texts in the fields of Jewish studies, Middle Eastern studies, government, literature, religion, and history. Some selections of the reading material will be decided by the individual needs and interests of the students.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Conducted in Hebrew.
[Hebrew 160. The Origins and Development of the Classical Jewish Liturgy]
Catalog Number: 9703
Bernard Septimus
Half course (fall term). M., 1–3.
An examination of current scholarship and controversy on the origins of the classical liturgy and a consideration of the primary-source evidence. Related topics include: rabbinic liturgy and Second Temple sources, differences between the ancient Palestinian and Babylonian rites, the standard prayers and the origins of liturgical poetry (piyyut), the crystallization of the liturgy, and the emergence of local variations in the early Middle Ages.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: A good reading knowledge of Hebrew.
[Hebrew 171. The Problem of Language in Medieval Jewish Thought]
Catalog Number: 7205
Bernard Septimus
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3.
The status and significance of language generally and Hebrew, in particular, viewed from a variety of perspectives in texts from several genres (exegetical, linguistic, literary, legal, philosophical and mystical) ranging chronologically from late antiquity through the Renaissance.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: A good reading knowledge of Hebrew.
*Hebrew 200r. Problems in the Literature, History, and Religion of Israel: Seminar
Catalog Number: 3265
Peter Machinist, Richard J. Saley, Andrew Teeter (Divinty School) and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Topic for 2009-10: The Pentateuch in biblical scholarship.
Note: Primarily for doctoral students in Hebrew Bible. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1810.
[Hebrew 208r. Literature of Israel: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 1356
Peter Machinist
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Topic for 2010-11: TBA.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Jointly offered with the Divinity School as 1825.
Prerequisite: Advanced reading knowledge of biblical Hebrew. Acquaintance with other relevant ancient and modern languages desirable.
Hebrew 217. The Medieval Torah Commentary: A Practical Introduction: Seminar
Catalog Number: 5883
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
An introduction to the use of medieval Jewish biblical commentaries as a resource for modern exegetes. Some comparison of the medieval hermeneutical presuppositions with those of the distinctively modern forms of biblical study.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1836.
Prerequisite: Three years of college-level Hebrew (any period).
Hebrew 218. Joseph and Esther: Seminar
Catalog Number: 0880
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 99
A close critical reading of Genesis 37-50 and the Book of Esther in Hebrew. Emphasis on literary design and religious messages and on the influence of the story of Joseph upon the Book of Esther.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1802.
Prerequisite: Three years of Hebrew or the equivalent.
[Hebrew 235. The Binding of Isaac (Aqedah): Seminar]
Catalog Number: 0170
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
An examination of Genesis 22 and its afterlife in ancient Judaism, early Christianity, and the Qur’an. Ample consideration of the interpretation and expansion of the story in modern theology and of critical responses to it.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1808.
Prerequisite: Three years of Hebrew or the equivalent.
[Hebrew 236. Song at the Sea: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 6496
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A close reading of Exod 13:17-15:21 in two contexts, that of the Hebrew Bible (together with its ancient Near Eastern background) and that of rabbinic Judaism. Ample Hebrew readings in rabbinic midrash.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1816.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in the critical study of the Hebrew Bible and a solid command of Hebrew grammar (any period).
*Hebrew 350. Postbiblical Hebrew Language and Literature
Catalog Number: 4408
Shaye J.D. Cohen 4180, Jay M. Harris 2266, and Bernard Septimus 7160 (on leave fall term)
Iranian B. Introduction to Avestan
Catalog Number: 3936
P. Oktor Skjaervo
Full course (indivisible). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
[Iranian Ca. Middle Persian I]
Catalog Number: 0978
P. Oktor Skjaervo
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Introduction to Middle Persian (Pahlavi or Manichean Middle Persian/Parthian).
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[Iranian Cbr. Middle Persian II]
Catalog Number: 1696
P. Oktor Skjaervo
Half course (spring term). M., 3–5.
Readings in Middle Persian (Pahlavi or Manichean Middle Persian/Parthian).
