Arabic Literature: Major Genres and Literary Figures

Catalog description

Prerequisite(s): Completion of the Core Curriculum Research & Professional Writing requirement. The course is an enjoyable learning journey into Arabic literature that chronologically covers the pre-Islamic period (6th century CE) till modern times. However, an emphasis is placed on Arabic literature. The course offers a constructive learning framework within which students will read and analyze literary works that reflect significant styles and genres that have shaped the evolution of Arabic literature since classical times. Such is the case in poetry (classical and modern), the Qur’an (Islam’s sacred text), belletristic prose and narrative, novels, short stories, drama, and literary criticism. In doing so, the course touches upon primary themes, prominent literary figures, and well-known works detrimental to the development of Arabic literature. In pursuing these learning premises, the course stimulates discussions about literary criticism, connections between classical and modern Arabic literature, history, politics, religion, and Arab cultural identity. The course is taught in English using Arabic texts translated into English. The course meets the Inquiry Core Curriculum requirements under Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) skills.