LTAR 250 Arabic Literature in Translation
Goals and Objectives
In this course, materials in English translation will illustrate the progression of Arabic literacy culture from the earliest recorded sources. Lectures and discussion, along with audio- visual materials, will introduce the essential of the history of the Arabs and the cultural context expressed in their writings. The literacy legacy of the Caliphal Period will be Presented. "The Arabian Nights" will be seen to illustrate the popular culture of the times. Arab explorers, scientists and philosophers will be sampled. Students will write a series of short papers commenting upon aspects of the works assigned.
Texts
| Global Studies of the Middle East | Spencer, W. |
| Islam and Christianity | Masjed, M. |
| Islam and War | Fadlallah, S. |
| Film: "Arabian Nights" | Naguib Mahfouz |
| Travel of Ibn Batuta | Taha Hussien |
| The Prophet | Kahlil Gibran |
Grading
| Five Quizzes | 25% |
| Midterm Exam | 20% |
| Classwork & Homework | 25% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| A | = 93-100 |
| B+ | = 90-92 |
| B | = 83-89 |
| C+ | = 80-82 |
| C | = 73-79 |
| D | = 70-72 |
| F | = 0-69 |
Week |
Chapter |
|---|---|
| One | INTRODUCTION: THE ARAB WORLD IN THE MODERN AGE Assignment: Address any questions or problems |
| Two | MODERN ARABIC POETRY SELECTIONS (Asfour) Assignment: First paper – Selections of Asfour |
| Three | CHANGING SOCIETIES IN POST-COLONIAL PERIOD Assignment: Discussion – The role of the British and the French during this period |
| Four | THE CONFLICT BETWEEN PALESTINIANS AND JEWS Assignment: Second paper – Palestinian/Jew conflict |
| Five | CHILDREN OF THE ALLEY (MAHFOUZ) Assignment: Read first three chapters |
| Six | CONTINUATION OF CHILDREN OF THE ALLEY Assignment: Student presentations |
| Seven | CONTINUATION OF CHILDREN OF THE ALLEY Assignment: Third paper – Children of the Alley |
| Eight | MODERN EGYPTIAN SHORT STORIES (MAHFOUZ) Assignment: Read one of the stories and present it in class |
| Nine | CONTINUATION OF SHORT STORIES Assignment: Read story and discuss with the class |
| Ten | GROWING UP AS A WOMAN WRITER IN LEBANON (ETHEL ADNAN) Assignment: Student presentation of class-related topic |
| Eleven | CONTINUATION OF GROWING UP AS A WOMAN WRITER Assignment: Continued student presentations |
| Twelve | EAST MEETS WEST Assignment: Read “East is East” by Fuad Al-Shayib and write fourth paper on that reading assignment |
| Thirteen | ISLAM AND MUSLIMS IN THE USA Assignment: Discussions regarding student presentations |
| Fourteen | THE GULF WAR AND SURVIVAL OF SADAM HUSSIEN Assignment: Fifth paper – Gulf War and Sadam Hussien |
| Fifteen | CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION Assignment: Presentation from students on chosen topic |