Honours World Islamic & Middle East Studies (60 credits)

Offered by: Islamic Studies     Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Program Requirements

World Islamic and Middle East Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on Muslim cultures and societies both past and present. Recognizing the variety of approaches within Islam, its global reach, but also its regional specificities, and that of the Middle East in particular, the program aims at providing students with training in the textual traditions and social life of Muslims across different times and places.

For information about instructors and course descriptions, visit the program’s website at http://www.mcgill.ca/islamicstudies/.

Honours students must maintain a program GPA of 3.30 in their World Islamic and Middle East Studies courses and, according to Faculty regulations, a minimum CGPA of 3.00 in general.

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • ISLA 495 World Islamic and Middle East Studies Research Seminar (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Research seminar on topics in world Islamic and Middle East studies.

    Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024

    Instructors: Medani, Khalid (Fall) Hartman, Michelle Laura (Winter)

    • Restriction(s): Open to final year WI&MES Joint Honours and Honours students and to others by permission of the Program Coordinator.

    • Not open to students who have taken MEST 495.

  • ISLA 496 Independent Reading and Research (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Supervised independent reading and research on an approved topic.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Restriction(s): Open to WI&MES Honours students and to others by permission of the Program Coordinator.

    • Not open to students who have taken MEST 496.

Complementary Courses (54 credits)

54 credits of complementary courses selected from the World Islamic and Middle East Studies course lists as follows:

18-21 credits (3 levels) in one language: Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or Urdu (lists below).

33-36 credits (33 if Introductory Arabic has been chosen), distributed as follows:

3 credits of 100-/200-level non-language ISLA courses;

12 credits of 300-level non-language ISLA courses;

9 credits of 400-/500-level non-language ISLA courses;

9-12 credits at any level, including more language courses, but no more than 9 credits overall at the 100-/200-level. Students might fulfill these credits by taking complementary courses from other departments listed as relevant to the program.

Languages (18-21 credits)

Arabic

  • ISLA 221D1 Introductory Arabic (4.5 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, including pronunciation and reading and writing of the Arabic script; and speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Jawlakh, Hala; Gohar, Shokry; Munir, Muhammad Ahmad (Fall)

    • Prerequisites: Permission of the Institute required.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA521D1/D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 221D1 and ISLA 221D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

    • Students must register for both ISLA221D1 and ISLA 221D2.

  • ISLA 221D2 Introductory Arabic (4.5 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 221D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Gohar, Shokry; Jawlakh, Hala; Munir, Muhammad Ahmad (Winter)

  • ISLA 322 Lower Intermediate Arabic (6 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, including the conditional sentence, case endings, and verbs and verbal constructions.

    Terms: Summer 2024, Fall 2023, Winter 2024

    Instructors: Jawlakh, Hala (Summer) Gohar, Shokry; Munir, Muhammad Ahmad (Fall) Gohar, Shokry; Munir, Muhammad Ahmad; Jawlakh, Hala (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 221D1/D2 or ISLA 521D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the Institute.

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 522 or ISLA 522D1/D2.

    • Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Arabic grammar and vocabulary.

  • ISLA 322D1 Lower Intermediate Arabic (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, including the conditional sentence, case endings, and verbs and verbal constructions.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Gohar, Shokry; Munir, Muhammad Ahmad (Fall)

  • ISLA 322D2 Lower Intermediate Arabic (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 322D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Gohar, Shokry; Munir, Muhammad Ahmad; Jawlakh, Hala (Winter)

  • ISLA 423D1 Higher Intermediate Arabic (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Introduction to advanced grammatical constructions and vocabulary through readings of longer texts in Arabic, as well as conversation, and exposure to video/audio cultural materials. Continued exposition of Arabic grammar, including active and passive participles, conjunction of irregular verbs, and active and passive voices.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Wisnovsky, Robert; Gohar, Shokry; Jawlakh, Hala (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 322D1/D2 or ISLA 322 or ISLA 522D1/D2 or ISLA 522 or placement test or permission of the instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 523D1/D2.

