Introduction to Arab-Islamic cultures of medieval Sicily, Spain (al-Andalus), and North Africa through primary historical and literature texts. Examines the emergence of a Maghribi identity amidst cross-cultural...
An introduction to the medieval Arabic tradition of rhetoric (balagha). We will read Arabic texts that illustrate the historical evolution of the genre, as well as more systematic introductions to the field...
Architecture of the eastern Mediterranean basin (at Italian, Ottoman, and Mamluk courts) with emphasis on cross-cultural encounters and transmission of the Romano-Byzantine heritage, science and technology, architectural practice, ornament, urban design, military, religious, and domestic architecture.
The uprisings of the North African Arab Spring exposed the fragility of countries whose citizens were eager to revisit and adapt their identities in the face of a changing world. However, it was impossible for these movements to be coupled with humanitarian pedagogical tools – training and...
The Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES) was founded in 1969 at Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences to promote the interdisciplinary understanding of European history, politics, economy and societies.
Established in 1954 to support research and teaching on the Middle East, the Center for Middle Eastern Studies has produced generations of scholars with a profound understanding of and active engagement in the region. At the core of...
Examines trends, issues and debates in the comparative study of mystical literature. Close readings of primary works by Jewish, Christian and Muslim authors from the Middle Ages through the 16th century. Topics include poetry and mysticism; allegory,...