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Iranian 144a. Eastern Middle Iranian I: Introduction to Khotanese - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 30546
P. Oktor Skjaervo
Full course (indivisible). Spring: Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: Spring: 15, 16
Introduction to Khotanese based on the 8th-century private documents (letters, economic, and legal documents).
Persian 120a. Intermediate Persian I
Catalog Number: 2206
Dalia Yasharpour
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 11, and two additional hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
Readings in modern prose literature. Introduction to classical metrics and prosody. Readings in classical prose and poetry.
Persian 120b. Intermediate Persian II
Catalog Number: 3712
Dalia Yasharpour
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 11, and two additional hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
Continuation of Persian 120a.
Persian 130hf. Advanced Middle Persian: Pahlavi - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 19345
Yuhan Vevaina
Half course (throughout the year). Hours to be arranged.
Persian 131r. Advanced Persian
Catalog Number: 0258
Dalia Yasharpour
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Readings from modern Persian prose and poetry and discussion of Iranian movies and documentaries inspired by them.
Prerequisite: Persian 120b or equivalent.
[Persian 132r. Advanced Persian]
Catalog Number: 0814
Dalia Yasharpour
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Introduces students to styles and genres of Classic Persian literary heritage, including a systematic review of classical grammar. Readings include historiographical, geographical and biographical texts, as well as readings from "Adab" (Belles-Lettres) literature.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Persian 120b or equivalent.
Persian 150r. Readings in Persian Historians, Geographers and Biographers
Catalog Number: 6538
Roy Mottahedeh
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
[Semitic Philology 220r. Northwest Semitic Epigraphy: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 2948
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4.
Topic for 2009-2010: Punic child sacrifice texts.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Semitic Philology 151.
Turkish 120a. Intermediate Modern Turkish I
Catalog Number: 4009
Himmet Taskomur
Half course (fall term). M. through F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
Emphasis on complex sentence structure and building communicative competence in describing events and expressing ideas through exercises in reading, writing, and speaking.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2010–11. Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish A or equivalent.
Turkish 120b. Intermediate Modern Turkish II
Catalog Number: 1394
Himmet Taskomur
Half course (spring term). M. through F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
Studies in argumentative and literary prose.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2010–11. Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 120a or equivalent.
Turkish 121a. Elementary Uzbek
Catalog Number: 3006
William E. Granara and assistant
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged; four meetings per week.
Introduction to conversational and literary Uzbek. Overview of the grammar, intensive practice of the spoken language, and reading of contemporary texts.
Note: Some knowledge of Modern Turkish or other Turkic language helpful but not required.
Turkish 121b. Elementary Uzbek II
Catalog Number: 7303
William E. Granara and assistant
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged; four meetings per week. EXAM GROUP: 2
Continuation of Turkish 121a.
Note: Some knowledge of Modern Turkish or other Turkic language helpful but not required.
Turkish 125a. Intermediate Uzbek I
Catalog Number: 2947
William E. Granara and assistant
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Continuation of Elementary Uzbek with an emphasis on further development of both conversational and literary Uzbek.
Prerequisite: Turkish 121b or equivalent.
Turkish 125b. Intermediate Uzbek II
Catalog Number: 0125
William E. Granara and assistant
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4, Th., 4–6.
A continuation of Turkish 125a.
Prerequisite: Turkish 125a or equivalent.
[Turkish 140a. Introduction to Ottoman Turkish I]
Catalog Number: 8163
Himmet Taskomur
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Introduction to basic orthographic conventions and grammatical characteristics of Ottoman Turkish through readings in printed selections from the 19th and 20th centuries, and exercises on techniques.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish A or equivalent; one year of Arabic or Persian desirable.
[Turkish 140b. Introduction to Ottoman Turkish II]
Catalog Number: 8298
Himmet Taskomur
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Continuation of Turkish 140a. Exercises on specialized orthographic conventions and grammatical characteristics of Ottoman Turkish through readings in printed selections from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 140a or equivalent.
Turkish 150a. Advanced Ottoman Turkish - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 91716
Himmet Taskomur
Half course (fall term). F., 2–4:30, Tu., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 9, 18
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 140 or equivalent; one year of Arabic or Persian desirable.
