Arabic Language and Literature

• NELC-A 500 Elementary Arabic I (2 cr.) This course is an introduction to Modern Standard Arabic as it is used in contem­porary literature, newspapers, and radio. The course will focus on grammar, reading, dictation, composition, penmanship, conversation, and translation. 

• NELC-A 501 Accelerated Arabic I (4 cr.) This is a begin­ners’ level Modern Standard Arabic course especially designed for graduate students in order to enable them to acquire the necessary structures and important vocabulary for reading and writing purposes in the language. Homework load is highly sub­stantial and a vital part of the success in the course. Students are expected to study between 3-4 hours daily on their own.

• NELC-A 550 Elementary Arabic II (2 cr.) This course is an introduction to Modern Standard Arabic as it is used in contem­porary literature, newspapers, and radio. The course will focus on grammar, reading, dictation, composition, penmanship, conversation, and translation. 

• NELC-A 551 Accelerated Arabic II (4 cr.) This is a begin­ners’ level Modern Standard Arabic course especially designed for graduate students in order to enable them to acquire the necessary structures and important vocabulary for reading and writing purposes in the language. Homework load is highly sub­stantial and a vital part of the success in the course. Students are expected to study between 3-4 hours daily on their own.

• NELC-A 560 First Year Arabic (3 cr.) For students with prior knowledge of Arabic who have not passed elementary level in the place­ment test. The course covers the grammar and vocabulary of A500 and A550 in one semester. Homework load is substantial. Grading is based on both continuous and summative assess­ment.

• NELC-A 600 Intermediate Arabic I (3 cr.) P: A500-A550. This course emphasizes grammar, reading, composition, conversa­tion, and translation using materials from medieval classical and modern literary Arabic. 

• NELC-A 610 Arabic Dialects I (3 cr.) P: A150/A550 or N182. This course will focus on a particular regional dialect (Egyptian, Iraqi, North African) teaching the students to speak every-day language.

• NELC-A 620 Arabic Dialects II (3 cr.) P: NELC A610. Language course which focuses on a particular regional dialect (Egyptian, Iraqi, North African) and teaches students to speak the everyday language. May be repeated with a different language for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

• NELC-A 650 Intermediate Arabic II (3 cr.) P: A500-A550. This course emphasizes grammar, reading, composition, conversa­tion, and translation using materials from medieval classical and modern literary Arabic. 

• NELC-A 660 Advanced Arabic I (3 cr.) P: A500-A550. This course focuses on the continued development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic. Materials drawn from classical prose will be introduced for study. 

• NELC-A 670 Advanced Arabic II (3 cr.) P: A500-A550. This course focuses on the continued development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic. Materials drawn from classical prose will be introduced for study. 

• NELC-A 680 Advanced Arabic III (3 cr.) P: Open to students with B or higher from A670. This course follows from Advanced Arabic II, which is already offered. It meets jointly with Fourth Year Ara­bic I (UG). A400 is a language course using four language skills and based on reading authentic materials in Modern Standard Arabic. The aim is to bring students to ‘near native’ levels of proficiency as much as possible.

• NELC-A 690 Advanced Arabic IV (3 cr.) This is a four language skills Modern Standard Arabic course. The course aims for very high level proficiency in stylistic differences and usage in Modern Standard Arabic. It is based on reading authentic Arabic texts on different topics, discussing them in Arabic in the class, and writing about the discussed topics. Culture teaching is an inte­gral part of the course.

• NELC-A 698 Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language I (1 cr.) Helps students develop and practice skills and techniques for teaching Arabic as a foreign/second language to adults.

• NELC-A 699 Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language II (1 cr.) Helps students develop and practice skills and techniques for teaching Arabic as a foreign/second language to adults.

• NELC-N 502 Qur’anic Arabic I (3 cr.) Introduces the special­ized language of the Qur’an, its vocabulary and grammar. Cov­ers related materials such as Qur’anic commentary, history, and Hadith. Teaches students to read classical and Qur’anic Arabic through a foundation in syntax and morphology. 

