University of Pittsburgh

This course is a historical introduction to the religious traditions that developed in ancient Near East and the Mediterranean. Our major emphasis is on the history of the religious traditions that emerged in late antiquity in this area and which continue to be major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Zoroastrianism. We focus on key concepts, historical developments, and contemporary issues. Throughout the course, we also examine interactions among these religious traditions.

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In the past several decades and especially since September 11, 2001, policymakers, scholars and individuals have been debating issues related to the compatibility of Islam and democracy, the growth of violent Islamist movements, and the causes of terrorism and suicide bombings. In many instances, such debates seem to boil down to a “clash of civilization.” To explore these issues we will examine a diverse body of literature drawing on political science, anthropology, economics, sociology, and history.

This course will examine armed struggle, resistance, insurgency, terrorism and actions by non-state actors in the Middle East. We will consider the politics and actions of different groups, as well as the way people live during situations of conflict involving such non-state actors. We will explore meanings of violence, the logic of armed groups, and the implications of killing in warfare. We will also analyze the role of the state vis-a-vis these actors and the part the state plays in violent confrontation.

This course will examine armed struggle, resistance, insurgency, terrorism and actions by non-state actors in the Middle East. We will consider the politics and actions of different groups, as well as the way people live during situations of conflict involving such non-state actors. We will explore meanings of violence, the logis of armed groups, and the implications of killing in warfare. We will also analyze the role of the state vis-a-vis these actors and the part the state plays in violent confrontation.

This course aims to present a survey of contemporary Arab society, culture and politics. It draws on a mix of recent materials (including media, development reports, modern social histories, essays and criticism) to contribute to an understanding of modern Arab history and society, and the place of the Arabs in the contemporary world. The course will cover the field through student reports on cultural and social debates permeating Arab newspapers, magazines, films, literature, and public intellectual debate

This is a one-credit Arabic Language trailer to PS 1384/ANTH 1737 that will provide an opportunity to develop vocabulary in the Anthropology and Political Science disciplines. The trailer will expand course content through articles, chapters and other media in Arabic.

This course will examine the various debates circulating in and around the Arab world related to the culture and politics of Arab societies. We will explore questions of representation in the region, whether that is Arab representations of themselves, Arab representations by the other, or minority struggles for representation. We will look at the relationship between individual, society and the state, and think critically about each of these concepts as they reproduce themselves and social relations.

A survey of the developing political systems of the Middle East and their positions in world affairs. Considered are the nature of political leadership, the challenge of generating political legitimacy, the emergence of militant Islam, and the legacy of Western and Soviet imperialisms. The course will examine the states of Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Israel as well as the Palestinians within a political development framework. (Comparative Field)

The Renaissance was a decisive movement in world history. It developed as a cultural and intellectual movement in the global context. Between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, Europe and Muslim world engaged in intense exchange of ideas, objects, and skills shaped the Renaissance in Europe and in the Muslim World. This course will begin with a critical history of the evolution of the term.