GRADUATE  HANDBOOK

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Contents
Introduction
Admissions
Coursework
Financial Aid
PhD-Track Programs
Preliminary Examinations
Candidacy
Appendix 1 Calendar
Appendix 2 List of Courses
Appendix 3 Forms
Near Eastern Studies

V. The PhD-Track Programs

The majority of the programs offered within the Department of Near Eastern Studies are PhD-track programs. The only programs designed to offer a terminal Master's are the Arabic for Professional Purposes and the Teaching Arabic as a Foreign language sub-plans of the Arabic Studies Program.

A. Pre-Candidacy Program Requirements

1. Prerequisites

A minimum of a relevant BA degree is normally required for admission as a Pre-Candidate to the PhD-track program. A relevant Master's is recommended. (See Section IV, Admissions)

Students who do not hold a relevant Master's degree from another institution will earn an embedded Master's from the Department on their way to the PhD. All units/credit hours taken for the embedded Master's are applied to the requirement for units/credits in the PhD program. Checklists for the embedded Master's Degree are available in the Graduate Student Services Office.

For many programs, e.g., modern Middle Eastern languages and cultures, it is expected that students will already have had one or more years of language study. For programs in ancient studies, such as Mesopotamian studies and Egyptology, most students will begin their language study in graduate school. It is highly recommended that students have already learned at least one of the modern “languages of scholarship,” notably French and German, before beginning graduate school.

2. Credit hours

Students must complete at least 27 hours of graduate credits, 4 of which must be from cognate courses, that is, courses from another department relevant to the specialty (and approved by the student’s advisor). In most instances these credit hours will be accumulated by the end of the third or fourth semester of graduate work. Students must take a majority of their total credit hours in courses that originate in the department.

3. Transfer Credits

Students enrolled as Pre-Candidates in a PhD-track program are not eligible to transfer credits from graduate work done at another institution. Students enrolled in a terminal MA program are eligible to transfer up to 6 credit hours. These credits must come from courses taken not more than 5 years before enrolling in the terminal MA program. See Rackham Graduate Student Handbook for details: http://www.rackham.umich.edu/masters_students/.

4. Core Courses

Students must take a set of core courses that are specified by their program of specialization and their advisor. All programs include a Near Eastern language. Students must take 6 graduate credits beyond the basic language work, as defined for each program.

5. Languages of Scholarship

Since much research and literature in every area of specialization in NES is published in languages other than English, all programs require two “languages of scholarship” for the PhD and one for the embedded MA.

Most programs require French and German (but some programs waive one of these European languages and substitute another Middle Eastern language). Other European languages may be substituted for French or German, and students may petition for this substitution. A petition entails a letter written by the student to the DGS justifying the substitution supported by a letter from the MA or PhD advisor. Reading proficiency in the language of scholarship may be demonstrated by (1) receiving a pass in a reading test administered by the department, (2) receiving a grade of B or better in the University of Michigan reading course 112 (2nd semester), or (3) receiving a B or better from the 4th semester of a language course (or equivalent) taken as an undergraduate or during graduate enrollment. Note that such courses taken as a graduate student do not count toward the number of required credits. Reading proficiency in a second Middle Eastern language is satisfied by passing the 4th semester of the basic language sequence (or equivalent) or by passing a reading test administered by the department.

6. Rackham Graduate School Requirements

Residence requirement is completion of one-half of the required hours for the degree on the home campus. Students must achieve candidacy by the end of their third year of enrollment. The maximum time limit from date of first enrollment is 6 years. Formal application for the degree must be submitted to Rackham by the end of the 4th week of a full term or the end of the first week of the Summer half term.

7. Terminal MA

Students who withdraw from the PhD program may receive their MA upon completion of the above requirements. There is no thesis or MA examination.

