04-AO-PRAK2

Course identification: 04-AO-PRAK2
Class hours per week: 2
ECTS points: 5
Duration: 1 semester
Course offering: summer semester
Level: BA, second or third year

Übung: Historical Geography of the Middle East

Content:
The class offers an introduction to the historical geography of the Middle East. Basic information will be provided concerning the geography and environment of the various regions of Western Asia, the topography of certain regions in selected historical periods as well as the elements of ancient Near Eastern and modern toponymy. Special emphasis will be given to the 'correct' transliteration and pronunciation of ancient and modern place and regional names of the Middle East; varying conventions and their background will be presented.

Learning objectives:
The student will possess a good knowledge of the historical geography of the Middle East as well as of the typical environmental conditions in the regions of Western Asia. He/she will know the various conventions for transliterating ancient and modern geographical names of the various regions of the Middle East, and will be familiar enough with the phonemic inventory of Arabic, Turkish and Persian to correctly pronounce modern place names.

Examination:
Research paper (2000-2500 words).