College of Arts & Sciences
Core Courses
SOCY-225: Arab Societies
This course introduces students to the twenty-two nations of the Arab world. Themes covered include popular images in the media, politics, economics, religion, and gender and sexuality. Comparisons between countries, both macro and micro, are emphasized throughout the course. Usually offered every term.
Sociology
SOCY-150: Global Sociology
An introduction to sociology that focuses on the process of global social change as a critical factor in understanding contemporary societies. It emphasizes macrosociology (the study of large organizations and whole societies) and the creation of today's global society, including similarities and differences within it. Two major themes - modernization and globalization - are emphasized and their implications for individuals, groups, communities, societies, and governments are explored. Usually offered every term.
SOCY-315: Classical Social Theory
Examines the contributions of major thinkers in social theory. Focus on both "classical" thinkers, such as Marx, Durkheim, and Weber, and more contemporary theorists, such as George Herbert Mead, Talcot Parsons, and Simone de Beauvoir. Traces formative influences on existing schools of social theory. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: SOCY-100 or SOCY-110 or SOCY-150
SOCY-320: Introduction to Social Research
An introduction to the major research methods in social science, their links to theory and practice, and their use in research projects. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: SOCY-100 or SOCY-110 or SOCY-150.
SOCY-322: Qualitative Research Methods
This course is an in-depth exploration of qualitative sociological research methods with an emphasis on the particularities of qualitative coding and data analysis. Students learn about interviews, content analysis, participant observation, comparative historical methods, and focus groups through readings and practical exercises. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: SOCY-100 or SOCY-110 or SOCY-150.
SOCY-370: Power, Politics & Society
Political sociology in a comparative global perspective including the role and functions of the state; relative state autonomy; state legitimacy; forms of democracy and democratization processes; state and civil society; political ideology and culture; and ethnicity, nationalism, and the state. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite: SOCY-100 or SOCY-110 or SOCY-150.
Anthropology
ANTH-215: Sex, Culture and Gender*
How economic systems, social structures, and values construct and redefine biological distinctions between women and men. Includes gender in egalitarian societies; origins and consequences of patriarchy; gay and lesbian cultures; gender, politics, and social change. Case studies from tribal, state-level, and post-colonial contexts. Usually offered every term.
History
HIST-120: Imperialism in History
This course traces the history of modern imperialism and resistance to it. It includes the nature of colonial rule, the rise of modern nationalism and post-colonial states, and the political, social, religious, cultural, demographic, environmental, economic, and intellectual revolutions that produced and were produced by the rise of modern empires.
HIST-250: Empires and States in East Asia
This course examines the origins and history of multiple imperial traditions throughout East Asian history, including ancient China (origins to 221 B.C.); Chinese empires (221 B.C. to 1912); the Japanese empire (1895-1945); and modern East Asia (1600-present).
Literature
LIT-135: Critical Approach to Cinema*
Analysis of film content and style through screenings and substantial readings in aesthetic theory and film history. Also considers social issues, cultural artifacts, and forms of artistic expression. Usually offered every term..
School of International Service
SISU-206: Intro to International Studies Research
Introduction to scientific method, data gathering, research design, statistical analysis, and computer applications for international relations and comparative studies research. The course is designed for the beginning student and employs a hands-on approach. The course also develops the analytical skills students need as active consumers of research findings. Applications are geared to research projects to be encountered in subsequent SIS courses. Usually offered every term. May be taken A-F only.
SISU-365-001: Identity and Culture: Mideast
Examines the nineteenth century Islamic reform movements in the Middle East and North Africa and the twentieth century neo-fundamentalist militant movements. The conflict between these movements and the forms of secular nationalism that developed during the same period, as well as the impact of Islamic movements on societies oriented toward Westernization and nationalism.
SISU-365-002: World of Islam
The inner dynamic of Islamic culture and an inside look at the workings of Islamic society, a society seen as a whole with its own characteristic inner force and propellant. Original readings illustrating the Islamic paradigm and discussion of the complex relationship among reform, renewal, and fundamentalism stemming from this paradigm.
SISU-385: Islam and Democracy
The purpose of democracy in Islam is primarily to serve the community--the collective good--rather than the individual, while democracy in Western liberalism underscores individualism. However, as in other religions, there are democratic precepts and practices in Islam which promote the rights of the individual. This course seeks answers to questions raised by Islam's relation to democracy, including what Islamic traditions, precepts, and practices are most promising for the support of democracy; the ramifications of an Islamic civil society; what roles women play; and the most important issues and forces behind contemporary Islamic activism for democracy. Prerequisite: SISU-206 and SISU-280. May be taken A-F only.
SISU-475-003: Protest and Change in the Middle East
This course focuses on the recent revolutions, protests, and uprisings sweeping the Middle East and North Africa. Organized around a number of country case studies (including Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Yemen, and Iraq), students consider how movements demanding change occurred, the specific changes sought, and the prospects for the realization of democracy and other rights. In considering the various transformations and calls for transformation taking shape, students examine both the historical backdrop and modern-day dimensions, including the role of social media and the internet. Finally, the course examines the broader internal, international, and global implications of the new Middle Eastern landscape. Meets with SIS-676-007.
SISU-475-004: Oil, Islam and Politics in the Gulf
The September 11th attack, the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the recent oil boom focused increasing attention to the strategically important region of the Arab Gulf. The significance of Saudi Arabia to global terrorism and Dubai to global markets demands greater attention be paid to the political dynamics of these states. Meanwhile, the past decade has seen the Arab states of the Gulf experimenting with new means of broadening political participation and renegotiating state relations with private business. This course surveys the domestic and international pressures for these actions to assess both the potential for and implications of reform in the Arab Gulf states. By building an analytic framework based on the nexus of economic, social, religio-political, and geo-strategic forces at work in the Gulf, students are able to recognize the different choices made by each Gulf state, and to address the broader consequences of the global war on terror, unrest in Iraq and Iran, and the oil windfall and credit crunch in the Gulf. Meets with SIS-676 005.
SISU-393: International Relations Theory
Major trends in recent thought, including systematic and behavioral modes of analysis. Problems of explanation and theory building in social sciences with special reference to international studies. Usually offered every fall. May be taken A-F only.
SISU-260: Identity, Race, Gender and Culture
Explores the complex and dynamic configuration of identity based on race, ethnicity, gender, nationalism, and religion as they relate to specific cultures, globalization, and social discourse. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: SISU-105. May be taken A-F only.
School of Public Affairs
GOVT-110: Politics in the United States
Study of major philosophical concepts that shaped government in the United States combined with an analysis of contemporary political institutions and behavior, focusing on the American governmental system. Four-credit sections include Washington laboratory experiences. Usually offered every term. Note: students may not receive credit for both GOVT-110 and GOVT-120.
School of Communications
Nothing available during current semester.Kogod School of Business
Nothing available during current semester. *Please discuss with Arab Studies Advisor prior to registration for this course.Current Courses
Download PDF of Fall 2013 course offerings.
For current class offerings, times, and additional information, please see Office of the Registrar.