Ph. D. of Orientalism

The First Stage

The student studies nine courses distributed as follows:

• √ Six mandatory courses.
• √ Three elective courses from the general track courses.
• If the student wants to choose a specialized track, he must choose the elective courses from the compulsory courses for the specialized track
• The study is conducted through research seminars in each course. The research seminar relies on multiple references and is in accordance with the methodology and standards of scientific research.
• Each of the eight courses takes four credit hours to complete over a period of no less than four weeks, and more than that is permissible depending on each student’s abilities. After that, the student is given a proficiency and knowledge test in the course he/she has completed, and then he/she begins another course in the same manner, and so on.
• The courses studied in the first year allow the student to extend his studies for a period not exceeding the second year.
• If the specialization track is chosen within the general program, elective courses must be taken from the courses designated for the chosen specialization.

The Second Stage

The student is assigned two virtual courses, selected by the college from among the courses the student has taken during the undergraduate stage. This is a practical training course for the student, amounting to ten credit hours. The student must divide this course into twelve to fourteen brief lectures. The student presents each lecture as a written summary of its topic in Word format, accompanied by a video recording of it in the student’s voice using Power Point. Its duration should not be less than ten minutes and not more than twenty minutes.

The Third Stage

Requirements for registering the thesis topic for the degree of Doctor of Public Law

• Requirements for registering a thesis topic to obtain a doctorate in law and justice: The student must pass the prescribed courses with a score of no less than 70%.
• The student must obtain a TOEFL certificate with a score of no less than 450 or its equivalent, or obtain the equivalent certificate in the French language. This is excepted for those who obtained their first university degree in one of the two languages, or in one of the two languages.
• The student submits to the university administration a request to register a doctoral thesis on a proposed topic in one of the minor specialization tracks.
• If the course title is initially approved, the unit council appoints a supervisor to guide and follow up with the student in preparing the plan.
• The research plan includes the importance of the topic and a critical presentation of previous studies on it, defining the research problem, then determining the study methodology and its main hypotheses or questions you want to answer, and dividing the study and its sources.
• The student presents his proposed plan at a scientific symposium. The plan discusses the topic and methodology.
• The student modifies his plan based on the professors’ comments in the seminar if he is asked to modify it.
• The plan will be presented after the seminar to the College Council to decide on course registration.
• In the event of approval, the College Council’s decision to approve registration will be presented to the University Council, and the registration date will be calculated from the date of the University Council’s approval.

Jury Committee Discussion and Awarding of Degree

• The minimum duration for preparing a doctoral dissertation is 16 months, starting from the date the University Council approves the registration of the subject, and the maximum is 7 years, extendable for a third exceptional year based on the recommendation of the supervisor and the approval of the unit council, provided that the total duration of the student’s enrollment in the degree does not exceed four years.
• The supervisor submits a semi-annual report that includes what has been accomplished and what is required in the remaining period.
• After the student completes the thesis and the supervisor reviews it, the supervisor submits a report to the university administration stating his eligibility for discussion, including an evaluation of the student’s performance during the thesis preparation period with 140 points, along with submitting the entire thesis, a signed copy of the thesis, and a letter with the names of the arbitration committee proposed by the specialty professors to be presented to the college council.
• Before the student can be discussed, at least fifteen days must have passed from the date of the arbitration committee’s approval from the college.
• The arbitration committee formed to discuss the thesis will be for six months, renewable for a similar period based on a report from the supervisor and the approval of the unit council.
• The validity period of the committee formed to discuss the thesis is six months. It may be renewed for a similar period based on a report from the supervisor and the approval of the unit council.
• Each member of the jury writes a detailed scientific report on the suitability of the thesis for discussion, evaluates the thesis out of 100 points, and the average of the three points is taken.
• A student may not discuss his thesis unless he obtains at least 70% of the supervisor’s evaluation of his performance and the evaluation of the thesis by the members of the arbitration committee in the individual reports.
• Submit a collective post-thesis report signed by all members of the jury to evaluate the thesis discussion out of 100.
• The thesis will be approved after general discussion by the arbitration committee with one of the grades shown in the following table:

Conditional SuccessConditional success

Definition	Point	Degree
Excellent with honors	4.00	A +
Excellent	3.75	A
Very Good Enhanced	3.50	B+
Very good	3.00	B
Good	2.50	C+
Medium	2.00	C
1.50	D+
1.00	D
Fail	0.00	F

• The following grades are not taken into account for the semester or cumulative GPA.