    • Fall and Winter

    • Students must register for both ISLA 423D1 and ISLA 423D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 423D1 and ISLA 423D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

    • Students are expected to have knowledge of intermediate-level Arabic grammar and vocabulary.

  • ISLA 423D2 Higher Intermediate Arabic (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 423D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Wisnovsky, Robert; Gohar, Shokry; Jawlakh, Hala (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 423D1

    • Fall and Winter

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 423D1 and ISLA 423D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

    • Students are expected to have knowledge of intermediate-level Arabic grammar and vocabulary.

  • ISLA 524 Advanced Arabic 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Advanced level of the Arabic language study.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Gohar, Shokry; Jawlakh, Hala (Fall)

  • ISLA 525 Advanced Arabic 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Advanced level of the Arabic language study.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 524 or placement test or permission of the instructor.

    • Note: Language of instruction is Arabic.

Persian

  • ISLA 241D1 Introductory Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Introduction to the Persian language, beginning with pronouncing, reading and writing the Persian script, and moving to vocabulary and grammatical structures needed to communicate in simple dialogues, read simple texts, and write simple paragraphs.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: Placement test or permission of the instructor

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 541 D1/D2.

    • Students must register for both ISLA 241D1 and ISLA 241D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 241D1 and ISLA 241D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

  • ISLA 241D2 Introductory Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 241D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 241D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 241D1 and ISLA 241D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

  • ISLA 342D1 Lower Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, and reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, embedded within a variety of short authentic Persian texts.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 241D1/D2 or ISLA 541 D1/D2, placement test, or permission of the instructor.

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 542D1/D2.

    • Students must register for both ISLA 342D1 and ISLA 342D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 342D1 and ISLA 342D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

    • Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Persian grammar and vocabulary.

  • ISLA 342D2 Lower Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 342D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Winter)

  • ISLA 443D1 Upper Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Introduction to authentic texts about Persian culture, history, geography, politics, arts, and other topics relevant to Iran, as well as canonical poems of various modern and classical poets, and selected Persian proverbs and their meanings and connotations.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Sanei, Taraneh (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 342D1/D2 or ISLA 542D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 543 and ISLA 544.

    • Note: Language of instruction is Persian.

    • Students must register for both ISLA 443D1 and ISLA 443D2

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 443D1 and ISLA 443D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 443D2 Upper Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 443D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Borhan, Behzad (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 443D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 443D1 and ISLA 443D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 545 Advanced Persian 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Advanced level of Persian language study.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • ISLA 546 Advanced Persian 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Advanced level of Persian language study.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 545 or placement test or permission of the instructor.

    • Note: Language of instruction is Persian.

Turkish

Urdu

  • ISLA 251D1 Introductory Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Introduction to Urdu-Hindi language including pronunciation and reading and writing of either Urduor Hindi script, speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Khan, Pasha; Shaikh, Sabeena (Fall)

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA551D1/D2.

    • Students must register for both ISLA251D1 and ISLA 251D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 251D1 and ISLA 251D2are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

  • ISLA 251D2 Introductory Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 251D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Khan, Pasha (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 251D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 251D1 and ISLA 251D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

  • ISLA 352D1 Intermediate Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, and reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive, future, and past tenses.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Shaikh, Sabeena; Khan, Pasha (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 251D1/D2 or ISLA 551D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 552D1/D2.

    • Students must register for both ISLA352D1 and ISLA 352D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 352D1 and ISLA 352D2 are successfully completed inconsecutive terms.

    • Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Urdu-Hindi grammar and vocabulary.

  • ISLA 352D2 Intermediate Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 352D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Shaikh, Sabeena (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 352D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 352D1 and ISLA 352D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

    • Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Urdu-Hindi grammar and vocabulary.

  • ISLA 553 Advanced Urdu-Hindi 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Builds upon Intermediate Urdu-Hindi to introduce students to advanced grammatical constructions through reading of longer texts in the Urdu or Hindi script, conversation, and video/audio cultural materials.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Khan, Pasha; Shaikh, Sabeena (Fall)

  • ISLA 554 Advanced Urdu-Hindi 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Advanced study of grammatical constructions through reading long texts in the Urdu or Hindi script, conversation, and video/audio cultural materials.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Shaikh, Sabeena (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 553 or permission of the instructor.