• NELC-N 510 Arabic Composition I (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. This course is designed to focus on instruction and practice in writ­ing and reading Arabic. It is intended to develop skills in writing correct Arabic sentences, paragraphs, and themes related to a variety of subjects. 

• NELC-N 512 Classical Arabic Grammar (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. This course provides a systematic treatment (in Arabic) of the principal features of classical Arabic grammar. The technical Arabic terms and the concepts associated with them will be introduced, analyzed, and illustrated. 

• NELC-N 523 Conversational Arabic I (3 cr.) Formal spoken or “polite” Arabic, with attention to divergences in Arabic dialects. 

• NELC-N 524 Introduction to Arabic Linguistics (3 cr.) Concise history and description of the structure of Arabic. Special emphasis on the written and selected spoken varieties of modern Arabic, phonology, grammar, and basic vocabulary. 

• NELC-N 529 Arabic Phonetics and Phonology (3 cr.) This course presents a systematic study of Arabic phonetics and phonology utilizing scientific phonetics, both practical and theoretical, and the phonological processes of generative phonological theory. 

• NELC-N 555 Multimedia Arabic (3 cr.) Modern literary Arabic as found in printed and non-printed contemporary media. Materials selected from leading newspapers and magazines from the Arab world covering a variety of current political and cultural topics. Documentaries and live and taped television newscasts will also be utilized. 

• NELC-N 552 Qur’anic Arabic II (3 cr.) Introduces the special­ized language of the Qur’an, its vocabulary and grammar. Cov­ers related materials such as Qur’anic commentary, history, and Hadith. Teaches students to read classical and Qur’anic Arabic through a foundation in syntax and morphology. 

• NELC-N 560 Directed Readings in Arabic (1-6 cr.) In this course stu­dents will read and analyze Arabic or translated texts that are selected in accordance with the student’s level and interests. 

• NELC-N 598 Individual Readings in Arabic Language and Linguistics (1-6 cr.) Analysis of materials in the fields of Arabic language and linguistics. Students may register to research certain aspects of these fields that are not covered by the regular se­quence of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures courses.

• NELC-N 690 Research in Classical Arabic Texts (1-6 cr.) This course pro­vides intensive training in classical Arabic. Emphasis is placed on the accurate reading and translation of classical texts, their grammatical and stylistic features, and the use of modern and classical lexical. The course also includes a survey of relevant bibliographic and secondary sources. Variable topic. May be repeated for credit.

• NELC-N 701 Topics in Arabic Literature (2-3 cr.) Examination of translated Arabic literature of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as relevant modern Western works. All works read in English. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

• NELC-N 707 Seminar in Classical Arabic Literature (3-4 cr.) P: Ability to read classical Arabic texts. Intensive study of selected liter­ary movements, periods, or genres. Individual research papers required. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

• NELC-N 709 Seminar in Modern Arabic Literature (3-4 cr.) Ability to read classical Arabic, study classic Arabic literature during nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with special emphasis on Western influence.

Hebrew Language and Literature

• NELC-H 500 Elementary Hebrew I (3 cr.) Introductory course that lays groundwork for the study and use of both Modern and Biblical Hebrew, developing reading, writing, and conversational skills, while building the necessary grammatical foundations. No previous knowledge of Hebrew required.

• NELC-H 550 Elementary Hebrew II (3 cr.) P: Grade of C or higher in H500 or equivalent proficiency. This course will continue the development of reading, writing, and conversational skills in Hebrew, laying the necessary grammatical foundation for intermediate Modern or Biblical Hebrew. Offered as a second semester course.

• NELC-H 575 Introductory Readings in Hebrew Literature (3 cr.) Introductory survey, in Hebrew, of selected readings—poetry and prose—of the leading writers in Modern Hebrew Litera­ture. Emphasis on familiarization and mastery of varying styles, forms and themes of Hebrew literature to serve as bridge to fluency and further study on advanced levels. 