Withdraw from the course.

Thesis or project in progress			:	DP
Incomplete			:	I
In Progress			:	IP
Registration suspended			:	L
No grade specified	:	NGR
He did not take the final exam.			:	NP
The course has been transferred.			:	T
:	W
The course covers two semesters, and the degree is awarded at the end of the spring or summer semester.			:	YR
No credit hours.			:	NC
One credit hour taken as a special student. Credit hours and grade do not count toward the degree.			:	ND
Resubmit the course, and only the last grade is used in calculating the cumulative GPA.			:	R
Credit taken as a special student. Credit hours and grade count toward a degree.			:	S

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Credits

Prior to the fall 2016-2017 semester, one credit point was equivalent to one lecture hour per semester. In the fall 2016-2017 semester, the university introduced ECTS – the European Credit Transfer System.

Academic Calendar

Sulaiman International University’s calendar is based on the semester system. Each semester lasts 15 weeks, including the final exam week. The summer semester lasts 10 weeks, including the final exam.

Academic Track Structure

9 courses = 36 credit hours
Practical training = 18 credit hours

PhD Thesis = 36 credit hours

General Track – Core Courses for the General Track (for all tracks)

Course code	Course name	Number of hours	General description
DO-MES701	Advanced Studies in the Middle East	4 hours	The course explores advanced concepts and contemporary theories in the field of Middle Eastern studies from an interdisciplinary perspective, analyzing political, cultural, and social issues in the region across historical and contemporary contexts. It focuses on the evolution of academic discourse in Middle Eastern studies and provides students with analytical tools to understand the changing dynamics in the Middle East. The course includes in-depth readings, research discussions, and literature review exercises. Learning outcomes: Develop a broad critical understanding and systematic analysis of regional issues..
DO-MES702	Advanced Research Methodologies in the Humanities	4 hours	Focuses on qualitative, quantitative, and critical research methods in the humanities, with applications in Middle Eastern studies..
DO-MES703	Analysis of primary sources and ancient texts	4 hours	Training in reading and analyzing original texts and manuscripts in regional languages such as Syriac, Hebrew, and Aramaic..
DO-MES704	Comparative Studies in Religions and Cultures	4 hours	An interactive study between ancient and modern religions and neighboring cultures, with an analysis of common contexts..
DO-MES705	Cultural and civilizational heritage of the Middle East	4 hours	Analysis of cultural and artistic patterns and intangible heritage, and mechanisms for its preservation.
DO-MES706	Contemporary Issues in the Middle East	4 hours	An in-depth study of the political, economic, and social reality of the region, linking it to history and contemporary discourses..

General Track Elective Courses

Course code	Course name	Number of hours	General description
DO-GEN711	Theoretical Issues in Cultural Studies	4 hours	This course discusses fundamental concepts and theories in cultural studies and their application to the Middle Eastern context, such as identity, representation, hegemony, and colonialism. Students learn how to use cultural theories to analyze texts, images, and cultural symbols in the region..
DO-GEN712	The Middle East in Western Thought	4 hours	The course explores representations of the Middle East in Western writings from the Middle Ages to contemporary Orientalism, with a critical analysis of prevailing discourses and their impact on shaping policies and cultural concepts..
DO-GEN713	Intellectual and reform movements in the Islamic world	4 hours	This course examines the development of reform and intellectual movements in the Middle East during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, focusing on their pioneers and their impact on the structure of state and society..
DO-GEN714	Comparative methodology in the study of religions	4 hours	The course focuses on comparative methods in the study of ancient and modern religions, and opens the way for researchers to understand similarities and differences across diverse contexts..
DO-GEN715	Interdisciplinary studies in history and literature	4 hours	It addresses the overlap between literature and history in the formation of cultural and political narratives, and provides critical tools for analyzing historical and literary texts in an integrated manner..
DO-GEN716	Language and Identity in the Middle East	4 hours	Explores the relationship between language, cultural and social identity, and the role of language in shaping religious, ethnic and national affiliation..
DO-GEN717	Media and Discourse Production in the Middle East	4 hours	An analysis of the role of traditional and new media in shaping political and cultural awareness, and how to manage public discourse in times of crises and transformations..
DO-GEN718	Women’s and Gender Studies in the Middle East	4 hours	It explores gender issues and the status of women, historically and contemporaryly, and analyzes the social, religious, and cultural discourses surrounding them..
DO-GEN719	Colonialism and post-colonialism in the region	4 hours	The course covers the history of European colonialism in the Middle East, its political, cultural and social impacts, and an analysis of post-colonial literature..
DO-GEN720	Philosophical Issues in the Arab-Islamic Heritage	4 hours	Examines major philosophical concepts as they appear in classical Arabic texts, with an emphasis on philosophers’ contributions to issues of reason, ethics, and religion..

