| Part IB |
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to Persian literary texts, using a selection of readings from prose writers and poets. The objective is to introduce major classical Persian authors, to familiarize students with classical literary and poetical conventions and to see the written language in action as a vehicle for literary expression.
During the classes, students will be introduced to close-reading, translation techniques, and literary analysis. Specifically, students will read passages from important narrative poems (masnavis) such as the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi, Gorgani's Vis o Ramin, 'Attar's Mantiq al- Tayr, Rumi's Masnavi-ye Ma'navi, or Jami’s Salaman va Absal. They will also be introduced to the Ruba’i of Omar Khayyam, to mixed verse and prose, and ornate prose texts, such as the Golestan of Sa'di and the Kalila va Demna "animal fables".