| Part IB |
Course Description 2023-24
In 23-24 this paper will also be taught by Professor Stefan Sperl.
This paper introduces students to a variety of Arabic literary texts to enhance their understanding of textual analysis and linguistic expression.
This course is an introduction to literary Arabic, both classical and modern, and including both poetry and prose. Specifically, it aims to introduce students to reading and understanding literary Arabic, acquaint them with the basic grammatical structures of literary Arabic, and enhance their understanding of interpretive techniques. Through textual analysis, it will also provide them with an introduction to the history, study and analysis of Arabic literature, as well as with an overview of theoretical frameworks. Each week’s readings will urge the student to consider what the definition of literature is in the said text and where it locates “the canon”. Students will therefore be expected to read a variety of secondary materials relevant to the core texts, in order to acquire a basic grounding in both the academic study of literary Arabic and the themes specifically addressed by the readings.
Form and Conduct
This paper is assessed by one coursework essay (of a maximum of 2,500 words, and minimum of 2,000 words, including footnotes and excluding bibliography) and one commentary (of a maximum of 2,500 words, and minimum of 2,000 words, including footnotes and excluding bibliography), to be handed in on the Thursday of fourth week in Easter term. A choice of four essay questions and four passages for commentary will be announced on the Wednesday of eighth week in Lent term. One of the assignments must be on a pre-modern text and one assignment on a modern text. Both exercises carry equal marks.
This description is subject to change, for the latest information, students should consult the Undergraduate Handbook available on the Faculty Intranet.