ARAB 308 - Bridging Heritage and Modernity: Modern Forms and Classical Themes in Arabic Literary Writing

Spring (3) Eisele. Prerequisite(s): ARAB 302 or consent of instructor.

This course considers texts from a wide range of literary genres and themes from the Arabic-speaking world, including texts drawn from both the Arabo-Islamic tradition (al-turaath or “cultural heritage” texts), as well as from the modern period. The course will address the essential characteristics of literary forms, themes, schools, and genres in the Arabic tradition, emphasizing how these elements changed and evolved through time. Students will become familiar with both canonical and non- canonical Arabic writers in various genres, from classical times to the present. Emphasis will be on understanding both the underlying cultural world views expressed in the texts as well as their artistic and aesthetic elements. All readings are in Arabic, and students are expected to develop their reading comprehension skills as well as their knowledge and understanding of Arabic literary forms and culture.