B. MA Program Descriptions and Suggested Courses

1. Mesopotamian and Ancient Near Eastern Studies

The focus of the MA program is on the languages, literatures, history, culture and archaeology of Mesopotamia and on neighboring ancient states and cultures. Language courses in Sumerian and Akkadian are regularly scheduled, and offerings in Hittite are also available. The MA program in Mesopotamian studies emphasizes both the original contexts in which texts and artifacts were produced and the modern means for their interpretation. Students are encouraged to take courses in Anthropology, Classical Studies, Comparative Literature, and other units on campus.
Prerequisites:
Study of ancient Near Eastern history and culture (or ancient world history); demonstration of language ability; French and/or German

Languages: (18 hours)
ACABS 411 - Introduction to Akkadian
ACABS 412 - Akkadian Texts
ACABS 415 - Elementary Hittite
ACABS 511 - Introduction to Sumerian
ACABS 512 - Sumerian Texts
ACABS 611 - Akkadian Documents
ACABS 612 - Akkadian Readings
ACABS 618 - Hittite readings

Lecture courses: (6 hours)
ACABS 413 - Ancient Mesopotamian History and Culture
ACABS 414 - Mythology and Literature in Mesopotamia

1 cognate course: (4 Hours)

2. Egyptology

The program in Egyptology centers on the study of Middle Egyptian language and scripts, and the history, archaeology, religion, and culture of ancient Egypt. Other phases of the Egyptian language are also covered. Students are also advised to enroll in courses on Mesopotamia, ancient Israel, and the Mediterranean world in order to contextualize the civilization of Ancient Egypt. The program also emphasizes research on the Egyptian collections in the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology through participation in exhibitions, object-oriented independent study, and fieldwork. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources of the Papyrology Collection of the University Library.

Prerequisites:
Undergraduate study of ancient Egypt, ancient world history or archaeology preferred. Knowledge of either French or German required and work in other Middle Eastern and/or Classical languages recommended.

Languages: (12 hours)
ACABS 485-6 - Introduction to Middle Egyptian
ACABS 585 - Intermediate Middle Egyptian
ACABS 642 - Middle Egyptian Readings (and/or equivalent course in directed graduate readings)

Lecture courses and seminars: (9 hours)
ACABS 6xx - Ancient Egyptian Religion
ACABS 681 - Ancient Egyptian History
ACABS 686 - Egyptian Archaeology
ACABS 487 - Gender and Society in Ancient Egypt
ACABS 587 - Seminar in Ancient Egyptian History and Culture

Related courses in ACABS: (3 hours)
ACABS 413 - Ancient Mesopotamian History and Culture
ACABS 414 - Mythology and Literature of Mesopotamia
Or another course approved by MA advisor

1 cognate course: (4 hours)

3. Ancient Israel and Hebrew Bible Studies

In the MA program the languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of Ancient Israel and its neighbors are investigated. In addition to Hebrew, Aramaic, and Ugaritic courses, Mesopotamian languages, Greek, and Arabic can be elected. A rotating series of seminars presents special topics to graduate students in the areas of history, language, religion and methods. The ways of life and cultures of ancient Israel are studied within a broad ancient Near Eastern context and also with reference to formal anthropological, historical, literary, and religious modes of analysis. Students are encouraged to take courses in Anthropology, Classical Studies, Comparative Literature, and other units on campus. Students are also encouraged to participate in archaeological investigations in the Middle East during summers.

Prerequisites:
Study of Biblical and ancient world history, elementary/intermediate knowledge of classical Hebrew, study of French and or German.

Languages: (18 hours)
2 semesters of Classical Hebrew (ACABS 601-602) or equivalent proficiency by exam
1 year of cognate West Semitic languages: Aramaic (ACABS 483-4), Ugaritic (ACABS 581-2), NW Semitic Inscriptions (ACABS 811-2)
1 year of non-West Semitic languages (Akkadian, Middle Egyptian, Classical Greek, Old Persian)

Seminars: (9 hours)
ACABS 721 - Ancient Israel/Hebrew Bible: Methods and Theory
ACABS 722 - Ancient Israel/Hebrew Bible: Texts and Literature
ACABS 723 - Ancient Israel/Hebrew Bible: History
or ACABS 724 - Ancient Israel/Hebrew Bible: Religion and Culture

1 cognate course: (4 hours)
(In archaeology, anthropology, literary theory, classics, or history to be determined in consultation with advisor)

4. Second Temple Judaism and Christian Origins/New Testament

The Program trains graduate students as scholars and teachers in the field of Second Temple Judaism and Christian Origins, covering all major literary corpora of the period (Old and New Testament, Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, Dead Sea Scrolls, Philo, Josephus, Apostolic Fathers, Jewish-Hellenistic Literature) with no distinction between the canonical and the non-canonical, the Jewish and the Christian. Special attention is given to developing proficiency in ancient languages and literary analytical skills in the study of the intellectual context in which ancient Judaism and early Christianity developed.