ISLA 100-/200-Level

3 credits from:

  • ISLA 199 FYS: Narrations of the Middle East (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : An introduction to competing narratives about crucial moments in the history and culture of the Middle East. Reading and discussion of texts drawn from a variety of perspectives and genres, including historical accounts, poetry, fiction, memoir and others.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Fall

    • Restriction(s): Only open to newly-admitted students in U0 or U1, who may take only one FYS.

    • Note: Enrollment limit 25. Students who register for more than one FYS will be obliged to withdraw from all but one of them.

    • Note: Language of instruction is English.

  • ISLA 200 Islamic Civilization (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : An introduction to, and survey of, the religious, literary, artistic, legal, philosophical and scientific traditions that constituted Islamic civilization from the 7th Century until the mid-19th Century.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Hartman, Michelle Laura (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Note: All readings are in English.

  • ISLA 210 Muslim Societies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : An introduction to the different, often disparate, ways in which Muslims live and think in the modern world (19th-21st centuries). Muslim social contexts across the globe and cyberspace.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Manoukian, Setrag (Winter)

    • Winter

ISLA 300-Level

12 credits from:

  • ISLA 310 Women in Islam (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The socio-legal status, conditions, and experiences of various groups of women in Middle Eastern societies. These features are explored within the framework of Islamic feminism and Western feminist discourses, and the tensions and conflicts between them. The dynamics of seclusion, veiling, and polygamy are explored in connection to Medieval Arab ruling elites as a background to some of the discussions and debates over the status of women in modern postcolonial Arab society. Socio-economic divisions, state policies, patriarchy, and colonialism are investigated as key factors in understanding the modern historical transformation of gendered relations and women's roles.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Abisaab, Malek (Winter)

  • ISLA 315 Ottoman State and Society to 1839 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The emergence and development of the Ottoman Empire from its beginnings around 1300 until the Tanzimat Edict of Reform in 1839. A trajectory of Ottoman history from a small principality to a centralized empire, then to a decentralized governmental structure. In addition to chronological developments, questions of imperialideology and the management of ethnically and religiously diverse communities across a vast territory. Exploration of the place of the Ottomans in the early modern world, and their ideological and diplomatic rivalry with other major empires.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Gürbüzel, Aslihan (Fall)

  • ISLA 325 Introduction to Shi'i Islam (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Developments in doctrines, legal school, rituals and political thought of Twelver Shi'ite Muslims during early and late medieval periods (centuries VII-XIII). The emergence of the earliest Shi'ite communities in Arabia, Yemen, Iraq and Iran stressing the relationship of the Shi'ite Imams and their religious scholars to the Sunnite Caliphates.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Abisaab, Rula (Winter)

    • Winter

  • ISLA 330 Islamic Mysticism: Sufism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The varieties of "mystical" thought in Islam, primarily as seen in Sufism, its historical development and its place in Islamic culture. Analytical study of major authors, their writings and their central problems.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Khan, Pasha (Winter)

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 340 Islamic Law and Human Rights (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The impact of modernity on Islamic legal discourse and practice, with particular focus on hermeneutical approaches devised to create an overlapping consensus with liberal democracy. The counter discourse – popularly known as Salafism -- to which Islamic modernism gave rise will also be examined.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 345 Science and Civilization in Islam (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : History of scientific traditions and ideas in Islamic civilization, from the origins of Islam to the early modern period. Emphasis is on the derivation, development and transmissions of Islamic science, as well as on the assimilation and influence of science within Islamic culture.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of the instructor.

    • Note: All readings are in English.

