Course Descriptions

AMEL 801, 802 - (1-3) (S)
Independent Research -- Topics in Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A course of specialized language and/or literature study intended to meet the specific needs of advanced students. This course may take the form of directed readings, or of specialized training and work in cognate languages not generally taught.

AMTR 511 - (3) (Y)
Women and Middle Eastern Literatures
Explores some of the basic issues of women's identity in Middle Eastern literature. In a variety of readings (poetry, short story, novel, and autobiography) by men and women, it explores both the image and presence of women in a rich and too-often neglected literature. Taught in English.

Arabic

ARAB 501, 502 - (3) (Y)
Readings in Literary Arabic
Prerequisite: ARAB 202, or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Emphasizes reading of modern texts for oral/aural practice, as well as writing, use of translation being minimal. A test every two weeks usually, with frequent homework assignments. Recorded materials for use outside the classroom provided in language laboratory.

ARAB 523 - (3) (Y)
Arabic Conversation and Composition (in Arabic)
Prerequisite: ARAB 302 or permission of instructor
Emphasizes development of writing and speaking skills, with special attention on grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and the organization and style of different genres.

ARAB 524 - (3) (Y) Advanced Arabic Conversation and Composition (in Arabic)
Prerequisite: ARAB 323 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Develops oral and written proficiency to an advanced level of fluency, with emphasis on speaking and writing.

ARAB 528 - (3) (SI)
The History of the Arabic Language
Prerequisite: At least one year of Arabic or Hebrew, and/or historical linguistics
Traces history of Arabic and its development up to present days. Studies relation of Arabic to other languages that come in contact with it either through genetic relationship, such as Hebrew, Aramaic, or through conquest, such as Persian, Coptic, Berber, and others. External and internal factors of linguistic change to be examined in some detail.

ARAB 583, 584 - (3) (Y)
Topics in Arabic Prose
Prerequisite: For ARAB 583, ARAB 506 or equivalent, or permission of instructor; for ARAB 583, ARAB 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Emphasis on reading modern Arabic prose, and writing descriptive and narrative short essays.

ARAB 585 - (3) (Y)
Media Arabic (in Arabic)
Prerequisite: ARAB 583 and ARAB 584, or ARAB 505 and ARAB 506, or permission of instructor
Examination of electronic (television and radio) and print (newspapers, magazines, periodic publications) Arabic.

ARAB 586 - (3) (Y)
Nineteenth Century Arabic Prose
Prerequisite: ARAB 583 and ARAB 584, or permission of instructor
Examination of Arabic writing in the 19th century, a period of renaissance in the Arabic language.

ARAB 701 - (3) (Y)
Modern Arabic Fiction (in Arabic)
Prerequisite: ARAB 583 and 584, or permission of instructor
Examines the emergence of fiction as a genre in Arabic writing at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, the development of this genre, its maturity and its contribution to the creative process of fiction writing in the world.

ARAB 702 - (3) (Y)
Modern Arabic Drama (in Arabic)
Prerequisite: ARAB 583 and 584, or permission of instructor
Examines the emergence of drama as a genre in Arabic writing at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, the development of this genre, its maturity and its contribution to the creative process of drama writing in the world.

ARAB 703 - (3) (Y)
Modern Arabic Poetry (in Arabic)
Prerequisite: ARAB 583 and 584, or permission of instructor
Examines the development of Arabic Poetry in the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to the emergence of modern Arabic poetry in the fifth decade of the 20th century.

ARAB 783 - (3) (Y)
Readings in Arabic/Islamic Text (in Arabic)
Prerequisite: ARAB 583 and 584, or permission of instructor
Close reading, with emphasis on linguistic and textual analysis of Arabic texts selected from the historical, geographical, grammatical, philological or religious traditions from both the classical and modern period, determined by interest of students or instructor.

ARAB 801, 802 - (1-3) (IR)
Independent Study in Arabic

ARTR 529 - (3) (Y)
Modern Arabic Literature in Translation
Introduction to the development and themes of modern Arabic literature (poetry, short stories, novels and plays). No knowledge of Arabic is required. Taught in English.

