Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
314 Hall of Graduate Studies, 432.2944
M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Chair
Beatrice Gruendler
Director of Graduate Studies
Eckart Frahm (319 SML, 432.5584, eckart.frahm@yale.edu)
Professors
Benjamin Foster, Beatrice Gruendler, Dimitri Gutas, Bentley Layton, Harvey Weiss
Associate Professor
John Darnell
Assistant Professors
Eckart Frahm, Hala Nassar
Lecturers
Adel Allouche, Karen Foster
Senior Lectors
Fereshteh Amanat-Kowssar, Ayala Dvoretzky, Bassam Frangieh
Lectors
Kahar Barat, Siam Bhayro, Samer Traboulsi, Klara Wistinetzki
Fields of Study
Fields include Arabic and Islamic studies (also with interdisciplinary minor), Greco-Arabic studies, Assyriology, and Egyptology.
Special Admissions Requirements
Applicants should state their specific field of study and intended specialization. Evidence of a reading knowledge of both French and German is required of all students. Proficiency in one of these languages is normally prerequisite for admission and deficiency in the second language must be rectified before admission to a second year of study. Proficiency will be certified by passing a departmental examination upon registration at Yale. Students admitted with only one of the two required languages or who fail the departmental examination are expected to enroll in an appropriate full-year course given by the French or German department at Yale. Completion of such a course with a grade of A or B will be accepted as fulfilling the proficiency requirement in either language; exceptions, e.g., for native speakers of French or German, may be made by the department upon recommendation of the director of graduate studies.
Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
Course Work: The department normally requires three full years of course work, four year courses or eight term courses per year being considered a full load. This may be reduced to two years in cases of exceptional background in Near Eastern languages. Normal progress in course work is considered to be consistent achievement of grades of High Pass or better, and at least four term courses or two year courses with Honors per year.
Special Language and Course Requirements: Course work should be planned to meet two departmental general standards: core languages for the primary fields of study, and minimum competence in a secondary field. The core languages in each of the major fields of study are as follows: Arabic and Islamic Studies: Arabic, Persian (Farsi) or Syriac or Greek; Assyriology: Sumerian and Akkadian; Egyptology: Egyptian and at least four terms of Demotic or Coptic. Minimum competence in a secondary field of study is defined as follows: at least two terms of a Near Eastern language to be evaluated either by examination or with a course grade of High Pass or better, or at least two terms of nonlanguage courses outside the area of specialization. A minimum grade of High Pass in these courses will be considered successful fulfillment of this requirement.
In Arabic and Islamic Studies, the minimum competence can be extended to an interdisciplinary course of study in a minor field. Minors may include six to eight term courses in the following departments and programs: Anthropology, Comparative Literature, French, German Studies, Greek and Classics, History, History of Medicine and Science, Judaic Studies, Italian, Linguistics, Medieval Studies, Political Science and Sociology, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Spanish and Portuguese, or others, by permission of the director of graduate studies. Students in all programs of the department will be expected to declare their choice of a secondary language or area, or a minor field, by their third term of study.
Examinations and the Dissertation: The comprehensive examination is normally taken at the end of the third year of study or, where advanced standing has been granted, at the end of the second year, but in no case later than September of the academic year following the last year of the student's required course work. The scope of the examination will be determined by the director of graduate studies in consultation with the student and department member(s) in whose area the student's studies are concentrated. The examination will consist of written and oral portions and will cover no fewer than five and no more than six areas. In the case of the program in Arabic and Islamic Studies with an interdisciplinary minor, the written portion will consist of two language examinations and one subject in the minor field, and the oral of two subjects in Arabic studies and one in the minor field. The written examinations will be set by the individual faculty members responsible for particular areas of study, but the oral portion will be conducted by the full staff of the department. The dissertation proposal is normally submitted one month following the completion of the qualifying examination. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination and submission of an acceptable prospectus will qualify the student for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. After completion of the dissertation, the candidate may receive a final examination concerned primarily with the defense of the thesis.