• NELC-H 590 Intensive Elementary Hebrew (4 cr.) An intensive course in elementary Modern Hebrew, combining ulpan with standard language instruction techniques. The course covers an equiva­lent of one full year of elementary Hebrew in one term, and is open to those desiring to acquire all facets of language commu­nication, morphology, phonology, and syntax.

• NELC-H 600 Intermediate Modern Hebrew I (3 cr.) P: Grade of C or higher in H550 or equivalent proficiency. This course is a continuation of H550, for students who choose the Modern Hebrew track. This course continues to develop reading, writing, and conversational skills, while expanding the grammatical foundation of students' Modern Hebrew knowledge. Meets during the first semester.

• NELC-H 650 Intermediate Modern Hebrew II (3 cr.) P: Grade of C or higher in H600 or equivalent proficiency. Continuation of H600. Continues to develop reading, writing, and conversational skills, while expanding the grammatical foundation of students' Modern Hebrew knowledge. II Sem.

• NELC-H 670 Advanced Modern Hebrew I (3 cr.) P: Grade of C or higher in H650 or equivalent proficiency. Reviews and completes the acquisition of the grammatical system of Modern Hebrew, using Modern Israeli literary work and media resources, focusing on verbal and written communication skills. I Sem.

• NELC-H 680 Advanced Hebrew II (3 cr.) P: H600-H650 or other sufficient preparation. The course focuses on the completion of grammar and introduction to literature of all ages (biblical, midrashic, medieval, and modern), including grammar, style, vocabulary, technical terms, and literary forms.

• NELC-N 471 Biblical Hebrew I (3 cr.) This course is an accel­erated introduction to Biblical Hebrew. Emphasis is placed on grammar, morphology and syntax. 

• NELC-N 472 Biblical Hebrew II (3 cr.) This course is an accel­erated introduction to Biblical Hebrew. Emphasis is placed on grammar, morphology and syntax. 

• NELC-N 473 Biblical Hebrew II (3 cr.) In this course students will study various genres of biblical writings through a careful examination of such passages in the original language.

• NELC-N 517 Biblical Hebrew IV (3 cr.) In this course students will study various genres of biblical writings through a careful examination of such passages in the original language. 

• NELC-N 587 Modern Hebrew Literature in English (3 cr.) No knowl­edge of Hebrew necessary. Nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction, poetry, and essays under such headings as assimilation (ideal or aberration?); ghetto and world; secularlism versus tra­dition; ethnicity, land, and universalism; nation, religion, state; utopias and revolutions; nostalgia, self-hate, rejuvenation; portrayal of anti-Semitism in literature. Readings and lectures in English.

• NELC-N 588 Recent Hebrew Literature in English (3 cr.) No knowl­edge of Hebrew necessary. Fiction, poetry, and essays, with relevance to contemporary issues, such as the past (burden or asset?); the meeting of Europe and Near East; the kibbutz; ideal and reality; Jews, Arabs, Canaanites; diaspora and center; the personal and the collective; inwardness or realism; wars, holocausts, peace. Readings and lectures in English.

• NELC-N 591 Directed Readings in Hebrew (1-6 cr.) In this course stu­dents will read and analyze Hebrew or translated texts that are selected in accordance with the student’s level and interests. 

• NELC-N 675 The Kibbutz in Fact and Fiction (3 cr.) A survey of the representation of kibbutz ideology and community in Hebrew fiction and anthropological and sociological studies. Compares early representations of the kibbutz with its recent transforma­tions to acquaint students with the impact of this unique social system in Israeli society and culture. 

• NELC-N 687 Modern Hebrew Literature in Hebrew (3 cr.) P: grade of C or better in any Hebrew course above H680 (such as N695, when taught in Hebrew), or equivalent. A survey of nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction, poetry, essays in the original Hebrew under such headings as universalism, assimilation, ghetto and world; secularism versus tradition; ethnicity and land nation, religion, state; utopia and revolutions; nostalgia, self-hate, rejuvenation; portrayal of anti-Semitism in literature. Readings, assignments, and discussion in Hebrew.