Chinese

CHIN 501, 502 - (3) (Y)
Readings in Modern Chinese Literature
Prerequisite: CHIN 202 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Modern Chinese at the advanced level; listening comprehension, reading and discussion in Chinese of various aspects of Chinese culture, society, and literature, using radio broadcasts and selections from newspapers, recent essays, short stories, etc.

CHIN 523 - (3) (Y)
Chinese Conversation and Composition (in Chinese)
Prerequisite: CHIN 502 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Focus is on the development of writing and speaking skills at a higher level than CHIN 502.

CHIN 524 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Chinese Conversation and Composition (in Chinese)
Prerequisite: CHIN 523 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Further develops writing and speaking skills to an advanced level.

CHIN 528 - (3) (Y)
History of the Chinese Language (in Chinese)
Prerequisite: CHIN 523 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Examination of the evolution of the spoken and written language, diachronically and synchronically, from syntactic, phonological, lexical, and graphic perspectives.

CHIN 581 - (3) (Y)
Media Chinese I (in Chinese)
Prerequisite: CHIN 502 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Introduces the electronic and print media in Chinese with special emphasis on current events as reported in the Chinese speaking world, to further develop oral and written proficiency.

CHIN 582 - (3) (Y)
Media Chinese II (in Chinese)
Prerequisite: CHIN 581 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
A continuation of CHIN 581. Introduces the electronic and print media in Chinese with special emphasis on current events as reported in the Chinese speaking world, to further develop oral and written proficiency.

CHIN 583, 584 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Classical Chinese
Prerequisite: CHIN 583 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Introduction to the grammar and structure of classical Chinese.

CHIN 585, 586 - (3) (Y)
Classical Chinese Literature
Prerequisite: CHIN 583, 584 or equivalent
Advanced readings in classical Chinese.

CHIN 701 - (3) (Y)
Modern Chinese Fiction (in Chinese)
Prerequisite: CHIN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Examines the emergence of modern fiction as a genre in Chinese at the beginning of the twentieth century, the influences on development of this genre, its maturity and its contribution to the creative process of fiction writing in the world.

CHIN 702 - (3) (Y)
Modern Chinese Drama (in Chinese)
Prerequisite: CHIN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Examines the emergence of modern drama as a genre in Chinese at the beginning of the twentieth century, the influences on and development of this genre, its maturity and its contribution to the creative process of drama writing in the world.

CHIN 703 - (3) (Y)
Modern Chinese Poetry (in Chinese)
Prerequisite: CHIN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Examines the development of modern poetry as a genre in Chinese at the beginning of the twentieth century, the influences on and development of this genre, its maturity and its contribution to the creative writing process in the world.

CHIN 704 - (3) (Y)
Traditional Chinese Poetry (in Chinese)
Prerequisite: CHIN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Examines the development of poetry as a genre in Chinese up to the beginning of the twentieth century, the influences on and development of this genre, its maturity and its contribution to the creative process of poetry writing in the world.

CHIN 705 - (3) (Y)
Classical Chinese Prose
Prerequisite: CHIN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Introduction to classical Chinese prose from the sixth century B.C. to the third century A.D.

CHIN 706 (3) (Y)
Classical Chinese Poetry
Prerequisite: CHIN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Introduction to classical Chinese poetry.

CHIN 783 - (3) (Y)
Readings in Confucian Texts
Prerequisite: CHIN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Introduction to a broad range of Confucian texts.

CHIN 801, 802 - (1-3) (IR)
Independent Study in Chinese

Hindi

HIND 501, 502 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Hindi
Prerequisite: HIND 202 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Readings will be drawn from areas of particular interest to the students involved and will include readings from various disciplines. Restricted to area studies majors and minors.

HIND 801, 802 - (1-3) (IR)
Independent Study in Hindi
Restricted to area studies majors and minors.

Japanese

JAPN 501, 502 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Reading and Conversation in Japanese I
Prerequisite: JAPN 202 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Emphasizes comprehension and active reproduction of modern Japanese beyond the basic patterns of speech, reading and writing. Covers topics on current Japanese culture and society.

