Current Course Offerings

Fall 2021

This course is designed to provide students with fundamental building blocks for understanding the contemporary Middle East/Islamic World. Students will be introduced to a variety of disciplinary approaches to the study of the geo-cultural region, including history, politics, arts and literature, religions and cultures, social geography, and economics.

Instructor: Khadidja Bouchellia, kbouchel@uark.edu  
Schedule: M/W 3:05-4:20 PM

Continues to stress correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Continued presentation of grammar with special attention to basic morphology. Prerequisite: ARAB 1003 or equivalent.

Instructor: Paula Haydar; phaydar@uark.edu
Schedule: M/W/F 2:00 - 2:50 PM

Equivalent to 1003 and 1013. Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, and simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Alzouwain, Hawraa; halzoin@uark.edu 
Schedule: MWF 9:40-10:30 AM, T/TH 9:30-10:45 AM

Leads to greater facility in the spoken language and continues to develop reading and writing skills. Continued emphasis on morphology and syntax. Prerequisite: ARAB 2016.

Instructor: Haydar, Adnan; ahaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: MWF 9:40-10:30 AM, T/TH 9:30-10:45 AM

This course is cross-listed with ARAB 3016H Honors Intensive Arabic III.

Development of advanced speaking and writing skills. Extensive reading and writing assignments and translating exercises from English into Arabic. Prerequisite: ARAB 4016.

Instructor: Mahmoud, Rania; rmahmoud@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH 11:00 - 12:15 PM

Instructor: Mahmoud, Rania; rmahmoud@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH 12:30 - 1:45 PM

A survey of the foundation, evolution, and distinctive character of Islam, with attention to religion, literature, art, architecture, science, and political society. Particular attention given to the development of Islamic doctrines, sectarian movements, and systematic theology. Concludes with a look at Islamic resurgence movements and their place in the contemporary world.

Instructor: Antov, Nikolay; antov@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH; 2:00-3:15 PM

History of 19th-20th Century Palestine, Zionism and the founding of modern Israel, and the Palestine-Israel conflict in local and regional perspective. (Typically offered: Irregular)

Instructor: Antov, Nikolay; antov@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH; 12:30 - 1:45 PM

Survey of the unity and diversity in the political development of the Middle East, as evident in historical legacies, state formation, civil society, social class, and political identity.

Instructor: Doody, Kathleen; krdoody@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F, 9:40 - 10:30 AM

Introduction to the field of citizenship studies with a focus on theoretical and empirical illustrations. Covers citizenship in the Middle East, Latin America, and contemporary Africa. Theoretically grounded in comparative politics, students should develop understanding of the complex debates and real-time challenges which shape this sub-field of political science. (Typically offered: Spring)

Instructor: Saeidi, Shirin; saeidi@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH, 11:00-12:15 PM

This course is cross-listed with MEST 4103 Section 003. 

Introduces the complexities of women's political lives in the Middle East by studying gender roles, relations and how identities are constructed during different political moments. (Typically offered: Fall)

Instructor: Saeidi, Shirin; saeidi@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH, 9:30-10:45 AM

This course is cross-listed with MEST 4103 Section 002. 

Compares contemporary Islamist political movements. Seeks to explain causes, debates, agendas, and strategies of Islamists in the political realm. Addresses sovereignty, the rule of law, visions of the good state and society, and relations between nationalism, religion and political development. Focus on Middle East with comparative reference to other cases.

Instructor: Ghadbian, Najib; ghadbian@uark.edu 
Schedule: T 6:00-8:30 PM

Summer 2021

Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Alzouwain; halzoin@uark.edu 
Schedule: M-F, 9:15-10:45 AM

Survey of the unity and diversity in the political development of the Middle East, as evident in historical legacies, state formation, civil society, social class, and political identity.

Instructor: Ghadbian, Najib; ghadbian@uark.edu 
Schedule: M-F, 11:00-12:30 PM

An analysis of geo-political and socio-economic characteristics of Middle Eastern societies and their impact on world economic and political order. Special attention to such issues as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the promotion of lasting peace in the region, impact of oil on world politics, the involvement of superpowers, rehabilitation of Palestinian refugees and the role of the United Nations.

Instructor: Ghadbian, Najib; ghadbian@uark.edu 
Schedule: M-F, 12:45 - 2:15 PM

Spring 2021

This course is designed to provide students with fundamental building blocks for understanding the contemporary Middle East/Islamic World. Students will be introduced to a variety of disciplinary approaches to the study of the geo-cultural region, including history, politics, arts and literature, religions and cultures, social geography, and economics.

