Middle East and Islamic Studies

Subject abbreviation: MEIS College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Muhamad Ali, Ph.D.Director Department Office, INTS 3111 (951)827-5111; muhamad.ali@ucr.edu

Committee in Charge Muhamad Ali (Religious Studies) Reza Aslan (Creative Writing) Sherine Hafez (Gender and Sexuality Studies) Erith Jaffe-Berg (Theatre, Film and Digital Production) Ruhi Khan (Media and Cultural Studies) Laila Lalami (Creative Writing) Benjamin Liu (Hispanic Studies) Susan Ossman (Anthropology) Jeff Sacks (Comparative Literature & Foreign Languages) **

Affiliated Faculty Jonathan Eacott, Ph.D. History John Ganim, Ph.D. English Denver Graninger, Ph.D. History Matthew King, Ph.D. Religious Studies Michele Salzman, Ph.D. History

Administered through the Interdisciplinary Studies Office, the Middle East and Islamic Studies major is designed to provide undergraduate students with a broad understanding of the history, politics and culture of the Middle East and Islamic traditions. The program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Middle East and Islamic traditions with focuses on gender, history, literature, popular discourses and politics, which canvass from North Africa to Southeast Asia.

The multidisciplinary nature of the program MCBL 205 Signal Transduction Pathways in Microbes and Plants (4) Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing in the biological sciences, BIOL 107A or BIOL 113 or BIOL 114 or CBNS 101; or consent of instructor. Advanced topics in signal transduction pathways that regulate growth and development in plants and prokaryotic and eukar- yotic microbes. Areas covered include two-component regulatory systems; quorum sensing; signaling via small and heterotrimeric G proteins; mitogen-ac- tivated protein kinase cascades; cAMP signaling; photoreceptors; plant hormone signaling; responses to low-oxygen stress; calcium signaling; and plant pathogenesis. Cross-listed with BCH 205, BPSC 205, CMDB 205, GEN 205, and PLPA 205.

MCBL 206 Gene Silencing (3) Lecture, 2 hours; discussion, 1 hour. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing, BIOL 107A or CBNS 101; or consent of instructor. An in-depth coverage of mechanisms, functions, and applications of RNAi and related gene regulatory pathways guided by small RNAs such as siRNAs and miRNAs in plants and animals. Cross-listed with CMDB 206 and GEN 206. Ding, Chen

MCBL 210 Molecular Biology of Human Disease Vectors (3) Lecture, 2 hours; seminar, 1 hour. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor. Covers the molecular aspects of vectors transmitting most dangerous human diseases. Involves lectures and student presentations about current issues in molecular biology and genomics of vector insects and pathogens they transmit. May be taken Satisfactory (S) or No Credit (NC) with consent of instructor and graduate advisor. Cross-listed with CMDB 210 and ENTM 210.

MCBL 211 Microbial Ecology (3) S, Odd Years Lecture, 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing or consent of instructor. Application of ecological principles to microbial communities. Emphasizes methods for analysis of diversity and community structure and statistical methods relating genetic and biochemical fingerprints to functional properties. Case studies explore applications for agriculture, disease biocontrol, and bioremediation of environmental contaminants. Cross-listed with SWSC 211. Aronson, Bik

MCBL 221 Microbial Genetics (4) W Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour. Prerequisite(s): BCH 110C or BIOL 107A; BIOL 102. In-depth coverage of the genetics of microbes. Emphasizes the primary data and the foundation of modern techniques using viruses, ar- chae, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes. Includes genome sequences and organization, plasmids and other vec- tors, and mutation and genetic screens. Also covers transposable elements, recombination, and regulation of gene expression, development, and pathogenesis. Cross-listed with BIOL 221 and PLPA 226. Borkovich

MCBL 241 Special Topics (2) Lecture, 2 hours. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing or consent of in- structor. Oral presentations and intensive small-group discussion of selected topics in each faculty member’s area of specialization. Course content emphasizes recent advances in the special topic area and varies accordingly. Graded Satisfactory (S) or No Credit (NC). Course is repeatable. Cross-listed with PLPA 241.