Prerequisites:
Proficiency in Hebrew and Greek, with a minimum of 4 semesters for each language.

Languages:
Research ability in Greek and Hebrew - At the beginning of their first term, new students will take two written language exams in Greek and in Hebrew) for an assessment of their knowledge of the required language. Based on this, the Advisor will determine whether any additional courses in these languages are needed. Working knowledge in Aramaic and in at least one other ancient language Latin, Syriac, or Coptic) - a minimum of two courses each.

Lecture Courses and Seminars:
A minimum of 4 courses with the Director of the Program + a minimum of four courses (one in Roman History, one in the Hebrew Bible, one in Early Christianity, and one in Rabbinics) offered by Professors other than the Directors.

Cognates:
All the course work required for a certificate in Greek and Roman History or in Judaic Studies.

Language of Scholarship:
German, Modern Hebrew, French

5. Arabic Language and Literature

The track in Arabic Literature and Language requires a minimum of 30 credit hours excluding the prerequisite courses. Applicants to the program are expected to demonstrate through their prior coursework a serious interest in the study of the Middle East, including the study of Modern Standard Arabic. The time required for completion of this degree depends on the student's academic background and experience. Applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation and a strong background in Arabic/Islamic studies may complete this degree in 3-4 semester of full-time study. Maximum time limit for graduation is six consecutive years from date of first enrollment.

Prerequisites:
Completion of Arabic courses sequence 101-202 or the equivalent of two years of literary Arabic study
Completion of AAPTIS 100 course: Peoples of the Middle East or equivalent

Requirements:
Core Courses (15 Credit Hours)
AAPTIS 411 - Arabic Grammar (in Arabic)
AAPTIS 488 - History of Arabic Literature in English
AAPTIS 565 - Qur’anic Studies

In addition, students must select two additional courses relevant to their area of specialization form the following:
AAPTIS 532 - Arabic Phonology and Morphology
AAPTIS 561 - Modern Arabic Fiction (in English)
AAPTIS 563 - Modern Arabic Non-Fiction (in English)
AAPTIS 567 - Readings in Classical Arabic/Islamic Texts
AAPTIS 583 - Medieval Arabic Historical and Geographical Texts
AAPTIS 664 - Classical Arabic Literature (in Arabic)
AAPTIS 665 - Modern Arabic Literature (in Arabic)

Arabic Language: (6 credit Hours)
Students must take the following two Advanced Arabic courses or demonstrate their advanced level of proficiency in Arabic by obtaining a percentage score on the Arabic Proficiency Test.

AAPTIS 403 - Advanced Modern Standard Arabic I
AAPTIS 404 - Advanced Modern Standard Arabic II

Students who have already achieved advanced level proficiency may take AAPTIS 567 with a change of the content of the course or any of the following courses:
AAPTIS 409/410 - Business Arabic I & II
AAPTIS 415/416 - Colloquial Egyptian Arabic I & II
AAPTIS 417/418 - Colloquial Levantine Arabic I & II
AAPTIS 501 - Advanced Arabic Conversation and Composition
AAPTIS 567 - Readings in Classical Arabic/Islamic Texts
AAPTIS 798 - Directed Graduate Readings

Electives: (3 Credit Hours)
Students elect only one course from the following areas:  linguistics, literature, and Islamic Studies
AAPTIS 432 - Arabic Phonology and Morphology
AAPTIS 466 - Issues in Islamic Studies
AAPTIS 468 - Islamic Law
AAPTIS 469 - Islamic Intellectual History
AAPTIS 486 - Topics in Modern Arabic Literature (in English)
AAPTIS 495 - Gender and Politics in Early Islam
AAPTIS 496 - Gender and Representation in the Modern Middle East