Master's Degrees
M.Phil. See Graduate School requirements. Additionally, students in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations are eligible to pursue a supplemental M.Phil. degree in Medieval Studies. For further details, see Medieval Studies. In addition to the Graduate School requirements, the dissertation prospectus must have been accepted.
M.A. Applicants who do not wish to enroll in the Ph.D. program may pursue a Master of Arts degree. Students enrolled in such a program should complete a minimum of twelve term courses with at least two term grades of Honors and an average of High Pass in the remaining courses, and will be required to submit a master's thesis no later than April 1 of the fourth term of study. No financial aid is available. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program are also eligible for this degree by meeting the same requirements.
Program materials are available upon request from the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Yale University, PO Box 208236, New Haven CT 06520-8236.
Courses
ARBC 501u, Elementary Modern Standard Arabic. Bassam Frangieh.
501-1 MTWThF 1.30–2.20
501-2 MTWThF 12.30–1.20
Develops a basic knowledge of modern standard Arabic. Emphasis on grammatical analysis, vocabulary acquisition, and the development of reading and writing skills.
ARBC 502u, Spoken Modern Standard Arabic. Bassam Frangieh.
502-1 TTh 2.30–3.45
502-2 WF 2.30–3.45
A supplement to the elementary course in modern standard Arabic, emphasizing oral skills. Corequisite or prerequisite: ARBC 501u or permission of instructor.
ARBC 503u, Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic. Samer Traboulsi.
503-1 MTWThF 1.30–2.20
503-2 MTWThF 12.30–1.20
Intensive review of grammar; readings from contemporary and classical Arab authors with emphasis on serial reading of unvoweled Arabic texts, prose composition, and formal conversation.
ARBC 504u, Advanced Modern Standard Arabic. Hala Nassar.
TTh 1–2.15
Focus on improving the listening, writing, and speaking skills of students who already have a substantial background in the study of modern standard Arabic.
ARBC 505au or bu, Arabic Seminar. Beatrice Gruendler [F], Dimitri Gutas [Sp].
T 3.30–5.20
Study and interpretation of classical Arabic texts for advanced students.
[ARBC 511a, Greco-Arabic Seminar.]
ARBC 521b, Seminar in the Philosophy of Avicenna. Dimitri Gutas.
M 3.30–5.20
ARBC 551au, East Meets West: Drama and Theater in the Arab World. Hala Nassar.
Th 2.30–4.20
[ARBC 552bu, Gender and Nationalism in Arab Women's Literature.]
NELC 830a, The History of the Islamic Near East from Mohammad to the Mongol Invasion. Adel Allouche.
TTh 11.30–12.45
An examination of the shaping of society and polity from the rise of Islam to the Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258. The origins of Islamic society; conquests, and social and political assimilation under the Ummayyads and Abbasids; the changing nature of political legitimacy and sovereignty under the caliphate; provincial decentralization; and new sources of social and religious power. Also HIST 829au.
ARBC 564b, Poetic Motif and Literary Theft. Beatrice Gruendler.
W 2.30–4.20
Next to poetic genres, motifs, or ma`ani, are essential (and often self-sufficient) elements in medieval Arabic literary criticism and performance practice. They are assembled in thematic motif collections as well as in works on literary borrowings (sariqat). Representatives of both are read and discussed in the light of invention and intertextuality.
[ARBC 572bu, Greek into Arabic into Latin: Foundations of Western Culture.]
[ARBC 573b, Introduction to Medieval Arabic Literary Criticism.]
ARBC 807bu, Modern Arab Thought. Hala Nassar.
Th 2.30–4.20
Major trends of twentieth-century Arab thought critically examined through readings in translation from a wide range of thinkers. Issues are analyzed in the context of the historical-colonial, postcolonial, and neocolonial background from which they emerged.
ARBC 844b, Arabic Paleography. Adel Allouche.