  • ISLA 350 From Tribe to Dynasty (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The political and intellectual developments shaping Arab and Persian societies from the rise of Islam in the 7th century until the early mid 8th century, including the major social changes, political revolts, religious schisms, and the consolidation of lasting cultural institutions.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Fall

  • ISLA 355 Modern History of the Middle East (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Assessment of the historical transformation of the modern Middle East concentrating on its internal socio-economic changes, as well as the colonial experience and encounters with the West since the early 19th century. Examination of the historical conditions that led to the rise of nationalism, the nation-state, the Arab-Israeli conflict.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 360 Islam and Politics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Assessment of the relationship between Islam and politics in the contemporary Middle East and Africa through various analytic themes, including political economy, social movement and gendered analysis.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 370 The Qur’an: History and Interpretation (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : It examines the history of the codification of the text, its form, and modes of interpretation in both the modern and pre-modern periods. Presentation of different schools of Qur’anic exegesis, including traditional hermeneutical approaches, and modern approaches such as feminist interpretations of the Qur’ān.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Abdel-Latif, Sara (Winter)

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA 200 or permission of instructor

  • ISLA 380 Islamic Philosophy and Theology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : A survey of the most important philosophers and theologians in Islamic intellectual history, with a focus on the theories they articulated and the movements they engendered. The impact of European thought on 19th and 20th century Islamic intellectual history is also examined.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.

    • Note: Reading and discussion in English.

  • ISLA 383 Central Questions in Islamic Law (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : An integrative view of Islamic law in the past and present, including landmarks in Islamic legal history (e.g., sources of law; early formation; intellectual make-up; the workings of court; legal change; legal effects of colonialism; modernity and legal reform) and a structured definition of what it was/is.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Young, Walter (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 385 Poetics and Politics in Arabic Literature (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Major issues in classical and modern Arabic literature; how poetics and politics interact in classical and modern, popular folktales and high literature, novels and poetry. The politics of translation from Arabic into English.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Hartman, Michelle Laura (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.

    • Note: Reading and discussion in English.

  • ISLA 388 Persian Literature (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Examination of literature produced in the Persian-speaking world from the mid 10th to the late 20th century C.E. A broad selection of texts (prose and poetry) will be studied in translation.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.

    • Note: Readings in English.

  • ISLA 392 Arabic Literature as World Literature (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Consideration of Arabic literature as part of world literature, including exploration of tensions between reading Arabic literature as local, discrete and self-contained and as part of larger global phenomena.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.

ISLA 400-/500-Level

9 credits from:

  • ISLA 410 History: Middle-East 1798-1918 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : A study of the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt to the end of WWI. Emphasis will be on the emergence of nationalisms in the context of European imperialism; political, social, and economic transformation; religion and ideology; and changing patterns of alliances.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Parsons, Laila (Fall)

    • 3 hours

  • ISLA 411 History: Middle-East 1918-1945 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The impact of WWI on Middle Eastern society and politics; the British and French mandates; the growth of nationalisms, revolutions and the formation of national states; WW II and the clash of political interests within the region.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • 3 hours

  • ISLA 415 Modern Iran: Anthropological Approach (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The modern history, social, and cultural anthropology of contemporary Iran.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 420 Indo-Islamic Civilization: Medieval (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The rise of Islam in South Asia in the 8th Century and its subsequent expansion; evolution of Indo-Islamic civilization and its apogee during Mughal rule up to 1707. Themes include state and religion; ruling institutions; political theory, Sufism and the process of conversion, as well as the formation of a composite culture.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 421 Islamic Culture - Indian Subcontinent (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Survey of Islamic culture (faith systems, literature, music, art) on the Indian subcontinent from the early modern period to the present, with a focus on conflict and relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, and between majority and minority Muslim groups.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • ISLA 430 Islamdom: Baghdad to Cordoba (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The course examines the major socio-political developments in Iraq, Persia, Syria, Egypt, North Africa and Spain from the 9th to the 13th Century. Emphasis is laid on the Umayyad Caliphate centered in Cordoba, and the 'Abbasid Caliphate centered in Baghdad, and the rise of important local dynasties leading up to the Mongol invasion. The course underscores the formation of Islamic cultures in distinct geographical settings and the transformation of religious life under new socio-economic conditions. It also explores shifting notions of civil society and orthodoxy.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • ISLA 488 Tales of Wonder-Islamic World (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Reading of literary masterpieces of Islamic world focused on three collections of marvelous tales in Arabic, Persian and Urdu: The Arabian Nights, the Shahnameh, and the Adventures of Amir Hamza. May include film screenings, visual art, viewing of rare materials.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA 200, ISLA 210, or permission of instructor.

