Requirements
Students must complete at least 15 credit hours of CEUS or cross-listed courses, selected in consultation with the CEUS director of undergraduate studies, with a minimum GPA of 2.000, including:
1. At least 6 credit hours in a CEUS language beyond the introductory level
2. At least 6 credit hours in non-language CEUS or cross-listed courses
A minimum of 9 credit hours must be at the 300 level or above, and at least 9 credit hours of CEUS courses must be taken at the Bloomington campus. No more than 6 credit hours of non-CEUS cross-listed courses will be counted toward the minor.
Departmental Honors Program
Outstanding students are eligible for admission to the CEUS honors program at the end of their junior year. Under the guidance of a faculty sponsor, students will complete an honors thesis as part of their Capstone Seminar (R491) during their senior year. The thesis underscores original and independent research and the use of sources in the student’s language of specialization. Students then defend the thesis before an Honors Committee and should achieve a final thesis grade of A– or higher. To graduate with honors, students must maintain a minimum 3.300 cumulative and 3.500 major GPA. Interested students should consult the department’s director of undergraduate studies.
Course Descriptions
History, Civilization, or Other Culture Courses
CEUS-R 110 Central Asia: Cultures and Customs (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Introduction to Central
peoples. Examines the fabled "Silk Road" and the diverse cultures, societies, and life-ways of this region: herders, farmers, caravan traders, and city-dwellers. Most of the population is Muslim and Turkic-speaking but other religions and languages are represented as well.
CEUS-R 191 Introduction to Central Eurasia (3 cr.) CASE S&H P: Open only to freshmen and sophomores
or by consent of instructor. Introduction to the history of the traditional Central Eurasian ("Inner Asian") peoples through lecture and film. Topics include Proto-Indo- Europeans, Silk Road, Attila, steppe empires, Dalai Lama, Manchu and Russian relations, and the re-emergence of Central Eurasia in the late twentieth century. Extensive use of films. Credit given for only one of R191 or U190.
CEUS-R 199 Introductory Topics in Central Eurasian Studies (1-4 cr.) Variable title course for introductory
topics in Central Eurasian studies. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours in R199 and U320.
CEUS-R 213 Islam in Central Asia (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC This course surveys the history
and contemporary status of Islam in Central Asia, a region shaped by engagement with Islamic religion and civilization for over a millennium, and marked recently by the interaction of traditional patterns of Muslim religious life with the impact of Russian, Soviet, and Chinese rule.
CEUS-R 250 Introduction to the Ancient Near East (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Introduction to ancient
Near Eastern and Central Asian cultures. Begins with early farming communities around 8000 B.C. and includes the Bronze Age and Iron Age kingdoms of Assyria, Babylonia, Iran, and Central Asia and the spread of Hellenism. Architectural and textual information used with visual aids. Credit given for only one of R250, U254, or NELC N245.
CEUS-R 251 Post-Taliban Afghanistan and the War on Terror (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC The September
11th attacks prompted the on-going "War on Terrorism" against Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. This course examines this conflict while focusing on Afghanistan as a multi-ethnic, modern nation-state ravaged by a century of internal colonialism and most recently by foreign invasions, proxy wars, and global terrorism. Credit given for only one of CEUS-R 251, ANTH-E 251, or NELC-N 251.
CEUS-R 260 The Great Wall of China (3 cr.) CASE S&H
Everyone knows of the Great Wall of China, but few know the real role walls played in China's strategy and defense against the nomads of Mongolia. This class introduces students to when, how, and why the wall was built and to the complex relations between China and the nomads.
CEUS-R 270 The Civilization of Tibet (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Introduction to the diverse aspects of
Tibetan civilization. Making extensive use of slides and other audiovisual materials, the course covers such topics as Tibet's literature, art, religion, society, history, and language. Strongly recommended for undergraduates intending to take higher-level courses in Tibetan studies. Credit given for only one of CEUS-R 270, CEUS-U 284 or INST-I 212.
CEUS-R 281 Turkish Literature in Translation (3 cr.)
Introduction to Turkish literature in translation, including Ottoman court literature, Turkish epic and troubadour poetry, and modern and contemporary Turkish literature. No previous knowledge of the Turkish language or its literature is required, but familiarity with Turkish or Middle Eastern literary traditions is helpful.
