ANTH 220 Cultures of the Middle East
This course raises epistemological inquiry regarding the study of Middle Eastern cultures. It focuses on the cultures and societies of the Middle East and aims to provide analytical insights into modes of cultural identification and life of the various social, religious, and ethnic groups, beyond the media headlines and the imagery often used to represent the Middle East. Students will study the geography and history of the Middle East as they apply to the development of various cultures, attitudes, and beliefs. They will compare and contrast various institutions, both governmental and social, among the countries of these regions. Students will also look at the expression of the culture through art, music, food, dress, and literature.
Prerequisite
Eligible to enroll in
ENGL 121
Hours Weekly
3 hours weekly
Course Objectives
- Identify the core concepts and methods anthropologists use to describe and analyze culture
and apply them to a variety of Middle Eastern case studies. - Identify the physical and cultural geography of the region and their effects on the region’s
culture and people. - Compare and contrast representations of the region in the world media and the events and
issues behind these headlines. - Demonstrate knowledge of cultural etiquette and protocol to manage cultural barriers and
miscommunications effectively. - Explain the broad scope of Middle Eastern history by focusing on major events within the
region. - Demonstrate an understanding of the ancient traditions, values, and folklore as they exist
today in the region. - Analyze the role of religion and spirituality in shaping the values, morals, and views held by
various groups in the region and compare to one’s own perspective. - Analyze the social structures of tribes, households, and families within the region and their
impact on values, politics, economics, and ethics.
Course Objectives
- Identify the core concepts and methods anthropologists use to describe and analyze culture
and apply them to a variety of Middle Eastern case studies.This objective is a course Goal Only
- Identify the physical and cultural geography of the region and their effects on the region’s
culture and people.This objective is a course Goal Only
- Compare and contrast representations of the region in the world media and the events and
issues behind these headlines.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Writing Assignments
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Research Presentation or Paper
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Demonstrate knowledge of cultural etiquette and protocol to manage cultural barriers and
miscommunications effectively.This objective is a course Goal Only
- Explain the broad scope of Middle Eastern history by focusing on major events within the
region.This objective is a course Goal Only
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ancient traditions, values, and folklore as they exist
today in the region.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Writing Assignments
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Research Presentation or paper
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Analyze the role of religion and spirituality in shaping the values, morals, and views held by
various groups in the region and compare to one’s own perspective.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Writing Assignments
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Research presentation or paper
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Analyze the social structures of tribes, households, and families within the region and their
impact on values, politics, economics, and ethics.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Writing Assignments
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Research presentation or paper
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning