Welcome - Arabic Pre-Islamic Poetry
CLAS 3100 Arabic Pre-Islamic Poetry
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This class offers an overview of the best pieces of the earliest poetry composed in Arabic language, in the Arabian Peninsula, within a period which preceded Islam (6th century A.D.) It focuses on the so-called "Suspended Poems" (Al-Mu'allaqat), considered as the master-pieces of seven (or ten, according to different sources) Arabian poets such as Imru'al-Qays, Tarafa, Antara, Zuhayr, etc. Those poems represent a substantial part of the Classical Arabic cultural heritage assumed by the entire Arab world. The lectures and the discussions will focus on topics such as: the controversial authenticity of the Pre-Islamic poetry, the role of the Poet in the Bedouin society and within his tribe; the structure of the classical poem (qasida) and the recurrent themes; characteristic stereotypes and imagery reflecting the Bedouin mentalities and pagan culture; the role of the classical poem in the further development of poetical genres in Medieval Arabic poetry.
NOTES: This class will be offered in English and is based on English translations of the poems. The course does not require previous notions or knowledge of the Arabic language. The required bibliography will be in English as well.
FORMAT:
CROSS-LISTING:
ARBC 3100
RESTRICTIONS: Students must be beyond the first year of study.