CEUS-R 290 Introduction to Central Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Central
Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet have a unique legacy in the world today: nomads, Silk Road, Islam, Buddhism, Russo-Chinese rivalry, Communism, and resistance. This course will provide a broad overview of trends and issues in this crossroads of cultures and civilizations through a combination of lectures, discussions, and guest presentations.
CEUS-R 291 Inner Asian Religious Beliefs (3 cr.) CASE A&H, CASE GCC Describes the diverse religious
beliefs of Inner Asia (oasis Central Asia, Turkic nomads, Mongolia, Tibet), focusing on Islam, Buddhism, and native religions. Topics include world religions on the Silk Road, Islamic and Buddhist conversions, native religions and "shamanism," revivalist and modernizing movements, Communist and post-Communist liberalization. Credit given for only one of R291 or U292.
CEUS-R 292 Introduction to Turkic and Iranian Civilization (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Introduction
to the Turkic and Iranian peoples of Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. Introduces languages, literatures, and cultures; covers history, society, and economy with a focus on Islam and socio-political
movements today. Includes guest lectures, films, museum visits, and musical and dance performances.
CEUS-R 294 Introduction to Hungary, Estonia, and Finland (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Introduction to
Hungary, Estonia, and Finland, three European nations whose peoples speak unique Uralic languages. Covers their culture and history as shaped by their Uralic heritage and by Germanic, Turkish, and Slavic conquerors. Focuses on national awakenings, independence, communism, and their role in Europe today.
CEUS-R 299 Intermediate Topics in Central Eurasian Studies (1-4 cr.) Variable title course for intermediate
topics in Central Eurasian studies. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours in R299 and U320.
CEUS-R 302 Finland in the Twentieth Century (3 cr.) CASE S&H In-depth study of modern Finnish history,
stressing Russification; 1905 Revolution; independence; interwar period, the Winter War and the Continuation War; "Finlandization," economic miracle, and welfare state; changing role of women; Finland as part of
Scandinavia; literature, art, and music; and membership in the European Union. Credit given for only one of R302 or U333.
CEUS-R 304 Modern Finnish Literature (3 cr.)
Examination of major works of modern Finnish literature in translation. Themes include urbanization, industrialization, independence, the individual and society, alcoholism, "the sixties," role of women, and influence of fine arts, music, performing arts, and film.
CEUS-R 309 Topics in Baltic-Finnish Studies (3 cr.)
Variable title course for topics in Baltic-Finnish studies. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
CEUS-R 310 Introduction to Central Asian History (3 cr.) CASE S&H Explores Central Asia's role in world
history, in Islam, and as a link between East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Readings in English translation.
CEUS-R 311 Travelers and Explorers in Central Asia (3 cr.) CASE S&H Charts the exploration of Central Asia
from China to Iran in the eighth through the nineteenth centuries. Uses primary sources in English translation to evaluate these travelogues as sources, comparing and contrasting medieval and modern, from insider and outsider perspectives.
CEUS-R 312 Shrine and Pilgrimage in Central Asian Islam (3 cr.) CASE A&H, CASE GCC Surveys religious
beliefs and activities involving shrines and pilgrimage to holy places in Muslim Central Asia, from beginning to present. Broadens understanding of how shrines served the religious needs of Central Asian Muslims and the relationship between shrine-centered religious life and "normative" religious practice. Credit given for only one of R312 or U392.
CEUS-R 313 Islam in Soviet Union and Successor States (3 cr.) CASE A&H, CASE GCC Surveys Islam
and Muslim communities in areas of the former U.S.S.R. After basic coverage of Islam, Russian expansion, and their interaction, the course focuses on the pressures experienced by and exerted by Islam as a religion and socio-cultural system, with attention to religious life's adaptations to the Soviet and post-Soviet context. Credit given for only one of R313 or U394.
CEUS-R 314 Islamization in Inner Asia (3 cr.) CASE A&H, CASE GCC Examines the distinctive character
of Islam in Inner Asia, including religious change and "conversion," and geographic, ethnic, and political contexts. Explores cases of Islamization, emphasizing indigenous accounts and their significance in Islamic and Inner Asian patterns of religious meaning and ritual.
CEUS-R 315 Politics and Society in Central Asia (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC An introduction to Central
Eurasia, especially the former Soviet Union, focusing on the 1980s and beyond. Main topics are politics, society, and economy; others include demography, Islam, women, and foreign policy. Credit given for only one of R315 or U395.