Cognates: (6 Credit hours)
Students must take Comparative Literature 430 and any other course in disciplines offered outside Near Eastern Studies in consultation with the student’s advisor. Students and their advisors can replace courses in consultation with the advisor.
ANTHRO 409 - Peoples and Cultures of the Near East and North Africa
AAPTIS 461/HIST 442 - The 1st Millennium of the Islamic Near East
AAPTIS 462/HIST 536 - The Rise of Islam
AAPTIS 470/HIST 441 - The Islamic West: al-Andalus and the Maghrib, 600-1500
AAPTIS 487/HIST 443 - Modern Middle Eastern History
COMP.LIT.430 - Comparative Studies in Fiction
COMP.LIT 422 - Literature and the Other Arts
ENGLISH LIT 415 - Interdisciplinary Approaches to Literature
ENGLISH LIT 430 - The Rise of the Novel
LING 411 - Introduction to Linguistics
POLSCI 453 - Government and Politics of the Middle East
POLSCI 476 - International Relations of the Middle East

Academic Writing: (optional)
ELI 421 - Academic Writing
ELI 520 - Master’s Thesis Writing

Language of Scholarship:
Reading proficiency in a modern European language (French, German, Spanish, etc.) related to the student’s area of specialization must be fulfilled by passing the
department reading test; or a B grade in German, Spanish or French 112; or completing the fourth semester of college level work in a foreign language with a minimum grade of B.

Writing Sample:
Master’s students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Arabic Literature and Language will be expected to submit a research paper from their MA coursework as a writing sample for admission to the Ph.D. program.

6. Armenian Studies

All periods of Armenian language, literature, history and culture are taught in the Ph.D. program in the broader Near Eastern and former Soviet contexts. Courses in Western Armenian, literature, history and culture are taught regularly and Classical and Eastern Armenian in alternate years. Independent study courses are offered to ensure complete coverage when established courses are not taught, and individual courses are tailored to fit the needs and interests of students. Many courses in Armenian Studies are relevant to students specializing in fields such as Anthropology, Classical Studies, Comparative Literatures, History, History of Art, Linguistics, and Religious Studies. Professional and research interests of the faculty include Armenian language, literature, history and historiography, intellectual history, nationalism and identity, anthropology, Diaspora studies, and translation.

Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge of Armenian and Armenian history and culture

Languages: (12 hours)
AAPTIS 478-9 - Classical Armenian
AAPTIS 171, 172, 271, 272 or higher levels - Modern Western Armenian
AAPTIS 181, 182, 281, 282 or higher levels - Modern Eastern Armenian

Literature courses: (6 hours)
AAPTIS 473 - Introduction to Classical and Medieval Armenian Literature
AAPTIS 474 - Introduction to Modern Armenian Literature

Courses in AAPTIS: (6 hours)
Students may choose courses in another AAPTIS language or lecture courses in AAPTIS in consultation with their advisor.

1 cognate course: (4 hours)
Usually in Armenian History or in Comparative Literature cognate is chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor.

7. Persian and Iranian Studies

The Persian and Iranian Studies program offers a specialization in Persian literature, history, linguistics, Iranian religions, and pre-Islamic Iranian languages and cultures. The MA program in Persian studies offers in-depth investigations in the areas of classical and contemporary Persian literature, Persian history, and Persian and Iranian linguistics. Independent study courses are available in Old Persian, Avestan, and other areas not offered on a regular basis. The program is supported by courses in the Department of Anthropology, History, Political Science, History of Art, and Economics. Professional and research interests of the faculty include literary history, literary theory and criticism, history, historiography, linguistics and dialectology, and Iranian religion. While the program chiefly prepares students for an academic career, interdisciplinary programs of study can be arranged for students interested in business or government employment.

Languages: (12 hours)
4 terms of advanced Persian (beyond the first-year level):
AAPTIS 241-2, AAPTIS 544 - Modern Persian Fiction
AAPTIS 545 - Modern Persian non-fiction, or
AAPTIS 540 - Persian and Iranian Languages
(Students in Iranian religions and pre-Islamic Iranian languages and cultures will take one year of advanced Persian and AAPTIS 587 Middle Persian/Pahlevi and AAPTIS 586 Avestan/Old Persian.)

