Arabic and Syriac
Fall 2013 Courses
ARABIC LANGUAGE/LITERATURE
MEAR 10001-10002. First Year Arabic I and First Year Arabic II
MEAR 10001 offered in the Fall semester; MEAR 10002 offered in the Spring semester
This two-semester sequence of courses is a basic introduction to all aspects of the Arabic language through a comprehensive and integrated method. The focus is on language proficiency in all areas of the language including speaking, reading, and writing. The course also introduces students to aspects of Arabic culture and everyday life in the Middle East.
MEAR 10001 01/60001
First Year Arabic I (Section 1)
Prof. Asmaa Shehata
MWF 9:25-10:15
Also meets TR 11:00-11:50
5 credit hours
MEAR 10001 02/60001
First Year Arabic I (Section 2)
Prof. Amaya Martin
MWF 2:00-2:50
Also meets TR 2:00-2:50
5 credit hours
MEAR 10001 03/60001
First Year Arabic I (Section 3)
Prof. Amaya Martin
MWF 3:30-4:20
Also meets TR 3:30-4:20
5 credit hours
MEAR 10002 01
First Year Arabic II
Prof. Ghada Bualuan
MWF 9:25-10:20
TR 9:30-10:20
5 credits
MEAR 20003 01/60003
Second Year Arabic I (Section 1)
Prof. Asmaa Shehata
MWF 8:20-9:10
Also meets R 9:30-10:20
4 credit hours
This second-year Arabic course builds on the previous two semesters. The emphasis is on speaking and writing for self-expression with continued study of the basic grammatical structures. Proficiency remains the focus through readings and conversations in the language. Students develop skill in the use of the Arabic dictionary.
MEAR 20003 02/60003
Second Year Arabic I (Section 2)
Prof. Ghada Bualuan
MWF 10:30-11:20
Also meets R 11:00-11:50
3 credits
This second-year Arabic course builds on the previous two semesters. The emphasis is on speaking and writing for self-expression with continued study of the basic grammatical structures. Proficiency remains the focus through readings and conversations in the language. Students develop skill in the use of the Arabic dictionary.
MEAR 30005 01/60005
Third Year Arabic I (Section 1)
Prof. Amaya Martin
MWF 12:50-1:40
3 credits
Prerequisite MEAR 20004, 60004 or equivalent.
This third-year Arabic course emphasizes developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in interactive settings. Vocabulary building will be the focus of drills; we will cover basic vocabulary in various authentic uses of the language. Special attention will also be given to media Arabic. Basic Arabic grammar should be completed by the end of the year. We will continue with Part 2 of the Kitaab sequence. Supplementary materials, mainly from Arabic media (BBC Arabic News, newspapers, magazines), will be provided. Tests, both oral and written, will cover the textbook material, in addition to the basic grammar and the cumulative vocabulary.
MEAR 40022/60022
Arabic through Film
Prof. Asmaa Shehata
MW 12:30-1:45
3 credits
This course will explore visual representations to Arab societies and cultural aspects where range of films from different Arab countries will be viewed. The course serves as a way of understanding the Arab world. Along with linguistic aspects of each film, such as vocabulary and grammar that will be practiced via various activities and tasks, students will debate, present, and write in Arabic on characters, themes and plot elements. Going beyond the film, students will develop their own skits that will then be presented to and evaluated by classmates and the instructor.
MIDDLE EAST LITERATURE/CULTURE
MELC 20070 01
Introduction to Islamic Civilization
Prof. Li Guo
TR 3:30-4:45
3 credits
This course is designed to introduce students to Islamic civilization and Muslim culture and societies. The course will cover the foundations of Islamic belief, worship, and institutions, along with the evolution of sacred law (al-shari‘a) and theology, as well as various aspects of intellectual activities. The Koran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad will be examined in detail. Both Sunni and Shi‘i perspectives will be considered. Major Sufi personalities will be discussed to illuminate the mystical, and popular, tradition in Islam. Topics on arts, architecture, literary culture, and sciences will be covered. Although the course is concerned more with the history of ideas than with modern Islam as such, it has great relevance for understanding contemporary Muslim attitudes and political, social, and cultural trends in the Muslim world today.
MELC 40075 01 (Cross listed with HIST 40083, GSC 40563, MI 40665)
Marriage, Divorce and Family in Muslim Societies
Prof. Li Guo
TR 12:30-1:45
3 credits
High rates of divorce, often taken to be a modern and western phenomenon, were also typical of pre-modern Muslim societies. How was that possible, insofar as “Marriage is half [fulfillment of one’s] religious duties,” as the Prophet Muhammad once famously dictated? What, then, is the Islamic ideal of marriage? What were the patriarchal models advocated by medieval Muslim jurists and moralists? Did the historical reality of marriage and family life in the Islamic Near East have anything in common with these models? Do the assumptions about the legal inferiority of Muslim women and their economic dependence on men hold truth? These are the questions this course will try to address. To that end, we will read and discuss a wide range of primary sources (all in English translation)—the Koran and Hadith (Muhammad’s saying and deeds), legal writings, narrative (chronicles, belles-lettres) sources, and documentary (archives, contracts) materials—as well as recent scholarship on the subject. While our theoretical framework is that of social history, we will also pay close attention to intimate accounts of, and reflections on, individual medieval lives. We will conduct case studies as for group projects. While the focus is on the Islamic Near East (700-1500), we will extend our inquiry to include the modern Middle East as well.
