Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Classics
The Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Classics (MAMEC) invites a close study of the texts that influenced the Islamic Middle East in the time between the fall of Rome and the European Renaissance, and centers on the great texts and authors of these Jewish and Islamic civilizations, providing students with an unrivaled opportunity to engage with rich literary traditions. The program commences in fall semesters and is offered on campus in Santa Fe.
Religious Questions of the Divine Middle Eastern Classics Seminar
The Seminar is the core of the Middle Eastern Classics Program. It is three semesters long and provides students the opportunity to read the Hebrew Bible alongside the essential works of Islamic philosophy and theology, as well as Persian literature and poetry, and both Islamic and Jewish criticisms of the Aristotelian tradition. Throughout this class students and tutors alike attempt to address questions such as: What is the relationship between human and divine wisdom? What is the soul, and what does it mean to attain happiness as a spiritual being? And, what is the proper role of religion in political society?
Plato, Aristotle, and Plotinus First Preceptorial
To read Middle Eastern classical texts in earnest鈥攚hether the Qur鈥櫮乶, Islamic philosophy, or Jewish thought鈥攊s to step into a conversation already underway with the ancient Greeks. As such, the first preceptorial will explore the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and Plotinus to build a foundation that is later questioned, challenged, and occasionally welcomed by the philosophers of the Middle East.
Qur鈥櫮乶 and Life of Muhammad Second Preceptorial
This class invites students to reflect on two of the most influential texts in the Islamic world: the Qur鈥櫮乶 and Ibn 鈥橧s岣ツ乹鈥檚 Life of Muhammad. First and foremost an audiobook, students will begin by listening to recordings of the Qur鈥櫮乶 recited in various styles and will discover the Qur鈥櫮乶 not only as scripture but as a literary, philosophical, and moral work. While lacking narrative structure, the narrative throughline that holds the Qur鈥檃n together is provided by early accounts of the life and career of Muhammad. Examining the two texts together, students will uncover the complimentary nature of one illuminating and being illuminated by the other.
al-F膩r膩b墨 and Maimonides Third Preceptorial
Through a careful study of key texts by al-F膩r膩b墨 (870鈥�950) and Maimonides (1138鈥�1204), two of the most influential figures in the Muslim and Jewish reception of Greek philosophy, respectively, students will encounter such themes as the character and purpose of philosophy, the relationship between human and divine wisdom, and the best way for a human being to live. Although these authors represent different religious traditions and lived centuries apart, they are closely aligned in their understanding of the questions facing man as both a political and spiritual animal.
Ibn al-鈥楢rab墨鈥檚 Ringstones of Wisdom and R奴m墨 Fourth Preceptorial
In the fourth preceptorial, students will dive into a key work by the thirteenth-century Andalusian Sufi master, 鈥業bn al-鈥楢rab墨, who is known to distinguish himself from both rationalists and those who follow God by blind faith when answering the question 鈥淗ow do we come to know God?鈥� These readings are complimented by the poetry of R奴m墨, originator of the 鈥淲hirling Dervishes.鈥� Though he鈥檚 been called the best-selling poet in America, it鈥檚 been said of R奴m墨, 鈥淣o one ever understood him as he should have been understood. He came into the world a stranger and left it a stranger,鈥� something students will attempt to uncover.
Classical Hebrew Language Tutorial
Language is a constitutive part of all thought. In the Middle Eastern Classics program, students choose to study either Classical Hebrew or Classical Arabic to see the texts we read in translation in new, revealing light. Classical Hebrew is especially challenging for English-speakers because it contains few words that have relatives in English. In addition, its alphabet, though related to ours, looks quite different. Fortunately, we will have excellent resources at our disposal Thomas Lambdin鈥檚 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew. A special benefit of Lambdin鈥檚 book is that by the end of fall semester it will have us reading the Joseph story from Genesis.
Classical Arabic Language Tutorial
Language is a constitutive part of all thought. In the Middle Eastern Classics program, students choose to study either Classical Arabic or Classical Hebrew to see the texts we read in translation in new, revealing light. Classical Arabic offers a great challenge for English-speakers: while it has influenced many modern languages, its grammar, vocabulary, and script differ significantly from English. Its rich root system and intricate syntax open new dimensions of meaning in classical texts. Fortunately, we will have excellent resources at our disposal, including Wheeler Thackston鈥檚 Introduction to Classical Arabic. A special benefit of Thackston鈥檚 book is that by the end of the fall semester, we will be reading selections from the Qur’膩n and classical Arabic prose, deepening both linguistic understanding and cultural insight.