• NELC-N 691 Research in Medieval Hebrew Texts (3 cr.) This course provides intensive training in the use of medieval Hebrew as a research tool. Emphasis will be placed on the accurate reading and translating of medieval texts, on grammatical and stylistic characteristics of the texts, and on the use of appropriate lexi­cal. Variable topic. May be repeated for credit.

• NELC-N 708 Seminar in Judaic Literature (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. This course emphasizes the study of selected representa­tive literary works of classical, medieval, and modern periods; original texts or translation.

Persian Language and Literature

• NELC-P 500 Elementary Persian I (2 cr.) Covers the basic grammar of modern Persian, along with conversation, composi­tion, reading, and translating from selected materials dealing with Iranian civilization. 

• NELC-P 550 Elementary Persian II (2 cr.) Covers the basic grammar of modern Persian, along with conversation, composi­tion, reading, and translating from selected materials dealing with Iranian civilization. 

• NELC-P 600 Intermediate Persian I (3 cr.) Continuation of the elementary Persian level. Review of grammatical structures and vocabulary, reading, and translating short literary and expository texts. 

• NELC-P 650 Intermediate Persian II (3 cr.) Continuation of the elementary Persian level. Review of grammatical structures and vocabulary, reading, and translating short literary and expository texts. 

• NELC-P 565 Introduction to Persian Literature in English (3 cr.) Covers development of Persian literature from its earliest stages in the tenth century A.D. to the present. Although the course covers a period of some 1,000 years, it does so in a way that seeks to provide background information for graduate students who may have an interest in Persian literature. 

• NELC-N 592 Directed Readings in Persian (1-6 cr.) Readings in Persian or translated texts selected in accordance with the student’s level and interests. 

• NELC-N 685 Persian Mystical Literature in Translation (3 cr.) Exam­ines the Persian literature of Islamic mysticism in English trans­lation. Following an introduction to the history and doctrines of Sufism, the class will turn to detailed readings and discussions of works in several prose and poetic genres: hagiography, biog­raphy, allegorical epic, mystical lyric, and Gnostic meditation. 

• NELC-N 692 Research in Classical Persian Texts (3 cr.) P: P550 or read­ing knowledge of Persian. Intensive training in classical Persian. Emphasis on the accurate reading and translation of classical texts, their grammatical and stylistic features, and the use of modern and classical lexica. Survey of relevant bibliographic and secondary sources.  Variable topic; may be repeated for credit.

Other Iranian Languages

• NELC-P 660 Middle Iranian Languages (3 cr.) This course provides an introduction to the alphabets, grammar, vocabulary, and texts of various Iranian languages. It emphasizes reading, transcrip­tion, and translation. Religious, commercial, and political documents are examined. Variable topic; may be repeated for credit.

Other Languages

• NELC-K 500 Introduction to Kurdish I (2 cr.) Basic communication skills in Kurdish taught using the Kurmanji Kurdish dialect. Func­tional knowledge of sentence structures and vocabulary.

• NELC-K 550 Introduction to Kurdish II (2 cr.) P: K100 or equivalent proficiency. A continuation of K500. Familiarity with the gram­mar of Kurmanji Kurdish will be strengthened through readings, conversation, and an introduction to Kurdish music, literature, and popular culture.

• NELC-K 600 Intermediate Kurdish I (3 cr.) A continuation of the basic skills taught in the K500-K550 courses with the aim of expand­ing vocabulary and functional grammatical knowledge.

• NELC-K 650 Intermediate Kurdish II (3 cr.) Building upon the foun­dational skills developed in previous semesters, students will continue to solidify their command of vocabulary and their knowledge of grammar.

• NELC-U 500 Elementary Urdu I (2 cr.) An introduction to Urdu, the most important literary language of Islamic India and the national language of modern Pakistan. Designed for students with no previous knowledge of the language. Begins with the alphabet, then moves gradually to develop various language skills: reading, writing, and speaking.