No knowledge of Arabic is required. For students who have taken two years of college Arabic and are interested in reading some course materials in the Arabic original, we will organize a reading group (meets one hour a week, earning an extra credit).
Courses
Spotlight
Senior Theses
Congratulations to the Classics and Arabic Senior Theses Writers
Check out this year's Classics and Arabic Theses. Topics ranged from Tertullian, Buddhism, Football and everything in between. Read More
Spotlight
Sunoikisis Presentation
Notre Dame Classics Major Represents at Consortium
Brian Credo recently gave a talk on “Laughing at the Present: An Examination of Nostalgia in Aristophanes’ Frogs” for Sunoikisis, a national consortium of Classics Programs. Read More
Spotlight
Publishing Butrint
Congratulations to Professor Hernandez on being awarded three fellowships
University of Notre Dame Assistant Professor David Hernández recently received a trio of research awards: a fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), a Career Enhancement Fellowship from the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, and a fellowship from Harvard’s Loeb Classical Library Foundation. Read More
Spotlight
Discovering Butrint
Archaeological Opportunities for Notre Dame Students
Notre Dame is proudly partnered with the Albanian Institute of Archaeology in their excavations of Butrint. Every Summer, Notre Dame students are allowed to join Professor Hernandez in uncovering the mysteries of Butrint Read More
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Classics Majors Find Their Future in the Past
How to Succeed
Ever gotten quizzical looks when you tell people you're a Classics major? Or have people caution you that you won't find a job? Katharine Brooks' recent article reveals the extreme benefits Classics majors receive in future endeavors, whether those be graduate, medical, legal or business school. Majoring in Classics may just be the best kept secret to success. Read More
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An Ode to the Classics Faculty
Mel Triay Pays Homage to the Legendary Teachers of the Classics Department
Sing for me, O Muse, of those sagacious men and women
Who, having set foot upon the broad plains of South Bend
Ended their circuitous wanderings in the quest for higher education. Read More
Spotlight
Graduate Students Visit Milan over Spring Break
Ambrosian Library
Over spring break, 11 members of the Notre Dame graduate seminar on the transmission of the classical text traveled with Prof. Bloomer to Milan, Italy, to inspect and read manuscripts from the fifth century through the 15th century A.D. at the Ambrosian Library. Read More
Spotlight
Tracy Jennings
Alumna
I did not come to Notre Dame intending to major in Classics, yet the decision to do so was one of the most formative choices in my life. The opportunities provided by this department are outstanding. Read More
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Caesar's Legacy at Butrint
Presented through The Saturday Scholars Series
Check out Professor Hernandez' Recent Talk on "Caesar's Legacy at Butrint" which was presented through the Saturday Scholars Series. Read More
Spotlight
The School of Rome: Latin Studies and the Origins of Liberal Education
W. Martin Bloomer
Associate Professor
Classics Read More
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Lieutenant Colonel Zacchea
Alumnus and Veteran
Like many other veterans, Michael Zacchea ’90 returned from service in the Iraq War after an injury and struggled at times to readjust to life outside of the military. Now, he is helping other disabled American troops on the same return journey to civilian life. Read More
Spotlight
Maria Martellaro
Greek and Roman Civilization Major
Prominent in both Greek mythology and Catholicism, the labyrinth remains one of the most enigmatic and elaborate structures in history. Notre Dame senior Maria Martellaro traveled to Italy and France this past summer in attempt to unravel this mystery . . . Read More
Spotlight
Molly Herber
Undergraduate Student
Being an Arabic major has led me to learn a rich language, giving me the opportunity to encounter new people and ideas about the world in places I never would have expected to find myself Read More
Spotlight
Mary Young
Graduate Student - Early Christian Studies
Mary majored in Medieval Studies and Theology at Fordham University where she fell in love with the Cappadocian Fathers and developed interest in issues of early church leadership, the relationship between the East and West, and the influence of ancient culture on Christianity. Read More
Spotlight
Daniel J. Sheerin
Professor Emeritus
Sheerin conducts research primarily in patristic and liturgical texts, medieval Latin, and texts by Erasmus and other Reformation figures. Read More
Spotlight
Jeffrey Haines
Graduate Student - Early Christian Studies
Jeff studied history and classics at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (class of 2011), where an accidental foray into the interlibrary loan system led him first to books on text criticism and soon after into the field of early Christianity as a whole. Read More
Spotlight
Peggy Garvey
PhD in Literature
Peggy was the winner of both a Nanovic summer research grant for archival research in the National Library of France in Paris and of the Paul Tobin Dissertation Fellowship for 2011-12. Read More
Spotlight
Robin Rhodes
Associate Professor, Departments of Classics and Art, Art History, and Design
Robin Rhodes is an archaeologist and historian of classical art and architecture and has recently been awarded a multi-year NEH Collaborative Research Grant for his work as Principal Investigator of the Greek Stone Architecture at the Corinth Excavations of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. Read More