    • Taught in translation.

  • ISLA 502 Art in the Age of Empires (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : This course offers a wide-ranging survey of visual culture under the three Muslim superpowers of the early modern period: the Mediterranean-based Ottomans, the Safavids of Iran, and the Mughals of India. The course will examine the nature of these states and their distinctive and vibrant artistic idiom on a comparative basis. Topics include the formation of imperial ideology and its visual articulation; palaces and court culture; artistic organization, authorship, and agency; patronage, gender, piety, as well as cross-cultural interaction.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA 320 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 505 Islam: Origin and Early Development (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The Qur'an, Hadith, the Shari'a and their major themes. The early development of law, theology and Sufism. The development and formation of an Islamic "orthodoxy", the development and nature of competing interpretations of Islam during the Classical Period. Topics: God, revelation, prophecy, the community and the individual and the meaning of history.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • 3 hours

  • ISLA 506 Revolutions in the Arab World (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : How the basic elements of Islam have been understood in the course of later Islamic history up to the present day. The nature and development of Shi'ism, Sufi brotherhoods, major intellectual trends, Islam in a world of nation states, diaspora. The challenges of modernity and the contemporary world.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • 3 hours

  • ISLA 512 Art of the Ottoman Empire (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : This course examines artistic production of the large and long-lived empire of the Ottomans. Focusing on key monuments of art and architecture, discussion will revolve around issues relating to imperial identity, patronage, court-culture, and cross-cultural exchange.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA 320 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 515 The Medieval School in Islam (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Schooling in medieval Islamic society particularly in Iraq, Greater Syria, Persia, and Egypt. Sheds light on the structure of learning, aims of education, the life of students including women, and their relationship to their teachers. Illuminates forms of academic evaluation, and looks closely at the "scholarly license" as an accrediting tool delineating its function and scope. Through a set of representative studies on the medieval school, it brings attention to the heated debates surrounding the academic rigor of this form of learning, and the place of scientific learning in it, as well as the historical connection between it and the early European college.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Abisaab, Rula (Winter)

  • ISLA 516 Medieval Islam, 13th-15th Century (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The historical circumstances surrounding the Crusades against Muslims in Greater Syria and Egypt. The socio-economic, political, and cultural transformation of Muslim society following the destruction of the Abbasid Caliphate, and the rise of the Ikl-Khanid Mongols in Iran and Iraq, as well as the Mamluks in Syria and Egypt. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of new Persian, Turkish, and Indian populations into Islamic imperial culture.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • ISLA 526 Colloquial Arabic (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Dialectical vocabulary and grammar structures.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Gohar, Shokry (Winter)

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA322D1/D2 or equivalent, placement test, or permission of the instructor.

  • ISLA 555 Urdu Poetry (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Interpretation of Urdu poetry for students with intermediate to advanced-level knowledge of Urdu-Hindi language. Includes advanced grammar topics, cultural and historical background, and interpretation and analysis.

    Terms: Summer 2024

    Instructors: Khan, Pasha (Summer)

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA 352D1/D2 or permission of the instructor.

  • ISLA 585 Arab Women's Literature (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Explorations of writings by Arab women. Issues include: translation/reception, gender and genre, categories of knowledge about Arab women, feminist and post-colonial theories/methodologies.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 392 or permission of instructor.

    • Note: Readings in English translation.

9-12 credits at any level, including ISLA 499, or more language courses (from the language lists above), but no more than 9 credits overall at the 100-/200- level. Students might fulfill these credits by taking complementary courses from other departments listed as relevant to the program.