CEUS-R 316 Peoples and Cultures of Central Asia (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Anthropology of former
Soviet Central Asia and adjacent areas of Iran and Afghanistan. Topics include ecology, ethnohistory, subsistence traditions; kinship, gender, identities; religion; transformations under Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and the war on terrorism. No previous knowledge presumed; background in anthropology helpful. Credit given for only one of R316, U398, or ANTH E398.
CEUS-R 329 Topics in Central Asian Studies (3 cr.)
Variable title course for topics in Central Asian studies. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
CEUS-R 330 Politics in Modern Xinjiang (3 cr.)
Exploration of Xinjiang's politics from 1900 to the present, focusing on Islam, identity politics, immigration, language battles, cultural resistance, the Production and Construction Corps, political economy, and oil.
CEUS-R 331 Grave Robbers, Missionaries, and Spies: Foreign Adventurers in Chinese Turkestan (3 cr.)
From the nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries, the mysteries of Xinjiang (Chinese Turkestan) lured outsiders: missionaries, archaeologists, treasure hunters, adventurers, scouts, officials, and outright spies. Fortunately, many left readable accounts of their discoveries through which readers can explore both the region's attraction to outsiders and outsider influence on the region.
CEUS-R 332 History of Xinjiang to 1911 (3 cr.)
Introduction to the tumultuous history of Xinjiang, geographically part of Central Asia, but now under Chinese rule. Covers cultural, ethnic, religious, and geopolitical changes to 1911. Topics include ecology and economy; Uyghur, Chinese, Mongol, and Manchu empires; Islamization; the Jihaddist movement; and stirrings of nationalism.
CEUS-R 333 Cultures and Civilization of Xinjiang (3 cr.) Surveys Xinjiang (Chinese Turkestan) from
prehistory to today: material life, languages, literature, arts, and religion. Considers the "mummy controversy," Xinjiang on the so-called Silk Road, Islamization, and cultural diversity today. Themes include cultural borrowing, "clash of civilization," and the politics of multiculturalism.
CEUS-R 340 Introduction to Hungarian Studies (3 cr.) CASE GCC Introduction to major issues in
Hungarian studies from the migration to the present. After a geographic survey, explores issues in Hungarian identity, with particular attention to issues of ethnicity, religion, and culture, both high and low.
CEUS-R 342 Roma (Gypsy) History and Culture (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Europe's largest minority, the
so-called "Gypsies," more properly the Roma, have been killed, hunted, and reviled; yet the exotic flavoring of "Gypsiness" has fascinated writers, artists, and composers. Surveys Roma history and representations. No background in East European studies, music, or film is required; readings are in English.
CEUS-R 349 Topics in Hungarian Studies (1-4 cr.)
Variable title course for topics in Hungarian studies. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
CEUS-R 351 Prophets, Poets, and Kings: Iranian Civilization (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Traces the
history of Iranians from ancient times through the Arab conquest to today. Focuses on institutions, religious, secular and ecclesiastic hierarchies, minorities, devotional and communal change, and Iranian influences on
Islam. Visual and archaeological aids used. No previous knowledge of subject matter required. Credit given for only one of R351 or U311.
CEUS-R 352 Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Ethnographic survey
examines the social institutions and cultural forms in contemporary Middle Eastern societies (i.e., the Arab
world, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan). Topics include ecology; Islam; pastoral nomadism; agriculture and cities; colonialism and nation-states; tribalism, ethnicity, and gender; and modernization, oil wealth, labor migration, and social unrest. Credit given for only one of CEUS R352, CEUS U397, ANTH E397, or NELC N397.
CEUS-R 354 Persian Literature in Translation (3 cr.) CASE A&H, CASE GCC Study and analysis of selected
readings from Persian literature in English translation. May concentrate on a particular theme, period, or author. Special attention paid to the historical and cultural contexts of the works, as well as problems in translation, critical analysis, and interpretation. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in R354, U372, and NELC N380.
CEUS-R 359 Topics in Iranian Studies (3 cr.) Variable
title course for topics in Iranian studies. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours in R359 and U399.
CEUS-R 360 Modern Mongolia (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Examines Mongolia's turbulent history from
independence from China's last dynasty in 1911 through theocracy, revolution, and communism to today's market democracy. Also focuses on social, economic, cultural, and demographic changes. No prerequisite. Credit given for only one of R360 or U469.
