Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies Minor
As a minor in Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies (JIMES), you can expect to gain proficiency in a language, study the area’s literary and cultural landmarks, and gain familiarity with Near Eastern history and civilizations. Whether you favor the study of language, literature, religion, history, or politics, you will find a way to deepen your appreciation of these complex and diverse societies and cultures.
sample courses:
We will trace the historical, religious, cultural, literary, and political development of Judaism, beginning with its origins in biblical antiquity and culminating with pertinent issues of the twenty-first century. Upon completion of the course, the student will have gained an overview of Jewish history, a broad knowledge of Jewish customs, beliefs, literature, and culture, and direct exposure to a broad array of Jewish religious writings.
This course examines the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Topics include: Palestine in the late Ottoman period; the development of modern Zionism; British colonialism and the establishment of the Palestine Mandate; Arab-Jewish relations during the Mandate; the growth of Palestinian nationalism and resistance; the establishment of the state of Israel and the dispersion of the Palestinians in 1948; the Arab-Israeli wars; both Palestinian uprisings; and the peace process.