Instructor: Kahf, Mohja; mkahf@uark.edu 
Schedule: W 2:00-4:50 p.m.

An interdepartmental colloquium with an annual change in subject required of all students in the Middle East studies program. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

Instructor: Swedenburg, Ted; tsweden@uark.edu
Schedule: Tu/Th, 12:30-1:45 PM

Crosslisted with ANTH 4913

Covers a special topic or issue. May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

Instructor: Swedenburg, Ted; tsweden@uark.edu
Schedule: Tu/Th, 12:30-1:45 PM

Crosslisted with MEST 4003

Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Alzouwain, Hawraa; halzoin@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F, 9:40-10:30 a.m.

Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Alzouwain, Hawraa; halzoin@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F, 11:50 a.m.-12:40 p.m.

Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Alzouwain, Hawraa; halzoin@uark.edu 
Schedule: TBD

Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Alzouwain, Hawraa; halzoin@uark.edu 

Schedule: TBD

Equivalent to 2013. Leads to greater oral comprehension and speaking ability and develops the more advanced reading and writing skills. Emphasizes morphology and syntax.

Instructor: Haydar, Paula; phaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F 10:45-11:35 a.m.; T/Th 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Development of aural comprehension and speaking skills in one of the major Arabic dialects. Prerequisite: ARAB 2016 or equivalent. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

Instructor: Mahmoud, Rania; rmahmoud@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/Th 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Continued development of speaking, comprehension, reading, writing. Reading assignments introduce a variety of styles ranging from classical to modern in both prose and verse.

Instructor: Haydar, Adnan; ahaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F 9:40-10:30 a.m.; T/Th 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Continued advanced speaking, reading, and writing skills. Prerequisite: ARAB 4023.

Instructor: Mahmoud, Rania; rmahmoud@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/Th 11:00-12:15 p.m.

Examines the history of the Islamic Middle East from the rise of the Ottoman and Safavid Persian empires up to World War I and then concludes with the issues and patterns of 20th century Middle Eastern political and socio-economic life. Topics include Islam and politics, Arab nationalism, Western imperialism, the Arab-Zionist conflict, petroleum politics, and modernization vs. traditionalism. (Typically offered: Irregular)

Instructor: Scurry, Samuel; sscurry@uark.edu 
Schedule: Tu/Th 3:30-4:45 p.m.

This course will introduce students to the history and varieties of Muslim life in East Asia and Southeast Asia during the past 1,200 years. Through a comparative historical approach, it will examine themes of gender, imperialism and nationalism, religious education, pilgrimage, Islamic modernism, and religious extremism.

Instructor: Hammond, Kelly; kah018@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/Th, 2:00-3:15 PM

This course is cross-listed with AIST4403

This course covers the transformation of social and cultural roles of women in the Middle East since the 19th Century. Emphases include political emancipation, religious reformation, artistic representation, and gendered re-definition. (Typically offered: Irregular)

Instructor: Gordon, Joel; joelg@uark.edu 
Schedule: W, 3:05-5:55 PM

History of the Ottoman Empire from its emergence as frontier principality in Anatolia ca. 1300, through its heyday as a major imperial power on three continents in the fifteenth through the eighteenth centuries, ending with its encounter with western imperialism and nationalism in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. (Typically offered: Irregular)

Instructor: Antov, Nikolay; antov@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/Th 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Survey of the unity and diversity in the political development of the Middle East, as evident in historical legacies, state formation, civil society, social class, and political identity.

Instructor: Doody, Kathleen; krdoody@uark.edu
Schedule: T/Th 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Fall 2020

This course is designed to provide students with fundamental building blocks for understanding the contemporary Middle East/Islamic World. Students will be introduced to a variety of disciplinary approaches to the study of the geo-cultural region, including history, politics, arts and literature, religions and cultures, social geography, and economics.

Instructor: Kahf, Mohja; mkahf@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W 4:35 - 5:50 PM

Study of the peoples and cultures of the Middle East; ecology, ethnicity, economics, social organizations, gender, politics, religion, and patterns of social change. May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

Instructor: Swedenburg, Ted; tsweden@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH 12:30 - 1:45 PM

Continues to stress correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Continued presentation of grammar with special attention to basic morphology. Prerequisite: ARAB 1003 or equivalent.

Instructor: Alzouwain; halzoin@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F 8:35 - 9:25 AM

Continues to stress correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Continued presentation of grammar with special attention to basic morphology. Prerequisite: ARAB 1003 or equivalent.