Elective courses for the Ancient Languages track

Course code	Course name	Number of hours	General description
DO-LNG721	Advanced Studies in Syriac Language	4 hours	This course provides an in-depth study of the grammar and structure of the Syriac language, with an analysis of selected religious, literary, and intellectual texts from the Syriac heritage. It focuses on translation and textual criticism and provides the researcher with advanced linguistic analysis tools..
DO-LNG722	Reading original Aramaic texts	4 hours	The course trains researchers to read original Aramaic texts, with a contextual and historical analysis of religious and administrative documents dating back to ancient times..
DO-LNG723	Classical Hebrew Grammar	4 hours	Focuses on the grammatical and morphological structure of ancient Hebrew, with applications to texts from the Old Testament and the Qumran Scrolls..
DO-LNG724	Epigraphy	4 hours	It presents a study of the written inscriptions discovered in archaeological sites, with an analysis of the languages used, and their importance in reconstructing history and culture..
DO-LNG725	Historical translation of ancient texts	4 hours	The student is trained in the techniques of accurate translation of ancient texts into Arabic or English, taking into account the historical and linguistic context of the text..
DO-LNG726	Comparison of ancient Semitic languages	4 hours	The course provides a comparative study of Syriac, Aramaic, Hebrew, and Akkadian, in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and historical development..
DO-LNG727	Studies in Nabataean and Safaitic inscriptions	4 hours	The course deals with the reading and analysis of Nabataean and Safaitic inscriptions, with an explanation of the alphabets and artistic and linguistic styles..
DO-LNG728	Ugaritic language: reading and analysis	4 hours	Introduces the student to Ugaritic writing and the poetic and religious texts associated with it, with in-depth linguistic and semantic analysis..
DO-LNG729	Philology and textual criticism of ancient texts	4 hours	A scientific study of the development of words and structures in ancient languages, with applications to religious and historical texts, and dealing with the problems of textual criticism..
DO-LNG730	Digital applications in the study of ancient languages	4 hours	Uses computing and artificial intelligence techniques to index and analyze ancient texts, with practical training on digital programs specific to historical linguistics..

Elective Courses for the Ancient Religions Track

Course code	Course name	Number of hours	General description
DO-REL731	The development of religious thought in the ancient Near East	4 hours	The course examines the development of religious thought in the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant, with a focus on the theological and symbolic origins of ancient religions and their influence on later monotheistic religions..
DO-REL732	Canaanite beliefs and Phoenician religion	4 hours	An analytical study of religious concepts in the civilizations of Canaan and Phoenicia, including deities, rituals, and surviving texts, with a comparison to parallel cultural contexts..
DO-REL733	Theology in Cuneiform Texts	4 hours	The course focuses on the study of religious texts written in cuneiform, such as Sumerian and Babylonian myths, and the analysis of concepts of creation, gods, and rituals..
DO-REL734	ancient Egyptian religions	4 hours	It reviews the system of gods and beliefs in ancient Egypt, and analyzes symbols, funerary rituals, and texts such as the Book of the Dead, within an integrated religious and intellectual vision..
DO-REL735	Religious relations between ancient peoples	4 hours	It explores the interaction and mutual influence between the ancient religions of the region, and addresses issues of religious cross-pollination and symbolic and ritual transmission between cultures..
DO-REL736	Astrology and Cosmic Rituals in Ancient Civilizations	4 hours	It addresses the cosmic and spiritual dimensions associated with astronomy and astrology in ancient religions, and their impact on religious practices and sacred texts..
DO-REL737	Religious symbols and representations in ancient art	4 hours	An analysis of religious symbols as they appear in architecture, reliefs, and statues, to understand the spiritual perceptions of the ancient world through artistic and symbolic structure..
DO-REL738	Comparison between ancient Semitic religions	4 hours	It presents a comparative study of Judaism, Assyro-Babylonian religion, and Canaanite religions in terms of rituals, beliefs, and the history of texts..
DO-REL739	Funeral rites and perceptions of life after death	4 hours	An analysis of burial systems and rituals associated with death and resurrection, and the beliefs that shaped perceptions of the afterlife in the ancient Middle East.
DO-REL740	Methods of criticizing ancient religious texts	4 hours	A systematic study of the methods of textual criticism in analyzing ancient religious texts, with applications to Aramaic, Syriac, and Hebrew texts, within a scientific-theological perspective..

