We will consider its practitioners, techniques, and reception, as well as such specific activities as necromany, spells, curses and possession. At the completion of the course, the students should have an understanding of the place of magic in shaping the development of civilization, its relationship to religion and science, and its continuing role in today's world. Through lectures, films and visits to local Sufi centers and websites, we will learn also about the subjective practice of Sufism in the contemporary west, as well as its history in the Islamic world. The text and materials will vary as each student will work closely with the Professor to identify texts appropriate to his or her particular area of research. This course is designed for advanced students who would like to conduct research on any aspect of the Middle East.
Requirements depend on the nature of the project or research undertaken.
Admittance by consent of instructor. Also, the student must have consent from the Department Chair. The text books will be supplemented by readings, samples of Persian poetry, songs, etc. By the end of the first year of Persian, it will be possible to participate in conversations in Persian on simple topics and read selections of basic modern texts. Students are expected to attend all classes, complete daily assignments and participate actively in class.