JAPN 531 - (3) (Y)
Cultural Understanding of U.S.-Japan Relations
Prerequisite: At least one course in Japanese literature, history or political science
A study of the socio-cultural aspects of the Japanese society and people and how these affect the Japanese response to international events, in particular in the U.S. Course topics center around a "culture" friction which has initiated Japan-bashing, including the myths and misperceptions perpetuated by both Japan and the U.S. about each other, what the Japanese have to say about themselves and Americans, the communication gap between the two nations, implications of cultural differences in interpersonal relationships, basic behavioral patterns, and motivations.

JAPN 583, 584 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Reading & Conversation in Japanese II
Prerequisite: JAPN 502 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
An advanced reading and free conversation course providing exposure to selected modern Japanese literary works, newspapers, and television dramas, including selected works on Japanese society, culture and politics.

JAPN 585, 586 - (3) (Y)
Media Japanese I & II
Prerequisite: JAPN 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Conversation and composition based upon selections from major Japanese newspapers and television programs covering a wide range of topics on current issues in contemporary Japan. In addition to reading, listening, and interpreting newspaper articles and television programs, course examines the journalistic writing style which is markedly different from other writings in Japanese literature or business.

JAPN 590 - (3) (Y)
Readings in Classical Japanese Literature
Prerequisite: JAPN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Provides a basic understanding of classical Japanese. Readings are taken from a variety of classical texts and introduce several literary genres such as the monogatari, uta-monogatari, zuihitsu, nikki, waka, and haiku of pre-modern Japan.

JAPN 591 - (3) (SI)
Modern Japanese Literary Prose (in Japanese)
Prerequisite: JAPN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Appreciation of Japanese literary works by modern (1868-present) Japanese novelists through a close reading and examination of the original prose, which is markedly different from spoken Japanese and other non-literary Japanese writings.

JAPN 592 - (3) (Y)
Conflicting Postwar Images in Modern Japan
Prerequisite: JAPN 583, 584 or equivalent or permission of instructor
Challenges the stereotypical images of Japan, and looks at postwar Japan as it is embroiled in conflict, oppression and doubt. Emphasis is on a close reading of the texts along with gaining an understanding of how the Japanese confront the unsettling issues of dissent and conflict.

JAPN 593/594 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Readings on Society and Culture I and II
Prerequisite: JAPN 583, 584 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Exposes students to the most advanced training in modern Japanese language, these courses read, interpret, and discuss Japanese books written by Japanese for the general Japanese audience on such subjects as the cultural differences between U. S. and Japan, economics, education, journalism and politics.

JAPN 801, 802 - (1-3) (IR)
Independent Study in Japanese

JPTR 521 - (3) (Y)
The Tale of Genji: Love and Marriage, Japanese Style
Introduces the classical world of Japanese aristocratic literary tradition represented by The Tale of Genji (A.D.1010), written by Lady Murasaki. This modern link to the classical period is the subject of the modern novel which is modeled after The Tale of Genji. Indispensable to anyone trying to understand the modern implications of the dynamic contradiction of what Japanese strive for: preservation and transformation, conformity/consensus and diversity. Taught in English. Restricted to area studies majors and minors.

JPTR 522 - (3) (Y)
Women, Nature and Society in Modern Japanese Fiction
Introduces the representative works of modern Japanese literature from 1885 to the present. Focus on essential characteristics of Japanese people and society, their interpersonal relationships, and world view. Each topic viewed from cross-cultural disciplines such as psychology, anthropology, sociology and various schools of modern literary criticism. Taught in English. Restricted to area studies majors and minors.

JPTR 541 - (3) (Y)
Ideas and Images in Traditional Japan
Introduction to traditional Japanese culture from the ancient period up through the Meiji period. Includes an examination of early folk beliefs, creations myths and ideas about language. Topics include aesthetics of court society, warrior practices and castle towns, encounter with Europeans and Christianity in Japan, consumerism and hedonism of the merchant class in the Edo period. No knowledge of Japanese language necessary. Taught in English. Restricted to area studies majors and minors.