Instructor: Alzouwain; halzoin@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F 2:00 - 2:50 PM

Equivalent to 1003 and 1013. Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, and simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Haydar, Paula; phaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: MWF 9:40-10:30 AM, T/TH 9:30-10:45 AM

Equivalent to 1003 and 1013. Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, and simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Haydar, Paula; phaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: MWF 10:45–11:35 AM, T/TH 11:00-12:15 PM

Leads to greater facility in the spoken language and continues to develop reading and writing skills. Continued emphasis on morphology and syntax. Prerequisite: ARAB 2016.

Instructor: Haydar, Adnan; ahaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: MWF 9:40-10:30 AM, T/TH 9:30-10:45 AM

This course is cross-listed with ARAB 3016H Honors Intensive Arabic III.

Development of advanced speaking and writing skills. Extensive reading and writing assignments and translating exercises from English into Arabic. Prerequisite: ARAB 4016.

Instructor: Haydar, Adnan; ahaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH 11:00 - 12:15 PM

Selected readings from Arab history, literature, the Islamic Tradition, and the Holy Qur'an. Prerequisite: ARAB 4023 or equivalent.

Instructor: Mahmoud, Rania; rmahmoud@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH 12:30 - 1:45 PM

Physical and cultural landscapes, natural and cultural resources, art and architecture, land use, political history, OPEC, and current problems of North Africa and the Middle East region west of Afghanistan are discussed. Class participation, discussions, slides and films, and student presentations will round out the class. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Instructor: Paradise, Tom; paradise@uark.edu 
Schedule: W 5:00 - 8:00 PM

A survey of the foundation, evolution, and distinctive character of Islam, with attention to religion, literature, art, architecture, science, and political society. Particular attention given to the development of Islamic doctrines, sectarian movements, and systematic theology. Concludes with a look at Islamic resurgence movements and their place in the contemporary world.

Instructor: Antov, Nikolay; antov@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH; 3:30 - 4:45 PM

Historical topics in the history of the Middle East which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

Instructor: Antov, Nikolay; antov@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH; 12:30 - 1:45 PM

Survey of the unity and diversity in the political development of the Middle East, as evident in historical legacies, state formation, civil society, social class, and political identity.

Instructor: Doody, Kathleen; krdoody@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F, 9:40 - 10:30 AM

Topics in political science not usually covered in other courses. May be repeated for degree credit.

This course introduces students to the complexities of women's political lives in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It does so by studying how gender roles, relations and identities are constructed, negotiated and experinced during political moments.

Instructor: Saeidi, Shirin; saeidi@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH, 9:30 - 10:45 AM

This course is cross-listed with MEST 4103 Section 002. 

Topics in political science not usually covered in other courses. May be repeated for degree credit.

This course invites upper-level undergraduate students to explore citizenship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with a focus on theoretical and empirical illustrations. The first half of the course reviews the history of state formation in the MENA to understand the shifting roles, rights and responsibilities of the people in national and transnational politics. The second half of the course focuses on specific case studies that relate to investigations of citizenship. 

Instructor: Saeidi, Shirin; saeidi@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH, 12:30 - 1:45 PM

This course is cross-listed with MEST 4103 Section 003. 

Compares contemporary Islamist political movements. Seeks to explain causes, debates, agendas, and strategies of Islamists in the political realm. Addresses sovereignty, the rule of law, visions of the good state and society, and relations between nationalism, religion and political development. Focus on Middle East with comparative reference to other cases.

Instructor: Ghadbian, Najib; ghadbian@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W, 3:05-4:20 PM

Summer 2020

Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Alzouwain; halzoin@uark.edu 
Schedule: M-F, 11:00-12:30 PM

Survey of the unity and diversity in the political development of the Middle East, as evident in historical legacies, state formation, civil society, social class, and political identity.

Instructor: Ghadbian, Najib; ghadbian@uark.edu 
Schedule: M-F, 11:00-12:30 PM

An analysis of geo-political and socio-economic characteristics of Middle Eastern societies and their impact on world economic and political order. Special attention to such issues as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the promotion of lasting peace in the region, impact of oil on world politics, the involvement of superpowers, rehabilitation of Palestinian refugees and the role of the United Nations.

