Advanced reading and composition in Arabic: Kalila wa-Dimna

Catalog description

This course aims to introduce students with advanced proficiency in Arabic to Classical Arabic exemplified by the stories of Kalila wa-Dimna, one of the most popular medieval Arabic folk tales, told through a cast of personified animals. While written originally in Sanskrit in the fourth century CE, the Arabic translation of Ibn al-Muqaffa’—one of the most influential prose writers in the history of Arabic literature—is what made it a classic in Arabic. It also allowed it to travel to other parts of the globe through various translations based on Ibn al-Muqaffa’s. Students will also have an opportunity to engage with a modern version of the stories, by Munther Younes, developing further their ability to read critically authentic Arabic texts of different historical periods, sharpening their analytical skills, and expanding their perspective of the language evolution through the ages. Advanced level in Arabic is required.