• NELC-U 550 Elementary Urdu II (2 cr.) P: U500 or consent of instructor. Continues skills developed in U500.

General

• NELC-N 511 Foreign Study in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (2-8 cr.) **These courses are eligible for a deferred grade.

• NELC-N 545 Introduction to the Ancient Near East (3 cr.) Introduces ancient Near Eastern cultures from early farmers around 8000 B.C. to the Iron-Age kingdom of the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Iranians. Places emphasis on agriculture, literacy, state­formation, sociopolitical and religious institutions; legal and economic developments. Archaeological and textual informa­tion will be utilized in conjunction with visual aids. 

• NELC-N 565 Introduction to Islamic Civilization (3 cr.) Covers basics of Islamic religion and literature in historical context. Topics include the life of Mohammad, Qur’anic and other teachings of Islam, conquests and caliphates, early successor states, law, sects, theology, philosophy, and the relationship between the state and religion. 

• NELC-N 570 Qur’anic Studies (3 cr.) The Qur’an in its historical role as the Islamic revelation. Particular attention will be paid to its formation and compilation, the structural and stylistic charac­teristics of the text, and its role and function in Islam as well as the different schools of interpretation throughout history, and comparative studies between the Qur’an and the Judeo-Christian scriptures. 

• NELC-N 597 Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (3 cr.) General anthropological introduction to social institutions and cultural forms of the Arab countries of North Africa and the Near East, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan. Topics include ecology, development of Islam and Muslim empires, traditional adaptive strategies, consequences of colonialism, independence and rise of nation-states, impact of modernization, changing concep­tions of kinship, ethnicity, and gender. Credit given for only one of ANTH E600, CEUS U520, or NELC N597. (S&H, CSA)

• NELC-N 640 Prophets, Poets, and Kings: Iranian Civilization (3 cr.) Traces the culture, society, and beliefs within Iran from ancient times through the Muslim conquest until 1800. Focuses on politics, religions, administrative/social institutions, secular/ecclesiastic relations, status of minorities, devotional/commu­nal changes, and Iranian influence on Islamic culture. Dynas­ties covered include Achaemenian through Safavid. Analysis of primary texts in translation.

• NELC-N 650 Modern Iran (3 cr.) Examines the history and culture of Iran from 1500 to the present, with an emphasis on develop­ments in the last century, in particular the role of Shi’ism in shaping the history of modern Iran. Readings will cover the historical, religious, and cultural background; the two great revolutions of the twentieth century; and the role of Iran in recent events in the Middle East.

• NELC-N 680 Islamic Philosophy (3 cr.) Islamic philosophy, a link between classical and medieval European philosophy, has influ­enced the development of the western philosophical tradition. Its contributions to the philosophy of religion reflect its con­temporary value today as a living tradition in Iran. The course will introduce the major philosophers, schools, and issues of Islamic philosophy.

• NELC-N 695 Graduate Topics in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (1-4 cr.) Special readings in Near Eastern issues and problems within an interdisciplinary format. Previous topics include, “Modern Middle East,” “Texts and Authors,” “Cultural History of Turkey,” “Classical Arabic Rhetoric,” and “Modern Persian Literature in Translation.” Variable topics; may be repeated under different topics for credit.

• NELC-N 696 Teaching Less Commonly Taught Languages (3 cr.) Devel­ops and practices skills and techniques for teaching less com­monly taught languages in the context of (a) recent approaches and research into language teaching, (b) national needs and standards, (c) fitting with the IU curriculum for these languages. The course concentrates on languages of the Mid East and Central Asia.

• NELC-N 710 M.A. Thesis (arr. cr.) **These courses are eligible for a deferred grade.

• NELC-N 720 M.A. Thesis (arr. cr.) **These courses are eligible for a deferred grade.

• NELC-N 810 Ph.D. Thesis (arr. cr.) **These courses are eligible for a deferred grade.