Armenian Studies Program
Program Courses
10 - Introduction to Armenian Studies (3)
Introduction to the historical and contemporary experience of Armenians in American
society. Examines issues of identity, ethnicity, immigration, genocide, and cultural
heritage in the United States. G.E. Breadth D3.
20 - The Arts of Armenia (3)
An introduction to Armenian architecture, painting, sculpture, ceramics, metal work,
and textiles. All lectures are illustrated with slides. G.E. Breadth C1.
45 - William Saroyan (3)
The ethnic experience in America, especially the San Joaquin Valley, through the writings
of William Saroyan. The author's major literary successes will be read and compared
with films made of these same works. Writing assignments of at least 2,500 words.
(Formerly ARM S 50T section)
50T - Studies in Armenian Literature (3)
Various masterpieces of Armenian literature: David of Sassoun, Saroyan, historical
literature, modern literature, Armenian American authors.
105 - Armenian Genocide in Comparative Context (3)
(See HIST 105.) Review of theory and characteristics of genocide. Study of the Armenian
Genocide as an example and comparison with other genocides in the 20th century. Discusses
the role of international constituencies and prevention and lessons of genocide. (Formerly
ARM S 120T section)
106 - Armenians in North America (3)
(See HIST 106.) Study of six waves of Armenian migration to North America from 1870-1995.
Topics discussed include entry, settlement, work, family, community organizations,
church, politics, culture, and integration in U.S. society. (Formerly ARM S 120T section)
108A - Armenian History I: Modern and Contemporary (3)
(See HIST 108A.) History of Armenia and Armenians from prehistoric times to the beginning
of the modern era. The historical process will be considered from Armenia's point
of view as well as from that of its neighbors: Assyria, Iran, Rome, Byzantium, the
Arabs, the Seljuk Turks, the Crusades, the Mongols, and various Turkic dynasties.
108B - Armenian History II: Modern and Contemporary (3)
(See HIST 108B.) Overview of modern and contemporary Armenian history, including Armenia's
relations with Persian, Turkish, and Russian empires, the Armenian Renaissance, the
"Armenian Question," the Genocide, the Armenian Republic, Soviet Armenia, the Second
Armenian Republic, and diasporan communities in America, Europe, and the Middle East.
120T - Topics in Armenian Studies (1-3; max total 6)
Specialized topics in Armenian history, art, and culture, not normally covered in
other Armenian Studies courses. Topics include the Armenian church, minor arts, film,
the Diaspora, and the Genocide.
121 - Armenian Painting (3)
History and development of Armenian painting with special concentration on the art
of manuscript illumination and the origins of Christian art. All lectures are illustrated
with slides.
123 - Armenian Architecture (3)
History and development of Armenian architecture is presented in the context of early
Christian architecture. There will be a survey of monuments from the fourth to the
seventeenth centuries. All lectures are illustrated with slides.
190 - Independent Study (1-3)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for SP grading.
Armenian (ARM)
1A - Elementary Armenian (4)
Beginning course in conversational and written Armenian. Not open to students with
two or more years of high school Armenian credit.
1B - Elementary Armenian (4)
Prerequisite: ARM 1A or permission of instructor. Second semester course in conversational
and written Armenian. Not open to those with three or more years of high school Armenian
credit. G.E. Breadth C2.
2A - Intermediate Armenian (3)
Prerequisites: ARM 1A and 1B or permission of instructor. Review of grammar and emphasis
on conversation and reading. G.E. Breadth C2.
2B - Intermediate Armenian (3)
Prerequisite: ARM 2A or permission of instructor. Advanced conversation, composition,
and reading. G.E. Breadth C2.
148 - Masterpieces of Armenian Culture (3)
Survey of outstanding examples of Armenian culture including literary works by Naregatsi,
Toumanian, Siamanto, Varoujean, and others. Survey of Christian Armenian architecture
and music. G.E. Integration IC.
Armenian Studies Honors (ARMS)
190H. Honors Independent Study (3)
Designed for advanced undergraduate students who have successfully been admitted into
the Armenian Studies Program's Honors Program. Students will work closely with assigned
faculty to develop a research proposal and to complete an honors thesis ready for
publication.