Non-ISLA Courses

  • ANTH 327 Anthropology of South Asia (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : An introduction to anthropological research in India and greater South Asia. Topics include politics, caste, class, religion, gender and sexuality, development and globalization.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Rathee, Vineet (Winter)

  • HIST 240 Modern History of Islamic Movements (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Islamic revival in the Middle East which led to the rise of different versions of Islamic traditions and beliefs. Emphasis on the nature and character of leading nationalist and Islamic movements and their ideologues since the late 19th century.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 435 Topics in South Asian History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : In-depth discussion and research on a topic in the history of South Asia.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Basu, Subho (Winter)

  • JWST 220D1 Introductory Hebrew (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Language acquisition - introductory Hebrew.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Fima, Lea; Michaeli, Rina (Fall)

  • JWST 220D2 Introductory Hebrew (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : See JWST 220D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Fima, Lea; Michaeli, Rina (Winter)

  • JWST 261 History of Jewish Philosophy and Thought (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : An introduction to Jewish philosophy and thought from the Hellenistic period (Philo) to the beginning of the modern era (Spinoza) focusing on topics such as prophecy and philosophy, God and the world; the Law as a canon of ethical rules and as a political constitution. Survey of the treatment of such issues by Jewish thinkers from Philo to Maimonides.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Kaplan, Lawrence (Fall)

  • JWST 320D1 Intermediate Hebrew (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : This course is designed to integrate students at various levels into one group with the aim of improving their basic language skills and preparing them for advanced Hebrew.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Michaeli, Rina (Fall)

  • JWST 320D2 Intermediate Hebrew (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : See JWST 320D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Michaeli, Rina (Winter)

  • JWST 323 The Israeli Novel (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : In-depth examination of selected Israeli novels written during the past fifty years of national formation and consolidation. Authors may include Agnon, Yehoshua, Oz, Shabtai, Shalev and others.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • JWST 338 Jewish Philosophy and Thought 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Focuses on either a period, a current of thought or the work of a thinker in the history of Jewish thought from the Middle Ages to Modern Times, paying particular attention to the relationship of Jewish thinkers to intellectual trends in their respective cultural contexts. themes and concerns of Jewish theology and on Jewish responses to contemporary trends in European thought.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • JWST 340D1 Advanced Hebrew (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Language acquisition - advanced Hebrew.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Fima, Lea (Fall)

  • JWST 340D2 Advanced Hebrew (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : See JWST 340D1 for course description.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Fima, Lea (Winter)

  • JWST 366 History of Zionism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : An examination of the development of the Zionist idea, the most influential expression of modern Jewish nationalism, which led to the creation of the Jewish state. The transformation of elements of traditional Jewish messianism into a modern political ideology. Hibbat Zion, Political Zionism, Cultural and Synthetic Zionism will be discussed.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • JWST 367 Hebrew through Israeli Cinema (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : An opportunity to analyze Israeli cinema from different periods, spanning 1948 to the present. While participating primarily in Hebrew with some assignments in English, students in this course will be invited to engage actively with the social, political, psychological and aesthetic dimensions of these films.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Fima, Lea (Fall)

    • For detailed course content go to www.mcgill.ca/jewishstudies/undergraduates.

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: JWST 340 or permission of instructor

    • This course is conducted at an advanced level of Hebrew. Please contact the instructor to assess your language proficiency.

  • JWST 368 A Taste of Hebrew Literature (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : An introduction to short literary forms in Hebrew from the mid-20th Century to the present. Short stories and poems will be discussed in terms of their literary qualities, as well as in relation to their cultural, social, political and historical contexts with the ultimate aim of fostering an improved ability to read, write and speak in Hebrew.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • For detailed course content go to www.mcgill.ca/jewishstudies/undergraduates.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: JWST 340 or permission of instructor

    • This class is conducted at an advanced level of Hebrew. Please contact the instructor to assess your language proficiency.