Turkish 150b. Advanced Ottoman Turkish - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 40194
Himmet Taskomur
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 140 or equivalent; one year of Arabic or Persian desirable.
Turkish 160r. History of Modern Turkey through Literature
Catalog Number: 6964
Himmet Taskomur
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 12, and an additional hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 5
This course surveys the history of modern Turkey and culture through Turkish literature in translation. Main focus is on topics of cultural revolution, nationalism, identity, gender, and migration. Primary readings are translations of novels, short stories, drama and poetry.
Note: Knowledge of Turkish not required. Not open to auditors.
Yiddish Ba. Intermediate Yiddish I
Catalog Number: 6023
Yuri Vedenyapin
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
Further development of reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprehension skills. Introduction to features of the main Yiddish dialects: Polish/Galician, Ukrainian/Volhynian, and Lithuanian/Belorussian. Course materials include selections from modern Yiddish fiction, poetry, songs, the press, and private letters, as well as pre-WWII and contemporary Yiddish films. Occasional visits from native Yiddish speakers.
Note: Additional sections at different times may be added as needed.
Prerequisite: Yiddish A or equivalent.
Yiddish Bb. Intermediate Yiddish II
Catalog Number: 1239
Yuri Vedenyapin
Half course (spring term). M., at 11, W., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 4, 5
Continuation of Yiddish Ba.
Prerequisite: Yiddish Ba or permission of the instructor.
Yiddish Ca. Advanced Yiddish I
Catalog Number: 8331
Yuri Vedenyapin
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Emphasis on building advanced vocabulary from the three main lexical components, Germanic, Hebrew-Aramaic, and Slavic, and further development of writing, reading, and speech. Continued exploration of the main Yiddish dialects. Introduction to various styles of Yiddish literature, journalism, theater, film, and song, particularly from the nineteenth century to the present, including contemporary sources from both secular Yiddish culture and the Yiddish-speaking "ultra-orthodox" communities of New York, Jerusalem, and elsewhere.
Note: Additional sections at different times may be added as needed.
Prerequisite: Yiddish Bb or permission of the instructor.
Yiddish Cb. Advanced Yiddish II
Catalog Number: 8968
Yuri Vedenyapin
Half course (spring term). W., at 9, M., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 2, 6, 7
Continuation of Yiddish Ca.
Prerequisite: Yiddish Ca or permission of the instructor.
[Yiddish 108. America! America! : The Contradictions of American Jewish Culture]
Catalog Number: 6058
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4.
The mass migration that propelled millions of European Jews to the Untied States between 1881 and 1914 generated a renaissance in Jewish and American literatures. Yiddish was spoken at the time by more Jews than had ever simultaneously spoken any common Jewish language, and when they came in huge numbers to "the golden land," the Lower East Side of New York became a great creative outpost. Newfound freedoms of America inspired new directions in Yiddish literature, poetry, journalism, education, theater and film. Yet those same freedoms also prompted wholesale adoption of English among the second generation. Two parallel streams of culture-including a third in Hebrew-arose within the American Jewish community. Studying this linguistic interaction will help identify its social, political, cultural, and aesthetic tribulations and achievements.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Course assumes no knowledge of Yiddish. Readings will be in English. There will be an extra section for Yiddish readers.
[Yiddish 110. Yiddish Drama on Stage and Screen]
Catalog Number: 5353
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4.
Explores the development of Yiddish drama from the mid- 19th century to the present. Features major plays from the repertoire, stage and screen adaptations, theatrical innovations; competing aesthetic, political, and cultural trends. New translations make it possible to offer this course in English.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. An extra section will be added for students who can read works in the original Yiddish.
[Yiddish 120. Modern Yiddish Classics: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 6574
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (fall term). Th., 3–5.
Late as compared with other European literatures, Yiddish was jump started in the last quarter of the 19th century by Mendele Mocher Sforim, Sholem Aleichem, and I.L. Peretz. This course examines the writings and cultural influence of these Masters, their shifting critical reception, modern perspectives on their work, adaptations and desiderata.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. All readings in English translation. Additional section for Yiddish readers