Lecture courses and seminars: (12 hours)
AAPTIS 464 - Persianate Culture in the Central and Eastern Lands of Islam
AAPTIS 467 - Shi’ism: The History of Messianism and the Pursuit of Justice in Islam
AAPTIS 585 - Persian History through Political and Cultural Texts
AAPTIS 663 - Persian Historiography from Medieval to Early Modern Times
(Other AAPTIS courses may be substituted for one or more of the above with the permission of the student’s advisor.)

1 cognate course: (4 hours)

8. Turkish Studies

The program trains students in the languages, history, and culture of the Turks in Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. The geographical and historical scope is defined more or less by the Seljuk Empire of Asia Minor (11th-14th century), the Ottoman Empire (14th-20th century), and the Republic of Turkey (since 1923). Turkish Studies uses methods and approaches from a number of fields within the Humanities, such as history, anthropology, comparative literature, linguistics, religious studies, or a combination thereof. The program prepares students for academic, government, and business employment. For more information, visit the Turkish Studies Web Site.

Prerequisites:
One or more years of Modern Turkish. Study of Islamic history and culture, French and or German.

Languages: (15 hours)
AAPTIS 251, 252 - Intermediate Modern Turkish
AAPTIS 553 - Modern Turkish Readings
AAPTIS 556 - Modern Turkish Prose
AAPTIS 557 - Modern Turkish Poetry
AAPTIS 451, 452, or 551 - Ottoman Turkish

(Note: Another language spoken in the Ottoman Empire [e.g., Arabic, Persian, Armenian, Modern Greek, Albanian, Bulgarian, or Serbo-Croatian] can be considered to fulfill the second NES language requirement)

Lecture courses: (9 hours)
AAPTIS 459 - Ottoman Turkish Culture
AAPTIS 451, 452, or 551 - Seminar or reading course in Ottoman (AAPTIS 551, 552, or 452)
1 relevant AAPTIS course in Middle Eastern history, literature, or culture

1 cognate course: (4 hours)
Language of scholarship:
French or German

9. Islamic Studies

Islamic studies specialists teach a wide range of courses in medieval and modern Near Eastern history, pertaining to the rise and development of the Islamic religion, Islamic intellectual history, and Muslim civilization. In addition to general survey courses on Islam, offerings are available in areas such as Islamic law, theology, mysticism, philosophy, Qur'anic exegesis, and Islamic culture. Seminars in Islamic studies make extensive use of original, classical Arabic sources and, hence, develop in the student essential philological skills required for research, such as the ability to understand and work with the technical terminologies of the Islamic religious and intellectual sciences.

Prerequisites:
Two years of Modern Standard Arabic or Classical Arabic
A survey course on Middle Eastern societies and cultures (e.g., AAPTIS 100)

Languages: (6 credits)
AAPTIS 403-4 - Advanced Modern Standard Arabic

Islamic Studies and Classical Arabic: (18 hours)
AAPTIS 461 - The First Millennium of the Islamic Near East
AAPTIS 469 - Islamic Intellectual History
AAPTIS 468 - Islamic Law
AAPTIS 565 - Qur’anic Studies
AAPTIS 567 - Classical Arabic Texts
One additional course in Arabic and Islamic Studies

1 cognate course: (4 hours)

10. Arabic for Professional Purposes (APP)

The MA in Arabic for Professional Purposes (APP) is composed of a blend of courses in Arabic language, linguistics, literature and culture, as well as courses in other disciplines (anthropology, history, political science, business, public policy) that will permit each student to emphasize particular interests within the comprehensive MA in Arabic Studies program. As indicated in the APP curriculum that follows, it consists of 8 required core courses in Arabic language, and literature, 2 elective courses in Arabic literature and linguistics and 2 cognate courses related to Middle Eastern Studies. A particular strength of the APP track is its rigorous language training which includes intensive advanced Arabic study and internships abroad appropriate to students' interests during their course of study.