Th 1.30–3.20
ARBC 846b, Seminar in the Philosophy of Avicenna.
ARBC 849a or b, Directed Readings: Arabic.
ARBC 850a, Introduction to Arabic and Islamic Studies. Beatrice Gruendler.
W 2.30–4.20
Comprehensive survey of the various subjects treated in Arabic and Islamic studies, with representative readings from each. Detailed investigation into the methods and techniques of scholarship in the field, with emphasis on acquiring familiarity with the bibliographical and other research tools.
[CPTC 501u, Biblical Coptic: Elementary Course.]
CPTC 502au, Introduction to Gnostic Texts in Coptic. Bentley Layton.
MW 2.30–3.45
CPTC 503bu, Egyptian Monastic Literature in Coptic. Bentley Layton.
TTh 11.30–12.45
CPTC 504bu, Seminar: The Making of Monasticism. Bentley Latyon.
T 2.30–4.20
The history of Christian monasteries, hermits, ascetics, and monastic institutions and values in late antiquity, with special attention to the eastern Mediterranean world. Also HIST 531b, RLST 659bu.
NELC 726au, History of Christianity in the Ancient World: Jesus to Augustine. Bentley Layton.
The rise of Christianity and the development of Western culture into the Middle Ages, including the creation of Christian orthodoxy; religious, political, social, gender, literary, and theological history of Christian religion in many forms. No previous background assumed.
[NELC 735bu, Gnostic Religion and Literature.]
NELC 736b, The Manichaean World Religion. Bentley Layton.
W 4–6
Recent research on the world religion of Mani, founded in the third century. Its spread to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and central Asia, as attested in text, art, and archaeology. An exploratory seminar, with no special prerequisites. Texts are read in modern translation. The grades of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory will be assigned. Also HIST 539b, RLST 661b.
EGYP 501u, Introduction to Classical Hieroglyphic Egyptian. Colleen Manassa.
An introduction to the language of ancient pharaonic Egypt (Middle Egyptian) and its hieroglyphic writing system, with short historical, literary, and religious texts. Grammatical analysis with exercises in reading, translation, and composition.
EGYP 531, Egyptian Historical Texts. John Darnell.
EGYP 533, Egyptian Literary Texts. John Darnell.
EGYP 566b, Late Period Historical Texts: Napatan Historical Inscriptions. Cara Sargent.
Close reading of Napatan historical texts, including the inscription of Karimala, the Piye Stela, the Dream Stela of Tanutamun, the Stela of Enthronement, the Stela of Excommunication, and the Stela of Harsiotef. Discussion of the historical significance of the texts; analyses of grammatical material touching upon Nubian perceptions of Middle and Late Egyptian grammar and early Demiotic grammar; hieratic-inspired orthographies.
EGYP 567b, Temple Inscriptions: Medinet Habu. John Darnell.
Overview of a complete temple from the New Kingdom, the “Temple of Millions of Years” of Ramesses III located on the west bank at Thebes. Readings of historical and religious texts that discuss the temple's historical significance. Ramesside religious texts with discussion of their transmission, “grammar of the temple,” etc. Additional readings cover supporting materials, such as passages from the Great Papyrus Harris, other monuments of Ramesses III, and late variants of the Book of the Dead.
EGYP 577a, Egyptian Rock Inscriptions. John Darnell.
HEBR 501u, Elementary Modern Hebrew. Ayala Dvoretzky and staff.
501-1 MTWThF 9.30–10.20 (for beginners)
501-2 MTWThF 9.30–10.20 (for students with some knowledge of Modern Hebrew)
Introduction to the language of contemporary Israel, both spoken and written. Fundamentals of grammar; extensive practice in speaking, reading, and writing under the guidance of a native speaker.
HEBR 502u, Intermediate Modern Hebrew. Ayala Dvoretzky.
