Spring 2026:New Courses

This spring, MESALC offers Three engaging courses exploring culture, performance, and representation across the Middle East and South Asia.

 Born for the Stage (URDU 3050) examines modern Urdu drama through close readings of 20th-century plays, with a focus on language, performance, and critical discussion. 

Sadaqah and Seva (MESA 2430) explores Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian representation in American popular culture through the lens of superheroes, comics, film, and television, emphasizing visual media and critical analysis. Both courses encourage deep cultural engagement and interdisciplinary learning.

Intro to Arabic Drama (Arabic 4120/7120) introduces students to modern Arabic drama from its early 20th-century pioneers to contemporary works. Students will explore a range of dramatic forms, including musical, experimental, feminist, and social drama—while developing skills in close reading and critical analysis. The course also familiarizes students with major schools of modern Arabic literary criticism and provides the theoretical tools needed to analyze dramatic texts in Arabic.

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