The APP program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours excluding the prerequisite courses. Students who need remedial Arabic language training to meet the prerequisites must take the courses required with no credit counted toward the Master's degree. The pace at which courses are taken is flexible. The time required for completion of this degree depends on the student's academic background and experience. Applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation and a strong background in Arabic may complete this degree in two years of full-time study. Maximum time limit to graduation is six consecutive years from date of first enrollment.

Course work
Prerequisites:
AAPTIS 101 - Elementary Modern Standard Arabic I
AAPTIS 102 - Elementary Modern Standard Arabic II
AAPTIS 201 - Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I
AAPTIS 202 - Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic II

OR the equivalent of two years in Arabic

Core Courses: Arabic Language, Literature and Linguistics (21 credit hours)
All students must take the following six core courses:

AAPTIS 403 - Advanced Modern Standard Arabic I
AAPTIS 404 - Advanced Modern Standard Arabic II
AAPTIS 501 - Advanced Arabic Conversation and Composition
AAPTIS 504 - Advanced Arabic Media
AAPTIS 486 - Topics in Arabic Literature in Arabic

In addition, students must select two additional courses of one of the following dialects:

AAPTIS 415 - Colloquial Egyptian Arabic I
AAPTIS 416 - Colloquial Egyptian Arabic II
OR
AAPTIS 417 - Colloquial Levantine Arabic I
AAPTIS 418 - Colloquial Levantine Arabic II

Electives: Courses in Arabic Language, literature and linguistics (6 credits)
Students must select two courses of the following in consultation with the program advisor:

AAPTIS 409 - Business Arabic I
AAPTIS 410 - Business Arabic II
AAPTIS 411 - Arabic Grammar
AAPTIS 462/Hist.536 - The Rise of Islam
AAPTIS 496 - Gender & Representation in the Modern Near East
AAPTIS 565 - Qur’anic Studies
AAPTIS 561 - Modern Arabic Fiction
AAPTIS 563 - Modern Arabic Non-Fiction
AAPTIS 532 - Arabic Phonology and Morphology
AAPTIS 665 - Modern Arabic Literature (in Arabic)

Cognates: Courses related to the Middle East (9 Credit hours)
Students must select two of the following courses of interest to them with the approval of the program advisor:

Anthropology 409 - Ppl&Cultrs of Near East and North Africa
AAPTIS 487/HIST 443 - Modern Middle Eastern History
History 539 - Modern Egypt and North Africa
History 545 - Modern Lebanon, Syria and Iraq
POLSCI 453 - Government and Politics of the Middle East
POLSCI 476 - International Relations of the Middle East
AC 496 - Immigrant and Racial Politics after Sept. 11th

Program Exit Requirements:
• 36 semester credit hours
• Minimum GPA 3.00
• Advanced High Proficiency 2+ in Arabic

At the end of the APP. track, students must take the Arabic Proficiency Test to be administered by the MA program advisor, Professor R. Rammuny, in the Department of Near Eastern Studies, in order to demonstrate competency in Arabic at the 2+ ACTFL level or above. The NES Department is the home of the Arabic Proficiency Test, which was developed by Professor R. Rammuny in 1992 through a USDE grant. Such a test is not required of students completing the other two tracks.

11. Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

This program provides basic training in linguistics and foreign language teaching methodology with special emphasis on learning and teaching Arabic as a foreign language. It provides opportunity for systematic classroom observations and practice teaching, in addition to teacher training seminars and workshops.

Prerequisites for the program are a B.A. in Arabic, Education, English, Linguistics, or related disciplines, and a score of 80 or better in the Michigan English Proficiency Test, 560 or better on the TOEFL for non-native speakers of English, or a score of 80% on the Arabic Proficiency Test of the American Association of Arabic for non-native speakers of Arabic.

The time required for completion of this program depends on the participant's academic background and experience. Applicants with adequate preparation and a strong background in Arabic and English may complete the thirty credit hours required for this track in three semesters of full-time study.