MCBL 250 Seminar in Microbiology (1) S Seminar, 1 hour. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing. Formal seminars by graduate students, faculty, and invited scholars on selected topics in microbiology. Graded Satisfactory (S) or No Credit (NC). Course is repeat- able. MCBL 126 Microbiomes (3) Lecture, 3 hours. Prereq- uisite(s): BIOL 121/MCBL 121 with a grade of “C” or better; or consent of instructor. Introduces microbi- omes, which are the collections of microorganisms that inhabit particular environments or locations, and that play crucial roles in agriculture, the environment and human health and disease. Covers fundamental knowledge about microbiomes and experimental strategies to understand and utilize microbiomes to prevent or treat human and plant diseases. Borneman

MCBL 130 Microbial Threats and Biodefense (3) S Lecture, 2 hours; discussion, 1 hour. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121L/MCBL 121L. Explores the historical devel- opment, strategies, and status of biodefense research. Addresses the impact of fungi, mycotoxins, bacteria, and viruses on human, animal, and plant health. Includes natural outbreaks and pandemics, epidemi- ology, detection technologies, ethics, and biodefense. Considers how these topics relate to plant, animal, and human health, as well as agriculture.

MCBL 133 Environmental Microbiology (4) Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 005A, BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020, BIOL 005B, BIOL 005C; or consent of instructor. Introduction to nonpathogenic microorganisms in the environment. Topics include an introduction to microbial biology and microbial and metabolic genetic diversity; methods; symbiotic interactions; biofilms; and geomicrobiology and bioge- ochemistry. Explores life in extreme environments and the effects of the physical and chemical environment on microbes. Cross-listed with ENSC 133. Aronson

MCBL 141 Public Health Microbiology (4) Lecture, 4 hours. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 002 or BIOL 005A; BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020; BIOL 003 or BIOL 005B; upper-di- vision standing; or consent of instructor. Introduction to transmission of human pathogenic microorganisms through environmental media, including drinking water, wastewater, food, and air. Topics include char- acterization of environmentally transmitted pathogens, microbial risk assessment, sampling and detection methods for microorganisms in environmental sam- ples, food and waterborne disease outbreaks, waste- water reuse, and microbial regulations and standards. Cross-listed with ENSC 141. Yates

MCBL 190 Special Studies (1-5) F, W, S, Summer In- dividual study, 3-15 hours. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor and major chairperson. Provides an op- portunity to meet specific curricular needs. Students who submit a term paper receive a letter grade; other students receive a Satisfactory (S) or No Credit (NC) grade. No more than 4 units can be applied toward the degree without permission from the Microbiology Steering Committee.

MCBL 197 Research for Undergraduates (1-4) directed research, 3-12 hours. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor; upper-division standing. Individual research in microbiology performed under the guidance of the staff or faculty. Letter grades are assigned to students presenting a research paper; other students are graded Satisfactory (S) or No Credit (NC). Course is repeatable to a maximum of 9 units.

MCBL 198-I Individual Internship in Microbiology (1- 12) Written work, 1-12 hours; internship, 2-24 hours. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121/MCBL 121; upper-division standing; consent of instructor. Provides opportu- nity for career exploration in microbiology. Includes supervision by a faculty member and an off-campus sponsor. Graded Satisfactory (S) or No Credit (NC). Course is repeatable to a maximum of 16 units.

The minor in Middle East and Islamic Studies offers a broad course of interdisciplinary and theoretically informed study. Students draw upon the range of materials covered in departments including Anthropology, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Hispanic Studies, History, Media and Cultural Studies, Religious Studies, Theatre, Film and Digital Production, and Political Science, as they gain critical knowledge of the texts, practices, institutions, and histories of the Middle East and Islamic traditions in diverse, multilingual, and global contexts. The study of at least one language, which pertains to students’ areas of interest, is strongly encouraged but not required.

• 1. Select two from the required courses (8 units)

ANTH 168/GSST 168, ANTH 169/GBST 169, ARLC 155/CPLT 155/MEIS 155/RLST 157, HIST 121, HIST 124, HIST 125, HIST 126, RLST 111

• 2. Select four from the elective courses (16

units)

• a) Arabic Literatures

ARBC 105

• b) Arabic Literatures and Cultures

ARLC 120, ARLC 151/CPLT 151/MEIS 151, ARLC 152/CPLT 152, ARLC 154/ CPLT 154/PHIL 128, ARLC 156/CPLT 156/MEIS 156/RLST 156

• c) Anthropology

ANTH 136/SEAS 136, ANTH 140-I

• d) Asian Studies

AST 167/CPLT 167/SEAS 167

• e) Comparative Literature

CPLT 153

• f) Gender and Sexuality Studies

See Undergraduate Studies section.

See College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Colleges and Programs section.

The major requirements for the B.A. in Middle East and Islamic Studies are as follows (56 units of required courses):

1.Language requirement: 6 courses (24 units) Students are required to fulfill the language requirement by taking 6 classes in a language in MEIS (Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Hebrew, Urdu, Malay/ Indonesian) or pass the proficiency requirement by taking a test administered by the department. Currently UCR offers only Arabic but students can take language classes either abroad (i.e. AUC in Cairo, Bogaziçi University in Istanbul) or in other UC campuses (UCLA, Irvine) upon the approval of MEIS director.