Elective courses for the Manuscripts and Documentation track

Course code	Course name	Number of hours	General description
DO-MAN741	Advanced Studies in Manuscriptology	4 hours	This course explores the history of manuscripts in the Arab and Islamic world and the ancient Middle East, focusing on their production techniques, materials, preservation methods, and classification throughout the ages. It includes practical training in manuscript analysis in terms of writing, calligraphy, and decoration..
DO-MAN742	Indexing manuscripts and text verification	4 hours	It covers the scientific principles of cataloging manuscripts and techniques for critically examining original texts. It includes a comparative study of different versions and documentation of textual differences..
DO-MAN743	Syriac and Hebrew manuscripts	4 hours	Focuses on the study of manuscripts written in Syriac and Hebrew, in terms of material, content, and script, with a careful analysis of selected texts from the religious and literary heritage..
DO-MAN744	Maintenance and restoration of manuscripts	4 hours	A field and scientific study of manual and digital restoration techniques for manuscripts, with practical applications on paper and leather materials, and the treatment of environmental and temporal damage..
DO-MAN745	Seals and Legal Documents in the Near East	4 hours	It reviews the use of clay and metal seals in legal and administrative documentation in ancient civilizations, with an analysis of their functions and importance in archival studies..
DO-MAN746	Digital archiving of manuscripts	4 hours	Students are trained to use digital software and tools to preserve and catalog manuscripts electronically, while examining the long-term challenges of digital archiving..
DO-MAN747	Methodology of historical and linguistic documentation	4 hours	Focuses on the methodological principles of documenting historical and linguistic sources, and the critical handling of diverse documents, from written texts to audio-visual materials..
DO-MAN748	Databases and manuscript indexes	4 hours	An applied study to build scientific databases for manuscript catalogs, linking them to international and library classification systems..
DO-MAN749	Studies in ancient Arabic writing and calligraphy	4 hours	It deals with the development of Arabic scripts throughout the ages, with an analysis of Kufic, Naskh, and codified scripts, and their impact on manuscript production..
DO-MAN750	Analysis of documentary and administrative texts	4 hours	Practical training in reading and analyzing administrative and economic documents in ancient civilizations, such as royal letters, commercial records, and legal contracts..

Photography Track Electives

Course code	Course name	Number of hours	General description
DO-ART751	Mural techniques in ancient civilizations	4 hours	The course examines the techniques and methods of mural painting used in the ancient Middle East, such as Egyptian, Assyrian, and Roman murals, while analyzing their symbolic, religious, and social connotations..
DO-ART752	Visual symbolism in religious art	4 hours	An in-depth study of the symbols and graphic elements used to depict religious beliefs and myths, such as symbols of creation, resurrection, and sanctity in Middle Eastern cultures..
DO-ART753	Illustrated manuscripts and miniature art	4 hours	Focuses on the art of illustration within manuscripts, including Islamic, Byzantine, and Syriac miniatures, and analyzes the relationship between text and image..
DO-ART754	Iconography in Eastern Christianity	4 hours	Examines the development of religious icons in the Eastern Christian tradition, from historical, artistic, and theological perspectives, with training in icon reading and analysis..
DO-ART755	Classic and contemporary photography techniques	4 hours	A review of the most important painting techniques from ancient times to the present day, including naturalistic color techniques, plaster painting, and frescoes..
DO-ART756	Body and Identity Portrayal in Ancient Art	4 hours	It examines the depiction of the human body as a tool for expressing identity, power, and beliefs in ancient civilizations, with a comparison between artistic and sculptural styles..
DO-ART757	Documenting artistic photography and archiving old photos	4 hours	Focuses on techniques for digital and traditional documentation of old photographic works, and their classification and archiving within specialized information systems..
DO-ART758	Visual analysis and art criticism	4 hours	Developing tools for critical visual analysis of artworks, with training in formulating critical studies based on the historical and semiotic backgrounds of the pictorial works..
DO-ART759	Depictions of battles and myths in ancient art	4 hours	It studies war scenes and mythological stories as depicted in murals and reliefs, analyzing the narrative and visual structure of these scenes..
DO-ART760	Materials and Techniques in Middle Eastern Art	4 hours	A study of the raw materials and techniques used in the production of paintings, mural decorations, and statues, and the influence of climate and culture on their artistic development..