  • JWST 369 History of the Hebrew Language (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : An exploration of the evolution of the Hebrew language from Biblical texts to contemporary Israeli slang, including Rabbinical commentary, Medieval hymns, poetry by Jewish authors of the Islamic world, Haskalah literature in the modern Jewish Enlightenment, and contemporary texts to showcase the revival of a spoken Hebrew after 2000 years in exile. Linguistic patterns, literary structures and vocabulary.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • For detailed course content go to www.mcgill.ca/jewishstudies/undergraduates.

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: JWST 340 or permission of instructor

    • This course is conducted at an advanced level of Hebrew. Please contact the instructor to assess your language proficiency.

  • JWST 370 Israeli Popular Culture (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Israel's multifaceted contemporary culture including music, theatre and the visual arts, as well as stand-up comedy, dance, film and TV series, and contemporary Israeli society.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • For detailed course content go to www.mcgill.ca/jewishstudies/undergraduates.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: JWST 340 or permission of instructor

    • This course is conducted at an advanced level of Hebrew. Please contact the instructor to assess your language proficiency.

  • PHIL 356 Early Medieval Philosophy (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : An examination of selected works in the Christian, Islamic and Jewish traditions. Topics in moral and political philosophy, logic and metaphysics, philosophical psychology and epistemology, philosophy of science, and philosophical theology may be discussed.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • POLI 340 Developing Areas/Middle East (3 credits)

    Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Political Science : An examination of the societies, political forces and regimes of selected countries of the Eastern Arab world (Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia).

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Brynen, Rex (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor

    • Note: The area in the field of Comparative Politics is Developing Areas.

  • POLI 341 Foreign Policy: The Middle East (3 credits)

    Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Political Science : An examination of the changing regional security environment and the evolving foreign policies and relationships of Arab states in three areas - relations with non-Arab regional powers (Israel, Iran), inter-Arab relations, Great Power relations. The course will focus particularly on Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: A 200- or 300- level course in International Relations or Middle East politics or permission of the instructor

    • Note: The field is International Politics.

  • POLI 347 Arab-Israel Conflict, Crisis, Peace (3 credits)

    Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Political Science : Concepts - protracted conflict, crisis, war, peace; system, subsystem; Conflict-levels of analysis; historical context; images and issues; attitudes, policies, role of major powers; Crises-Wars - configuration of power; crisis models; decision-making in 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982 crisis-wars; conflict- crisis management; Peace-Making - pre-1977; Egypt-Israel peace treaty; Madrid, Oslo, Israel-Jordan peace; prospects for conflict resolution.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: 160-243 prior to 1997-98; or POLI 244

    • Note: The field is International Politics.

  • RELG 204 Judaism, Christianity and Islam (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : An introduction to the beliefs, practices, and religious institutions of these three world religions.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: de Carvalho, Matheus; Cere, Daniel M; Abdul Salam, Fawaz (Winter)

    • Winter

  • RELG 307 Bible, Quran and Interpretations (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures as responses to earlier sacred texts and in the light of post-scriptural interpretations. The debates, polemics, interpretative strategies, and intellectual and spiritual sharing produced by these three religions in accepting, explaining, amplifying, modifying, and selectively rejecting their and other sacred scriptures.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Winter

  • RELG 309 World Religions and Cultures They Create (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : The constitution and mutual entanglements of selected religions and cultures originating and thriving in varied regional contexts. Focus on highlighting the symbolic (visual, aural) expressivity of religions via ritual, myth, and rational speculation and its impact on high and popular cultures.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Salvatore, Armando (Winter)

  • RELG 573 Religions in Global Society (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : This seminar is devoted to the study of a plurality of often intersecting religious traditions in a globalizing world, based on interdisciplinary scholarship drawing from history, sociology, anthropology and archaeology. It starts from locating religious phenomena within intersecting social, cultural and political fabrics around the world. It articulates the relation between a multi-faith appreciation of the role of religions in a variety of societies and the emergence of diverse patterns of secularity in them. It facilitates a rich understanding of a complex past to shed light on the new challenges of globalization, including the opening of horizons of postsecular understandings and arrangements.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Faculty of Arts—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 31, 2023) (disclaimer)
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