2.Senior Research (4 units): Students must take MEIS 199 or HIST 197 (taken senior year with the prior approval of the instructor or MEIS director)

3.Required courses: 3 courses (12 units) (at least one should be taken from area I and one from area II)

I. Survey courses:

ARLC 155/CPLT 155/MEIS 155/RLST 157, RLST 111, HIST 121, HIST 124

II. Specialized courses

ANTH 169/GBST 169, GSST 162/ RLST 162, HIST 125, HIST 126

• 4. Select four from the elective courses (16

units of elective courses):

Arabic Literatures and Cultures

ARLC 120, ARLC 151/CPLT 151/MEIS 151, ARLC 152/CPLT 152, ARLC 154/CPLT 154/PHIL 128, ARLC 156/CPLT 156/MEIS 156/RLST 156, ARLC 158/CPLT 158/MEIS 158/RLST 158

Anthropology

ANTH 136/SEAS 136, ANTH 140I, ANTH 188/ GSST 151, ANTH 189/ GSST 168, ANTH 109 Asian Studies

AST 167/CPLT 167/SEAS 167

Comparative Ancient Civilizations

CPAC 121/CLA 121/POSC 121

Economics Middle East and Islamic Studies Designated Emphasis / Music / 374

Scott Whitfield, Trombone Matthew Wyckoff, Electric Bass Guitar

The Music Department offers undergraduate majors leading to the B.A. in Music and the B.A. in Music and Culture.

Scholarships Students have access to student assistantships, work-study, Gluck Fellowships, and scholarships. For further information or a department tour, call the Music Department,

• (951) 827-7059.

Performance Throughout each academic year the Department of Music and Cultural Events sponsor more than 50 formal and informal concerts and recitals by campus ensembles, students, members of the performance faculty, and distinguished visiting artists. Most of the Music Department concerts are open to the public.

Facilities The department’s facilities include practice rooms equipped with Yamaha pianos, a Performance Lab, a Chamber Music Studio, and a large lecture/rehearsal hall, as well as smaller classrooms and a computer lab. The department owns a large collection of early- music instruments, including a large number of keyboard instruments, as well as instruments for use in traditional chamber, orchestral, and wind ensembles. The department also owns the instruments for several Asian ensembles, i.e., Javanese gamelan, Japanese taiko, Philippine rondalla, North Indiana tabla, and Korean drums, as well as for two Latin American ensembles, Andean and Mexican folkloric. The Experimental Acoustic Research Studio (EARS) supports the composition of electronic music and is housed at a location near campus. The department is home to the Center for Iberian and Latin American Music, which sponsors concerts and lectures in addition to maintaining a website and scholarly journal.

The UCR library holds strong music-research collections located in three facilities. Approximately 35,000 books about music may be found in the Rivera Library, along with journal back-files and microforms. The Music Library, located in room 054 Arts Building (lower level), provides listening equipment, computers, and houses collections of some 10,000 LPs, more than 7,000 CDs, an authoritative collection of reference works, and over 35,000 music scores. A growing collection of music DVDs is also available in the Music Library. Special Collections, on the 4th floor of the Rivera Library, holds numerous 18th- and 19th-century scores of major German and Austrian composers, as well as the Oswald Jonas and Joaquin Nin-Culmell archives. Located in the CHASS Interdisciplinary Building, the Multimedia Library houses the UCR Libraries’ collection of media. The collection includes video tapes (VHS), DVDs, Blu-Ray, laserdiscs, CD-ROMS, 16mm motion pictures and playback equipment. Online access to these collections is provided through the UCR Library’s local online catalog, SCOTTY and MELVYL, the UC system libraries’ online catalog. The UCR library homepage, library.ucr. edu, provides access to SCOTTY and MELVYL, as well as links to a wide variety of electronic resources. CPLT 215B, CPLT 284, RLST 200A, SPN 251, SPN 279

Current Upper Division Undergraduate Courses

ANTH 136/SEAS 136, ANTH 169/GBST 169, ARLC 120, ARLC 151/CPLT 151, ARLC 152/CPLT 152, ARLC 154/CPLT 154/PHIL 154, ARLC 155/RLST 157, ARLC 156/CPLT 156/RLST 156, ARLC 158/CPLT 158/RLST 158, GSST 151, GSST 162, GSST 168, HIST 121, HIST 124, HIST 125, HIST 126, MCS 172, POSC 133, POSC 152, POSC 156, RLST 111, RLST 113, RLST 116, RLST 149, RLST 150, RLST 151, RLST 155/PHIL 155, TFDP 191J