CEUS-R 361 Mongolia's Middle Ages (3 cr.) CASE S&H
Examination of Mongolia's "middle ages" between the Mongol world empire and the modern era, 1350 to 1850. Topics include the nobility, Oirats, Buddhist conversion, Manchu-Chinese rule, and Buriats and Kalmyks in Russia. Readings include modern histories and sources in translation.
CEUS-R 362 Mongolian Civilization and Folk Culture (3 cr.) CASE GCC Introduction to Mongolian traditional
civilization: material culture (dwelling, clothing, food, warfare, hunting, animal husbandry, crafts, agriculture,), social and spiritual life (kinship, wedding, birth, names, childhood, races, medicine, death, folk religion, Buddhism, shamanism, values and taboos, omens), folk arts (music, oral literature, dance). Knowledge of Mongolian not required.
CEUS-R 364 Shamanism and Folk Religion of the Mongols (3 cr.) CASE GCC Examination of shamanism
and its role in Mongol communities. Is it a religion? What is its relation to folk beliefs and world religions? Who becomes a shaman or what defines shamaness? What skills, tools, and techniques are necessary? Knowledge of Mongolian not required.
CEUS-R 369 Topics in Mongolian Studies (3 cr.) CASE GCC Variable title course for topics in Mongolian studies.
May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
CEUS-R 370 Introduction to the History of Tibet (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Survey of Tibet's history from
its beginning to present. Studies facets of Tibet's history including the Tibetan empire of the seventh to ninth centuries, the impact of Buddhism, Tibet's relations with neighboring peoples, the rise of the Dalai Lama, and current issues of Tibet. Credit given for only one of R370 or U483.
CEUS-R 371 Tibet and the West (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Examines Western perception of Tibet during
the past 700 years and compares Tibetan civilization with popular conceptions that prevailed in the West during corresponding periods. Subjects include Tibet as "Shangri-La," reflected in such novels and films as Lost
Horizon, along with Tibetan perceptions of Westerners
and Western civilization. Credit given for only one of R371 or U489.
CEUS-R 372 Sino-Tibetan Relations (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Surveys interaction between Tibet and China
from beginnings to the present, touching on political, cultural, economic, and religious links. Areas explored include the rise of Tibet as a dynamic empire competing with Tang China, religious links between Tibetan hierarchs and Chinese rulers, and conflict over Tibet's incorporation into China. Credit given for only one of R372 or U490.
CEUS-R 373 The Religions of Tibet (3 cr.) CASE A&H
Surveys the history of Tibetan religions and their impact on Tibetan society and culture. Considers interactions between religions and politics and how they shaped public lifestyles, inspired movements, and molded identity through the centuries. Coverage is both chronological and thematic. Credit given for only one of R373 or U484.
CEUS-R 379 Topics in Tibetan Studies (3 cr.) Variable
title course for topics in Tibetan studies. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
CEUS-R 380 Literature of the Ottoman Court in
Translation (3 cr.) Reading and analysis of representative
literary texts of the Ottoman court—both poetry and prose. Introduction to various literary forms, such as gazel, kaside, mesnevi, tezkire and others, used by Ottoman authors. Uses the classical Ottoman canon as well as modern and contemporary theoretical approaches for interpretation.
CEUS-R 382 Cultural History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Turkey (3 cr.) Introduction to the rich
and varied cultures of Turkey, from Ottoman times to present. Considers issues such as literary and vernacular languages, women, Kemal Atatürk, Turkish Islams, education, Kurdish nationalism, and Turkey’s relations with Europe. Turkish films and visual materials used with readings.
CEUS-R 383 Ten Sultans, One Empire: Ottoman Classical Age, 1300–1600 (3 cr.) CASE S&H, CASE GCC Traces the Ottoman Empire from its beginnings
to its height under Suleyman the Magnificent. Themes include Turks before the empire, Asia Minor before the Turks, rival principalities, centralization, Ottomans as European and Middle Eastern, economy, society, religion, law, learning, ethnic/cultural diversity, and the "classical age" as a concept.
CEUS-R 389 Topics in Turkish Studies (1-4 cr.)
Variable title course for topics in Turkish studies. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
CEUS-R 392 Uralic Peoples and Cultures (3 cr.) CASE S&H Surveys the Uralic (Finno-Ugric and
Samoyed) peoples of northern Europe and Siberia. Topics include their origins and history, traditional and modern cultures, ethnic and national identity, development and