Courses
University of Pittsburgh
History 1114 (27373)
MEDIEVAL IBERIA
Spring - 2013
Department:HistoryCredits:3The course medieval Iberia stresses the conflicts and encounters between Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Through the analysis of a wide variety of selected and translated primary sources as well as modern historiography, the course presents the main entities and processes evolving in Iberia from 711 to 1492. The major cultural entities approached are: Al-Andalus, Hispania, and Sefarad. The main processes are: the consolidation of states, the unfolding of military Campains, the development of cultural interactions, and the transformations of the economic and social life.
Primary Focus on Islam?:NoStudent Population:UndergraduateRegion(s):Subject(s):French 1018 (27789)
NORTH AFRICAN WRITERS AT WAR
Spring - 2013
Department:French/ItalianCredits:3The Algerian War for Independence (1954-1962) was one of the most violent anti-colonial conflicts of the 20th century. Fifty-years on, the events of the conflict continue to shape debates about torture, immigration, colonial history, and national identity. Despite its impact, however, the definitive history of the war remains to be written: as numerous historians like Benjamin Stora and Raphaëlle Branche have suggested, contested memories on either side of the Mediterranean contribute to a situation where for some, the trauma of the war seems not yet to have ended. Through a range of sources including theatre, novels, journalism, and film, this course will examine representations of the war in order to understand its enduring presence in French and Algerian public consciousness. Why is the war, to use Rapheëlle Branche's terms 'oean open wound,' and in what ways did it/does it shape French and Algerian societies? Course materials will include texts by Jean-Paul Sartre, Francis Jeanson, Mohamed Dib, Kateb Yacine, Henri Alleg, and Assia Djebar.
Primary Focus on Islam?:NoStudent Population:UndergraduateRegion(s):Subject(s):1737 (28056)
Politics of Culture and Representation in the Arab World
Spring - 2013
Department:AnthropologyCredits:3This 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. We will examine Arab society through anthropological and political texts, as well as in film and literature. Specific issues include: Orientalism, colonial encounters, cultural and political representations of Islam, critiques of social structures (tribes, family, class), gender and sexuality, political mobilization and notions of democracy, and more. T
Primary Focus on Islam?:NoStudent Population:UndergraduateRegion(s):Subject(s):1737
Anthropology of Islam
Spring - 2013
Department:AnthropologyCredits:3As a “world religion” Islam has had a profound influence on a broad array of nations, ethnic groups and local expressions of culture. It has played a role in shaping societies, politics, economics and law. Taking a broad, anthropological perspective on the study of religion, this course examines the many different ways in which culture and society have been influenced by Islam in different parts of the world.
Primary Focus on Islam?:YesStudent Population:UndergraduateSubject(s):2571
Economics Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) Region
Spring - 2011
Department:Graduate School of Public and International Affairs/Political SciencePrerequisites:NonePrimary Focus on Islam?:NoSubject(s):0287
Urdu 3
Spring - 2011
Department:LinguisticsPrerequisites:NonePrimary Focus on Islam?:NoSubject(s):1737/21534
Anthropology of Eurasia
Spring - 2011
Department:AnthropologyPrerequisites:NoneSince the collapse of the Soviet Union, Central Asia has once again emerged as a location of intrigue, serving as an area of strategic importance for the military campaign in Afghanistan; as a region where former communist continue to undergo the challenging transition to state independence; and as an expanse where superpower politics of Russia, China and the United States vie for influence over resources and regional politics. Most discussion of Central Asia, however, is initiated in relation to outside influences and the impact of inter-state policies—such as U.S. interests in Central Asia or the influence of Russia in the region—rather than looking at Central Asia from the view of Central Asia itself—how Central Asians see themselves local and regionally. Building on the strength of anthropology as field that tries to understand the local context of events, this course will encourage the examination of historical and contemporary events in Central Asia through the frame of everyday life. How, for example, did the Soviet period influence daily life and how do those influences continue to have sway in the religious and political interests of people living in Central Asia today? This course will provide students a good introduction to post-Soviet Central Asia, which for terms of the course is understood as the countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It will also, however, introduce a framework for analyzing national and international events in relation to the everyday, lived world that will have theoretical utility to understanding other regions.
Primary Focus on Islam?:NoSubject(s):1737/20644
Anthropology of Islam
Spring - 2011
Department:AnthropologyPrerequisites:NoneAs a “world religion” Islam has had a profound influence on a broad array of nations, ethnic groups and local expressions of culture. It has played a role in shaping societies, politics, economics and law. Taking a broad, anthropological perspective on the study of religion, this course examines the many different ways in which culture and society have been influenced by Islam in different parts of the world.
Primary Focus on Islam?:YesSubject(s):0132
Arabic 2
Spring - 2011
Department:LinguisticsPrerequisites:NoneThe Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center makes it possible to study foreign languages not available in other language departments in the University. Up to four courses may be taken in the languages that are offered, for a total of 14 credits over four semesters. LCTL courses make use of the most appropriate language-learning materials available from various sources. Textbooks are available for individual purchase at the Book Center; recorded material may often be duplicated through the language lab for home study in conjunction with our courses. For courses that require special enrollment counseling, authorization may be obtained from LCTL staff members in G-47 CL. Further information can be obtained by calling 624-5512.
Primary Focus on Islam?:NoSubject(s):0134
Arabic 4
Spring - 2011
Department:LinguisticsPrerequisites:Arabic 3 or EquivalentPrimary Focus on Islam?:NoSubject(s):