MW 1–2.15, drill 1 HTBA
Continuation of modern Hebrew, with literary readings selected from contemporary prose and verse. Review and continuation of grammatical study leading to a deeper comprehension of style and usage, under the guidance of a native speaker. Prerequisite: HEBR 501u or equivalent.
[HEBR 503bu, Advanced Modern Hebrew: Ideological and Social Discourse.]
HEBR 504bu, Introduction to Modern Israeli Literature. Ayala Dvoretzky.
MW 11.30–12.45
Reading, discussion, and analysis of short stories, poetry, and magazine articles representative of contemporary Israeli culture, with attention to different styles. Conducted in Hebrew. Prerequisite: HEBR 502u or equivalent.
HEBR 511, Elementary Biblical Hebrew. Samuel Adams.
TTh 11.30–12.45
MESO 501u, Elementary Akkadian. Harold Vedeler.
MWF 11.30–12.45
MESO 502, Advanced Akkadian. Benjamin Foster.
[MESO 531, Beginning Sumerian.]
[MESO 532b, Intermediate Sumerian.]
[MESO 533a or b, Advanced Sumerian.]
MESO 539a or b, Directed Readings: Sumerian.
[MESO 543a, Neo-Assyrian History.]
[MESO 544b, Mesopotamian Selected Texts: Scholarly Texts.]
MESO 559a or b, Directed Readings: Assyriology.
[MESO 571au, Tales from Before Homer: An Introduction to Sumerian and Babylonian Literature.]
MESO 572a, Prophecy in Mesopotamia. Eckart Frahm.
T 3–5
An overview of the prophetic traditions of ancient Mesopotamia, with readings from the Old-Babylonian and Neo-Assyrian state letters, the Assyrian collections of prophecies, literary predictive texts, and other relevant documents. Students wishing to participate must have some knowledge of Akkadian.
MESO 573b, Neo-Babylonian and Late-Babylonian Texts. Eckart Frahm.
T 3–5
Reading and discussion of letters, economic texts, and royal inscriptions from the Neo-Babylonian and Late-Babylonian periods. Students wishing to participate must have some knowledge of Akkadian.
NELC 516bu, Mythology of the Ancient Near East. Eckart Frahm.
MW 2.30–3.45
Introduction to ancient Near Eastern tales about gods and heroes. Topics include creation, the cosmic order, sacred marriage, divine battles, death, and the interaction between gods and humans. The course focuses on myths from Mesopotamia, with comparison to Egyptian, biblical, and classical traditions.
NELC 520au, Parallel Worlds: Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. John Darnell, Eckart Frahm.
TTh 1–2.15
The course provides an overview of the history of Ancient Egypt and the Near East, from the origins of writing in the fourth millennium B.C.E. to the Hellenistic age. Focus on historical developments that occurred contemporaneously in both civilizations.
PERS 501u, Elementary Persian (Farsi). Fereshteh Amanat-Kowssar.
MWF 9.30–10.20
An introduction to modern Persian, with emphasis on grammar and syntax as well as writing and reading simple prose. Both literary and classical Persian are taught in the second term.
PERS 502u, Intermediate Persian (Farsi). Fereshteh Amanat-Kowssar.
MWF 10.30–11.20
Detailed analysis of Persian usage and syntax through the study of modern and classical texts in prose and poetry. Readings from newspapers, textbooks, historical writings, travelogues, classical and modern literature.
PERS 503au, Persian Seminar: Identity and Awakening. Fereshteh Amanat-Kowssar.
MW 11.30–12.45
An advanced reading course concentrating on primary sources in Persian, with emphasis on nineteenth- and twentieth-century ideas of identity and change. Some religious and Sufi material is studied as background. Prerequisite: PERS 502 or equivalent.
PERS 859a or b, Directed Readings: Persian.
SMTC 501b, Introduction to Comparative Semitics. Siam Bhayro.
WF 1–2.15
SMTC 511, Introduction to Ugaritic. Siam Bhayro.