Core Courses: (15 credits)
AAPTIS 411 - Arabic Grammar
AAPTIS 432 - Arabic Phonology and Morphology
AAPTIS 433 - Arabic Syntax
AAPTIS 837 - Applied Linguistics and the Teaching of Arabic
AAPTIS 798 - Directed Graduate Readings (Special Project)

Electives: (9 credits)
AAPTIS 501 - Advanced Arabic Conversation and Composition
AAPTIS 415-416 - Egyptian Colloquial Arabic
AAPTIS 417-418 - Levantine Colloquial Arabic
AAPTIS 486 - Topics in Arabic Literature in Arabic
AAPTIS 665 - Modern Arabic Literature

Cognates: (6 credits)
ANTHRO 409 - Peoples and Cultures of the Near East and North Africa
LING 450 - Perspectives on Second Language Learning.& Instruction
LING 551 - Second Language Acquisition
EDUC 504 - Teaching with Technology
EDUC 779 - Technology and Teacher Learning

RESEARCH LANGUAGE:  European or a second NE language (for students who wish to continue Ph.D. in the area of Arabic Linguistics)

12. Modern Hebrew Literature and Culture

The Modern Hebrew program educates students in Modern Hebrew language and literature, current Israeli culture, and also in earlier periods of Hebrew literature. The program is supported by courses in the programs of Judaic Studies, Linguistics, Comparative Literature, Political Science, and History. The program prepares students for academic, government, and business careers as well as employment in Jewish community activities. For more information, visit the Hebrew and Jewish Cultural Studies website.

Prerequisites:
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Hebrew language (3rd/4th year proficiency)

Languages: (12 hours)
4 HJCS seminars and advanced courses in literature and culture (in Hebrew)
Lecture courses: (6 hours)

Related HJCS courses: (6 hours)
Courses in Jewish Mysticism, Rabbinic Literature, Biblical Hebrew

1 cognate course: (4 hours)
Usually students in Modern Hebrew take courses in Comparative Literature. Courses in Philosophy, History, and other departments may also be chosen in consultation with the advisor. It is possible and desirable for many HJCS students to take more than 1 cognate course.

Language of scholarship:
French, German, or Yiddish

13. Rabbinics; Jewish History of Late Antiquity

The program trains doctoral students in the literature, history, religion, and culture of ancient Judaism in the Roman and Byzantine periods. The curriculum embraces the full spectrum of written sources from the ancient world, archaeology, and art. Special attention is given to developing proficiency in ancient languages and literary analytical skills, as well as to material culture. The program emphasizes (a) the Graeco-Roman context in which ancient Judaism and early Christianity developed (all students are required to gain a certificate in Greek and Roman History as part of their course work); and (b) critical and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the past.

Prerequisites:
Proficiency in two ancient languages (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin) with a minimum of 4 semesters for each language.

Languages:
During the three years of course work students will be required to gain full research ability in the necessary ancient languages and will normally take one language course per semester. At the beginning of their first term, students will take two written language exams in Greek and in Hebrew for an assessment of their knowledge of the required language. Based on this, their advisor will determine whether any additional courses in these languages are needed. Language training will also continue during the summers.

Seminars:
Individual plan will be devised with each student in order to meet their scholarly goals. Courses could e taken in Near Eastern Studies, in Classics, the Interdepartmental Program in Classical Art and Archaeology, the Interdepartmental Program in Greek and Roman History, as well as in other institutions.

Study Abroad:
Students will be encouraged to spend a semester or two as well as some of the summers pursuing their training at institutions abroad, in Israel or Europe. Research trips to sited in the Mediterranean are also encouraged and will e organized from time to time.

Language of Scholarship:
German, Modern Hebrew, French, Italian (qualifying exams in two are required).

14. Jewish Mysticism

Prerequisites:
Advanced reading ability in modern Hebrew; studies in European medieval history and philosophy; knowledge of French and/or German

Language courses: (6 hours)
1 year of advanced Modern Hebrew literature

Lecture courses and seminars: (9 hours)
HJCS 478 Jewish Mysticism
HJCS 477 Modern Jewish Thought
HJCS 577 Topics in Jewish Mysticism (Kabbalah or Hasidut)

Related courses in NES: (3 hours)
1 course in Rabbinic texts

1 cognate course: (4 hours)
Although only 3 credit hours are required, students usually elect courses in Yiddish, Aramaic, and Jewish history.

Language of scholarship:
French or German