Courses
ANTH 368/EALC 368 Peoples of China
Assistant Professor Arienne Dwyer
An analysis of the cultural origin, diversity, and unity of the peoples of China. Emphasis on historical development, social structure, cultural continuity and change, and ethics.
ANTH 501 Special Topics in: Islam in the Middle East and Central Asia
This course offers an anthropological approach to understanding Islam in the Middle East and Central Asia. We examine basic Islamic tenets and the various ways in which Islam plays a significant role in the everyday lives of peoples. Students gain a solid understanding of core Islamic beliefs and practices; the place of such beliefs and practices in shaping ideas about family, gender, community, and state; and contemporary questions of the relationship between religion, society, politics, and modernity.
ANTH 530/LING 530/EALC 530 Structure and Sociolinguistics of Chinese Minority Languages: Uyghur
Assistant Professor Arienne Dwyer
This course provides a holistic introduction to an important non-Indo-European language. Linguistic features of Uyghur (including vowel harmony and a complex verb aspect system) are examined in some depth. The broader sociolinguistic context is given equal weight as language and society issues are considered: dialectical variation, language and identity, language contact, and maintenance.
ANTH 749/LING 749/EALC 749 Seminar in Anthropology: Ethnolinguistics of China
Assistant Professor Arienne Dwyer
Areal and Thematic approaches to the languages and societies of China. Topics include but are not limited to: language contact, multilingualism, language and minority policy, language and ethnicity, an in-depth study of a geographic region or language family.
GEOG 571 Topics in Cultural Geography
Assistant Professor Shannon O'Lear
Paying particular attention to the meaning of borders, the first part of >the course focuses on Russia's historical and current relationship with >its regional neighbors and implications for Russia's post-imperial >identity. The second part of the course examines geopolitical issues for >states of Central Asia and the Caucasus. We will consider how issues such >as energy and water resources, Islam, territory, and interactions within >and beyond the region influence various measures of security in these areas.
GEOG 594 Geography of the Former Soviet Union
Professor Leslie Dienes
An analysis of the spatial organization of the successor states to the USSR. A study of the diverse human and natural resources, demographic, cultural, and economic conditions.
GEOG 772 Problems in Political Geography
Assistant Professor Shannon O'Lear
Paying particular attention to the meaning of borders, the first part of >the course focuses on Russia's historical and current relationship with >its regional neighbors and implications for Russia's post-imperial >identity. The second part of the course examines geopolitical issues for >states of Central Asia and the Caucasus. We will consider how issues such >as energy and water resources, Islam, territory, and interactions within >and beyond the region influence various measures of security in these areas.
HA 785 Masters of Sung and Yuan Dynasty Painting
Professor Marsha Haufler
A thorough study of the works attributed to the great masters of the Five Dynasties, Sung and Yuan Dynasties (10th to 14th centuries) in China, in relation to the various theories of Chinese painting and the problems of connoisseurship.
POLS 151 Honors Introduction to Comparative Politics
Assistant Professor Erik Herron
The study of comparative politics addresses how political, economic and social features differ across the globe and why these differences matter. Students in this section will investigate questions about politics in a unique, interactive environment that will be truly international. We will discuss how political scientists have studied institutions, culture, and political behavior. In addition, students will work with peers from universities in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia using live video feeds, instant messaging and e-mail. In addition to discussing issues of comparative politics, students will complete collaborative assignments with students in the partner institutions.
POLS 654 Politics of Russia and the Central Eurasian States
Assistant Professor Erik Herron
An introduction to political analysis of the USSR and the states of the former Soviet Union. Although the primary focus is domestic politics, the class touches on aspects of economics, geography, history, international relations, philosophy and sociology. The first part of the course addresses the evolution of the Soviet state from its inception to collapse. The second part of the course focuses on the development of political and economic institutions in Russia following the constitutions, electoral systems and political parties across the post-Soviet landscape. The course covers the states of Central Asia, touching on the Soviet legacy and post-Soviet political developments.
REES 220 Societies and Cultures of Eurasia
Ray Finch
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the societies and cultures of Eurasia (primarily Central Asia and the Caucasus region; though we will also briefly discuss the countries of Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan). The course will have an interdisciplinary character and will take into account, among other disciplines, geography, literature, history, economics, social and political structures, music, art, and religion. Instead of a purely geographical approach, this course will use a more thematic approach toward the study of the cultures and societies of the region. Though some historical background is necessary, the material will focus mainly on the Twentieth Century - specifically, on the collapse of empires, the rise and fall of communism, the disintegration of the USSR and the rise of authoritarianism and nationalism in the region. An attempt will be made to translate the events of today in light of the recent and distant past.
REES 480 Turkish Language, Introductory and Intermediate
Berna Orge
These language courses introduce students to Turkish. Kazakh, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, and Uyghur are among the Turkic languages. Turkish can be studied as an introduction to all Turkic Languages, which are spoken by over 165 million people. Contact CREES at crees@ku.edu or 785-864-4236 for more information.
REES 510 Understanding Central Asia
Cristin Burke
This course provides students with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary view of Central Asia's newer and older states in order to help them understand the past and current geopolitical significance of the region. The course examines the geography, resources, environment, peoples, history, religion and culture of the five former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, China's Xinjiang (Sinkiang) Province, and Afghanistan.
REL 435/AAAS 320 Development of the Islamic Tradition
Assistant Professor Margaret Rausch
Origins of Islam, the prophet Mohammed, the Holy Koran, religious symbols and moral mandates, historical developments.
REL 508/EALC 508 Religion in China
Associate Professor Daniel B. Stevenson
Survey of religious thought and practice in China from the Shang to the People's Republic.
REL 532 Studies in Islam
Assistant Professor Margaret Rausch
Study of religious thought, practice, and institutions of Islam with an emphasis on the examination of primary documents.
SOC 535 Gender in the Global Context
Associate Professor Mehrangiz Najafizadeh
This course examines gender roles and identity in the global context and focuses specifically on historical comparative analysis of women's participation in - and impact on - social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of their communities and nations. Major emphasis is placed on women in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