Instructor: Ghadbian, Najib; ghadbian@uark.edu 
Schedule: M-F, 12:45 - 2:15 PM

Spring 2020

This course is designed to provide students with fundamental building blocks for understanding the contemporary Middle East/Islamic World. Students will be introduced to a variety of disciplinary approaches to the study of the geo-cultural region, including history, politics, arts and literature, religions and cultures, social geography, and economics.

Instructor: Alam, Sarwar; alam@uark.edu
Schedule: M/W, 3:05-4:20 PM

An interdepartmental colloquium with an annual change in subject required of all students in the Middle East studies program. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

Instructor: Ghadbian, Najib; ghadbian@uark.edu 
Schedule: M, 6:00-8:00 PM

Crosslisted with PLSC 3923H

Covers a special topic or issue. May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

Instructor: Swedenburg, Ted; tsweden@uark.edu
Schedule: Tu/Th, 12:30-1:45 PM

Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Alzouwain, Hawraa
Schedule: M/W/F, 8:35-9:25 AM

Stresses correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, simple speaking ability. Basic grammar is taught inductively through oral and written skills.

Instructor: Alzouwain, Hawraa
Schedule: M/W/F, 2:00-2:50 PM

Equivalent to 2013. Leads to greater oral comprehension and speaking ability and develops the more advanced reading and writing skills. Emphasizes morphology and syntax.

Instructor: Haydar, Paula; phaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F, 9:40-10:30 AM; Tu/Th, 9:30-10:45 AM

Development of aural comprehension and speaking skills in one of the major Arabic dialects. Prerequisite: ARAB 2016 or equivalent. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

Instructor: Haydar, Paula; phaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F, 11:50-12:40 PM

Continued development of speaking, comprehension, reading, writing. Reading assignments introduce a variety of styles ranging from classical to modern in both prose and verse.

Instructor: Mahmoud, Rania; rmahmoud@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F, 9:40-10:30 AM; Tu/Th, 9:30-10:45 AM

Continued advanced speaking, reading, and writing skills. Prerequisite: ARAB 4023.

Instructor: Haydar, Adnan; ahaydar@uark.edu 
Schedule: Tu/Th, 11:00-12:15 PM

Develops skill in description, analysis, and argumentation through weekly reading and writing assignments within a workshop atmosphere. Selected readings from various styles of standard Arabic, ranging from newspapers to literary texts. Prerequisite: ARAB 4023 or equivalent.

Instructor: Haydar, Adnan; ahaydar@uark.edu
Schedule: Tu/Th, 3:30-4:45 PM

The Quran as literary text, its style and form, historical context, translation issues, communities of interpretation, and comparative perspectives. Course's integrated approach includes translations of literature originally in Arabic. All readings in English; students with reading abilities in Arabic encouraged to read original text.

Instructor: Kahf, Mohja; mkahf@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH, 3:30-4:45 PM

This course is cross-listed with MEST 4103, MRST 4003-002, WLIT 3523.

A survey of the foundation, evolution, and distinctive character of Islam, with attention to religion, literature, art, architecture, science, and political society. Particular attention given to the development of Islamic doctrines, sectarian movements, and systematic theology. Concludes with a look at Islamic resurgence movements and their place in the contemporary world.

Instructor: Basturk, Baris; babastur@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W/F, 11:50-12:40 PM

Middle East since 1914 addresses European colonialism, the rise of new social elites, independence, revolution, globalization, economic self-determination, persistent regional conflicts and ongoing battles over "cultural authenticity".

Instructor: Gordon, Joel; joelg@uark.edu 
Schedule: W, 3:05-5:55 PM

An examination of the historical development of the three great Islamic empires in the early modern period- the Ottomans, the Safavids of Iran, and the Mughals of India. Special attention given to imperial expansion, administrative structures, religious-legal establishment, and the formation of distinct traditions in political ideology, historiography, and the arts and sciences.

Instructor: Antov, Nikolay; antov@uark.edu 
Schedule: T/TH, 12:30-1:45 PM

Survey of the unity and diversity in the political development of the Middle East, as evident in historical legacies, state formation, civil society, social class, and political identity.

Instructor: Doody, Kathleen; krdoody@uark.edu
Schedule: M/W/F, 9:40-10:30 AM

An analysis of geo-political and socio-economic characteristics of Middle Eastern societies and their impact on world economic and political order. Special attention to such issues as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the promotion of lasting peace in the region, impact of oil on world politics, the involvement of superpowers, rehabilitation of Palestinian refugees and the role of the United Nations.

Instructor: Ghadbian, Najib; ghadbian@uark.edu 
Schedule: M/W, 3:05-4:20 PM