ARA 201 Arabic Literature
Arabic literature has occupied a prominent position in past and present world cultures. In this text-based and research-based course, students explore the distinct and varied prose and poetry genres in Arabic literature and their development in the history of Arabic writing. Students become familiar with the main Arabic literary genres, their historical developments and the cultural context of their production. They explore major authors and works in divergent regions of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and other areas that produced Arabic literature. Students develop their cultural literacy and linguistic and critical skills grounded in close analysis of literary expressions. They situate their aesthetics, ethics and politics in the intertextual dialogue between the ancient and the modern and global context of intercultural exchange. Students articulate orally and in writing the major critical issues relevant to Arabic literature and literary studies. They also conduct research by generating ideas and questions and posing problems concerning Arabic literature's development, influence, and role in local and global contexts.
Learning Outcomes
Identify Arabic literary genres and evaluate their aesthetics, ethics, and politics regarding their cultural context and historical development.
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the major Arab authors and Arabic texts and evaluate their significance in developing Arabic literature.
Assess literary creativity’s energy in intercultural dialogues’ dynamism.
Productively employ the conceptual and critical tools from literary studies disciplines to understand Arabic writing beyond its immediate communicative message.
Critically articulate and analyze orally, through the practice of class participation and discussion, and in writing, through writing assignments, the major issues relevant to Arabic literature and literary studies.
Identify and define terms and concepts used in studying Arabic literature.
Communicate effectively in written and oral forms about the issues related to Arabic literature.
Construct solid arguments related to theoretical approaches to Arabic literature from the perspective of a discipline of their choice.
Plan and conduct research, either independently or with their peers, to interview writers and/or teachers of Arabic literature to explore literary and social themes relevant today and propose and defend a thesis based on the research results.