Spotlight
Blake Leyerle
The John Cardinal O'Hara, C.S.C., Associate Professor of Theology
Blake Leyerle's scholarly specialization lies in the social and cultural history of early Christianity. Read More
Spotlight
Amaya Martin
Assistant Teaching Professor
Amaya Martin’s academic interests include linguistic analysis of Arabic cultural and literary texts. Read More
Spotlight
Kayla Durcholz
Alumna
By studying Classics, I have not just filled a bookshelf; I have actually encountered humanity. Read More
Spotlight
Edward Larkin
2011 Valedictorian
Studying the Classics at Notre Dame has been a singular experience. The granular detail of the coursework; the challenge involved in reconstructing the ancient world; the enormous pleasure inherent in studying such vibrant and fabulous cultures -- it has been an incredible four years of study. Read More
Spotlight
Emily Garnett
Alumna
After exploring the world of agriculture for a year, via jobs on five different farms around the U.S. and England, I took a job with the KP Ranch in Nebraska. I'm currently working with show cattle and learning the ropes of the ranching world. I am putting my Classics education to use and exploring the field of agricultural journalism as a potential career path. Read More
Spotlight
Michael Wagner
Alumnus
Studying in city of Classical importance – such as Rome, Athens, or Cairo – is absolutely essential for a Classics major at Notre Dame or any other university. It brings the history to life and it is essential to gaining a full appreciation for Classical Studies. As a student and as a person, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Read More
Spotlight
Stephen Morris
Alumnus
As I continue my educational journey into medical school, I know that the Classical foundation I received at Notre Dame will enhance my communication skills and the ability to digest complicated material. Read More
Spotlight
Elizabeth Mazurek
Associate Professor
Mazurek’s interests include Latin literature, Roman epigraphy, Roman history, and women and gender in classical antiquity. Read More
Spotlight
Michael Mercurio
Undergraduate Student
Congratulations to Michael for being selected as The Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures November Spotlight! Read More
Spotlight
Mary Claire O'Donnell
Alumna
I truly believe that my study of ancient cultures enhances my understanding of modern culture. My study of Classics here allows me to view the world in a new, more fulfilling way. Read More
Spotlight
Justin Farishon
Alumnus
The classics, in particular the Latin language, provided a foundation for understanding and synthesizing the various languages and cultures I encountered during my travels throughout Europe. Read More
Spotlight
Kyle Lee Andrews
Alumna
Classics is about the only major that allows for classes in the Forum, gives insight into Monty Python movies, and allows for the study of nearly any subject, provided that it involves the ancient world. Read More
Spotlight
Catherine Clepper
Alumna
Taking Classics course helped me realize that modernity and antiquity are along a continuum and constantly posing similar philosophical questions, similar political quandaries. Read More
Spotlight
Joseph P. Amar
Professor
Dr Joseph P. Amar is a linguist trained in ancient and modern Semitic languages and in the histories, religions, and cultures of the Middle East. He specializes in Aramaic, Syriac, and Arabic literary culture and in early interactions between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Read More
Spotlight
Keith R. Bradley
Eli J. and Helen Shaheen Professor of Classics
Professor Bradley is an ancient historian who specializes in the social and cultural history of Rome. He has particular interests in the history of slavery, the history of the family, and the history of religion in classical antiquity. Read More
Spotlight
Li Guo
Associate Professor
Guo’s areas of interest are Arabic language and literature, medieval Arabic historiography and popular culture. Read More
Spotlight
David Ladouceur
Associate Professor
Ladouceur is a specialist in Hellenistic Greek and Judaism, Early Christian Latin, ancient medicine. Read More
Spotlight
David Hernandez
Assistant Professor
David Hernandez is an archaeologist of the Greco-Roman Mediterranean. Having directed large-scale field projects at Butrint and Amantia, he has extensive knowledge of excavation methods and complex urban stratigraphy. Read More
Spotlight
Hildegund Müller
Associate Professor
Hildegund Müller is a specialist of late antique Latin literature, both poetry and prose, especially the Latin Church Fathers. Her favorite classical authors are Cicero and Horace. Read More
Spotlight
W. Martin Bloomer
Associate Professor
Bloomer’s chief areas of research lie in Latin literature, ancient rhetoric, and ancient education. Read More
Spotlight
Christopher A. Baron
Assistant Professor
Professor Baron’s interests include Greek and Roman historiography, the history of the Hellenistic period, Greek epigraphy, and the ethnic identity in the ancient world. Read More
Spotlight
Tadeusz Mazurek
Associate Professional Specialist
Professor Mazurek researches the literature and cultural history of Republican Rome, with a particular interest in Roman law, religion and self-rule. Read More
Spotlight
Catherine Schlegel
Associate Professor
Professor Schlegel’s research interests include Latin and Greek poetry and issues involving violence as a tool for identity formation. Read More
Spotlight
Isabelle Torrance
Assistant Professor
Professor Torrance specializes in archaic and classical Greek literature and culture, especially Greek tragedy and religion. Read More