Elective courses for the Archaeology track

Course code	Course name	Number of hours	General description
DO-ARC761	Advanced Curricula in Archaeology	4 hours	This course explores the latest theories and methods used in archaeology, including stratigraphic analysis, material behavior, and symbolic artifacts, and encourages students to think critically about excavation and interpretation methods..
DO-ARC762	Religious monuments in the ancient Middle East	4 hours	An analytical study of ancient religious sites and monuments such as temples, burials, and altars, with an understanding of ritual contexts and symbolic meanings..
DO-ARC763	Archaeological survey and documentation techniques	4 hours	The course provides practical and technical tools for surveying archaeological sites, including aerial photography, GIS ,, 3D documentation, and field training on creating digital records..
DO-ARC764	Ancient cities and urban planning	4 hours	The course examines the emergence and development of cities in the Near East, analyzing urban patterns and infrastructure in civilizations such as Sumer, Babylon, and Jerusalem..
DO-ARC765	Monumental architecture in Near Eastern civilizations	4 hours	Architectural analysis of ancient buildings, such as palaces, forts, and temples, in terms of functions, architectural styles, and decorative elements..
DO-ARC766	Sculpture and engraving arts in ancient times	4 hours	Focuses on the artistic and symbolic styles of sculpture, mural and funerary reliefs in civilizations such as Assyria and Egypt, and their cultural and religious influence..
DO-ARC767	Archaeological writing systems and inscriptional analysis	4 hours	A study of different writing systems (such as cuneiform, hieroglyphic, and Nabataean), with training in reading and analyzing discovered archaeological inscriptions..
DO-ARC768	Trade and Economy in Ancient Times	4 hours	An analysis of the ancient economy through archaeological finds, such as coins, weights, trade records, and their impact on relations between societies..
DO-ARC769	Human settlement and environmental transformations	4 hours	It examines patterns of human settlement and interaction with the natural environment in prehistoric and historical periods, using archaeological and geological evidence..
DO-ARC770	Case studies in selected archaeological sites	4 hours	Field and theoretical application on selected archaeological sites in the Middle East (e.g., Tell Mardikh, Ur, Petra), with analysis of techniques, finds, and interpretation of results.

Music track elective courses

Course code	Course name	Number of hours	General description
DO-MUS771	The development of music in the ancient Middle East	4 hours	The course covers the history of music in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant, in terms of musical systems, instruments used, and the role of music in rituals and society..
DO-MUS772	Traditional Musical Instruments: Analysis and Performance	4 hours	Examines traditional Middle Eastern musical instruments, their structure, playing styles, and cultural roles, with analytical and performance exercises..
DO-MUS773	Theories of Eastern Maqamat and Scales	4 hours	A theoretical and historical analysis of the systems of oriental musical scales and modes, with an emphasis on regional diversity and its development through the ages..
DO-MUS774	Religious Music in Middle Eastern Cultures	4 hours	Focuses on musical practices in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religious rituals, in terms of structure, function, and sonic identity..
DO-MUS775	Audio documentation and music archiving	4 hours	Training in modern techniques for documenting and archiving traditional music, using digital media and specialized office systems..
DO-MUS776	Music of the peoples and tribes of the Middle East	4 hours	A study of the popular musical heritage of ethnic and religious minorities, with an analysis of the social, aesthetic, and linguistic contexts that govern this art..
DO-MUS777	Semiological analysis of oriental music	4 hours	It deals with the symbolism of sound and tone in music, applying semiotic analysis methods to traditional and modern musical compositions..
DO-MUS778	Philosophical and aesthetic dimensions in Arabic music	4 hours	It addresses philosophical concepts related to music, such as tarab, maqam, beauty, and reception, through traditional and contemporary texts..
DO-MUS779	Comparative Studies in Mediterranean Music	4 hours	Connects Middle Eastern music to its Mediterranean neighbors, analyzing shared influences and cultural interaction through tonal and rhythmic patterns..
DO-MUS780	Music in Historical Texts and Manuscripts	4 hours	Focuses on tracing musical references in literature, ancient texts, and manuscripts, with analysis of documented musical content and its interpretation within its chronological and cultural context..