NMC348H1

Kurdish Studies: A Critical Introduction

This course offers an engaging introduction to the rich and diverse world of Kurdish life. Together, we will explore the traditions, creativity, and everyday experiences of the Kurdish people, while also reflecting on their struggles and remarkable achievements. Our journey will take us across the many regions of Kurdistan and into its global diasporas, giving us space to think critically about the challenges Kurds face today and the ways they continue to shape the social and political life of the Middle East. Along the way, we will read both classic and contemporary works in Kurdish studies and place them in conversation with broader debates in Middle East studies. The course is designed to invite curiosity, dialogue, and reflection, helping us build a thoughtful and nuanced understanding of Kurdish identities and the complex histories and forces that have shaped them.