For a full list of spring 2026 courses and descriptions, scroll down.
Required Classes for IS Minor
CAS JS 285: Israel: History, Politics, Culture, Identity
HI 392 / LH 284
Instructor: Romy Neumark
TR 12:30 – 1:45pm
4 Credits
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120)
Using a broad array of readings, popular music, documentaries, film and art, this course explores Israel’s political system, culture, and society, including the status of minorities in the Jewish state; post-1967 Israeli settlement projects; and the struggle for Israel’s identity.
Hub Units: Writing-Intensive Course, The Individual in Community, Critical Thinking.
CAS IR 312: Comparative Development in the Middle East
PO 369
Prof. Shamiran Mako
MW 10:10 – 11:25am
4 Credits
This course surveys pertinent topics relating to the socio-economic and political development of the Middle East and North African throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will explore and critical analyze themes relating to colonialism and state formation and statebuilding, regime types, oil and rentierism, civil society, authoritarianism and democratization, military spending, gender relations, Islamist movements, elections, revolutions and social movements, territorial disputes, foreign intervention, and sectarianism and identity politics.
Hub Units: Social Inquiry I, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Critical Thinking.
Electives
CAS JS 100: World Cultures of the Jews
Dr. Matthew Creighton
MWF 11:15am – 12:05pm
4 Credits
Introduces students to the study of Judaism in its many forms, by exploring Jewish communities across the globe today, their different historical origins and cultural contexts, and strategies of preserving cohesion and transnational solidarity.
Hub Units: The Individual in Community, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Teamwork/Collaboration.
CAS JS 283: Israeli Culture through Film (in English translation)
CAS LH 283
Dr. Ofra Amihay
M 2:30 – 5:15pm
4 Credits
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar (WR 120 or equivalent)
Israeli society, from its origins to contemporary times, through the medium of film. Topics include immigration; war; the ongoing impact of the Holocaust on Israeli society; trials of women; war; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Introduction to film analysis and interpretive methods.
Hub Units: Writing-Intensive Course, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Aesthetic Exploration.
CAS JS 286: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
HI 393
Section A1: Prof. Nahum Karlinsky, TR 2:00 – 3:15pm
Section B1: Dr. Dotan Greenvald, W 2:30 – 5:15pm
4 Credits
History of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, analysis of conflicting narratives through primary sources and film. Students present their own reflections on the conflict and debate possibilities of resolution. Counts toward majors and minors in History, International Relations, Middle East & North Africa Studies, and Jewish Studies.
Hub Units: : Historical Consciousness, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.
CAS JS 380: Israeli Culture Through Media
LH 340
Master Lecturer Miriam Angrist
MWF 12:20 – 1:10pm
4 Credits
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASLH212) or consent of instructor.
An advanced Hebrew language course, which uses as its “textbook” Israeli newspapers, television, and online news media. Students follow current events in Israel (politics, business, sports, etc.); compare coverage in diverse outlets; speak and write knowledgeably about Israeli society.
Hub Units: Ethical Reasoning, Digital/Multimedia Expression.
CAS LY 112: Elementary Modern Arabic 2
Section A1: Prof. Giselle Khoury-Disano, MWF 10:10 – 11:00am
Section B1: Master Lecturer Luluah Mustafa, MWF 11:15am – 12:05pm
4 Credits
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASLY111
Advances proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic to the Novice High level. Expands vocabulary repertoire. Practice speaking, listening, reading, writing using engaging materials and real-life communicative activities.
Hub Units: The Individual in Community.
CAS LY 212: Second Year Modern Arabic 2
Prof. Giselle Khoury-Disano
MWF 11:15am – 12:05pm
4 Credits
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASLY211
Advances proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic to the Intermediate Mid level. Expands vocabulary repertoire. Practice speaking, listening, reading, writing using engaging materials and real-life communicative activities.
Hub Units: The Individual in Community, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.