Th 10–12
SMTC 521u, Elementary Syriac. Siam Bhayro.
WF 9–10.15
The Mesopotamian Christian form of Aramaic widely used in the Roman and Byzantine Near East. Thorough grounding in grammar and vocabulary as a basis for reading biblical, historical, poetic, and theological texts.
[SMTC 522a, Syriac Poetic Texts.]
[SMTC 531au, Aramaic Survey I: First Millennium B.C.E.]
[SMTC 532bu, Aramaic Survey II: Dialects of the Common Era.]
[SMTC 542b, Ethiopic.]
TKSH 501u, Elementary Turkish. Kahar Barat.
MTWThF 9.30–10.20
Development of a basic knowledge of modern Turkish, with emphasis on grammatical analysis, vocabulary acquisition, and the training of reading and writing skills.
TKSH 502u, Intermediate Turkish. Kahar Barat.
MWF 11.30–12.45
Continued study of modern Turkish, with emphasis on advanced syntax, vocabulary acquisition, and the beginnings of free oral and written expression. Prerequisite: TKSH 501 or permission of instructor.
TKSH 506a, Orkhon Turkic. Kahar Barat.
MW 4–5
TKSH 507b, Old Turkic Literature. Kahar Barat.
MW 4–5
[NELC 503a, The Art of Ancient Palaces.]
NELC 504bu, Art of the Ancient Near East and Aegean. Karen Foster.
MW 2.30–3.45
Introduction to the art and architecture of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Aegean, with attention to cultural and historical contexts.
NELC 506a, History of Mesopotamia: Third Millennium B.C.E. Benjamin Foster.
NELC 507b, History of Mesopotamia: Second Millennium B.C.E. Benjamin Foster.
[NELC 508b, History of Mesopotamia: First Millennium B.C.E.]
[NELC 510au, Conflicts that Shaped Pharaonic Egypt.]
[NELC 511bu, Ancient Egypt from the Ramesside to the Ptolemaic Periods.]
[NELC 512bu, Egyptian Religion through the Ages.]
[NELC 544a, Mesopotamian Selected Texts: Bilingual.]
[NELC 545b, Neo-Babylonian.]
NELC 563b, From Pictograph to Pixel: Changing Ways of Human Communication. John Darnell, Michael Fischer, Beatrice Gruendler.
TTh 11.30–12.45
An exploration of the five pivotal stages in the development of human communication throughout world history: pictographic and syllabic ways of writing, the consonantal or phonetic alphabet, the invention of paper, movable type, and acoustic/electronic/digital media and the Internet. These technologies are considered for their innovative features, new capabilities, social and ideological implications, and the instrumental roles they played in contemporary periods of change.
[NELC 566a, Late Period Historical Texts: Napatan Historical Inscriptions.]
NELC 587bu, Environmental History of the Near East. Harvey Weiss.
Th 9.30–11.20
Natural and anthropogenic climate and environmental changes of the Holocene studied in the lake, marine, and terrestrial records of West Asia. Periodic adaptations to these changes through the modern period within regional habitat-tracking, agricultural innovation and pastoralism, political expansion and disintegration, and ideological reformulation.
NELC 588bu, Civilizations and Collapse. Harvey Weiss.
Th 2.30–4.20
Collapse documented in the archaeological and early historical records of the Old and New Worlds, including Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica, the Andes, and Europe. Analysis of politicoeconomic vulnerabilities, resiliencies, and adaptations in the face of abrupt climate change, anthropogenic environmental degradation, resource depletion, “barbarian” incursions, or class conflict.
NELC 849a or b, Directed Readings: Arabic.
NELC 850a, Introduction to Arabic and Islamic Studies. Staff.
W 2.30–4.20
Comprehensive survey of the various subjects treated in Arabic and Islamic studies, with representative readings from each. Detailed investigation into the methods and techniques of scholarship in the field, with emphasis on acquiring familiarity with the bibliographical and other research tools.
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