JPTR 551 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Pre-Modern Japanese Literature
General introduction to the major texts of pre-modern Japanese literature covering the period from the seventh to eighteenth centuries. By primarily examining the classical narrative and poetic traditions in ancient Japan, with a short segment devoted to the dramatic arts of the No and puppet theater, this course chronologically focuses upon the literary genres unique to each period and provides an aesthetic and cultural background to the events surrounding those texts. No knowledge of Japanese language necessary. Restricted to area studies majors and minors.

JPTR 552 - (3) (Y)
Classical Japanese Poetry in Translation
Close reading of various forms of classical poetry written between the eighth and nineteenth centuries. Discussion focuses on the privileged position of the poetic tradition in Japanese literature, classical themes and convention, major poetic anthologies, the ritual and social function of poetry, and poetry as an integral part of narrative and the dramatic arts. No knowledge of Japanese language necessary. Restricted to area studies majors and minors.

JPTR 581 - (3) (Y)
Women Writers in Classical Japan
Prerequisite: JPTR 321/521 or permission of instructor
The flowering of women's literature at the Heian court (797-1190); nikki bungaku (a mixture of prose and poetry, the "poetic diary"). Restricted to area studies majors and minors.

JPTR 582 - (3) (Y)
Modern Japanese Women Writers
Prerequisites: JPTR 522 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Introduction to the resurgence of the female literary tradition from 1904 to the present. Focuses on how literary women in Japan express their subversive voice often through the autobiographical fiction. Taught in English. Restricted to area studies majors and minors.

Persian

PERS 501 - (3) (S)
Readings in Modern Persian Poetry
Prerequisite: PERS 202 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
The works of major and some minor poets of the 20th century are studied. The form and content of "New Poetry" is discussed as distinguished features of 20th-century Persian poetry in contrast with those of classical Persian poetry. Emphasis is given to the themes of modern poetry as reflections of Iranian society.

PERS 502 - (3) (S)
Readings in Modern Persian Prose Fiction
Prerequisite: PERS 202 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Selections from the works of major writers of the century are read, and the development of modern Persian fiction as it reflects a changing society is the basis of discussions. The course is intended both to improve the students' reading ability in Persian and to familiarize them with Iran, its people, and its culture, through the literature.

PERS 801, 802 - (1-3) (IR)
Independent Study in Persian

PETR 521 - (1-3) (IR)
Persian Literature in Translation
The works of major figures in classical Persian literature, especially Rudaki, Ferdowsi, Khayyam, Attar, Mowlavi, Sa'adi, and Hafez, as well as the most important minor writers of each period. Roles of the Ma'shug (the beloved), Mamduh (the praised one), and Ma'bud (the worshiped one) in classical verse and the use of allegory and similar devices in both prose and verse. Taught in English.

PETR 522 - (3) (IR)
Twentieth-Century Persian Literature in Translation
Introduces modern Persian literature in the context of Iranian society and civilization. Development of modern Persian poetry and prose. Traces the influence of Western and other literature as well as Iranian literary and cultural heritage, on the works of contemporary Iranian writers. Taught in English.

Sanskrit

SANS 501, 502 - (3) (O)
Elementary Sanskrit
Sanskrit grammar, phonology, and Devanagari script. Selected readings and exercises. Textual analysis with considerable required memorization and oral drill.

SANS 503 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Sanskrit Poetry
Prerequisite: SANS 502 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Readings in Sanskrit from a variety of poetic works including Kalidasa's Ritusamhara (The Seasons) and Bilhana's Caurapancasika (The Thief: His Fifty Verses), with special emphasis on metrical forms and poetic devices.

SANS 504 - (3) (E)
Sanskrit Poetry -- The Poet Kalidasa
Prerequisite: SANS 502 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Readings in Sanskrit from a variety of poetic works of Kalidasa, including his long poem Meghadutam (The Cloud Messenger) and his collection Srngaratilakam, among others.

SANS 801, 802 - (1-3) (IR)
Independent Study in Sanskrit

For other courses in Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, see the College of Arts and Sciences chapter of the Undergraduate Record.

Continue to: Program in Asian Studies
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