NES 4560

Theory and Method in Near Eastern Studies

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Seminar offering advanced Near Eastern Studies students the opportunity to read and discuss the range of theories and methods that have been employed by scholars in the interdisciplinary area of Near Eastern Studies. After giving attention to the historical development of area studies programs–and their current status and relevance–students read a wide range of highly influential works in Near Eastern Studies. Literary theory, historiography, post-colonialism, queer and gender theory, and comparative religions are a few of the approaches, methods, and theories explored. Authors include Aziz al-Azmeh, Homi Bhabha, Edward Said, James George Frazer, J.Z. Smith, Talal Asad, Michel Foucault and Roland Barthes.

Distribution Requirements (CA-AG), (GLC-AS)

Exploratory Studies (CU-ITL)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP, 2022SP

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