Reading Modern Arabic Prose (316-3-1)
Instructors
Fadia M Antabli
847/467-6780
Crowe Hall 4-113, 1860 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Meeting Info
Kresge 3354 German Seminar Rm.: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
This course offers a valuable opportunity for advanced Arabic language students to enroll in an innovative, newly designed thematic course: "Arab Women and the Search for a Voice". The course explores the multidimensional experiences of Arab women as active agents in a quest to find a voice and visibility in societies that are mostly male dominated. The course offers students a unique opportunity for exploring the theme through close reading of Modern Arabic literary prose. The course will survey excerpts and selections of Arabic literary prose with emphasis on different styles of analyzing authentic literature by women writers, and literature about women in the 21st century. Topics will include a variety of sources; written and digital, traditional and contemporary including various literary text samples on the role of the Arab women in society, their rights, customs and traditions as impediment to their empowerment, protecting their cultural identity/lineage, their multifaceted role in the family, and determination for gaining political rights and leadership role.
The course also provides foundational skills for students who want to pursue graduate careers in Arabic literature or Middle Eastern Studies. The innovative design aligns with ACTFL standards, and incorporate the newest inclusion and social justice standards as presented in the Teaching Tolerance Anti-Bias framework. (https://www.learningforjustice.org/frameworks/social-justice-standards).
Registration Requirements
Completion of Arabic 211-2 or equivalent; or permission from the instructor.
Learning Objectives
Student engaged in this course will have the opportunity to work on written and oral comprehension, discussions and expression around the themes mentioned above. They will learn foundational analytic skills such as the study of elements and imagery, sounds, forms, and writing styles, characteristics and development over time, which form the bases for analyzing text written by prominent authors of essays, reflections, short stories, and biographies.
Teaching Method
The linguistic textual analysis of each reading will focus on: (1) understanding advanced grammatical structures, syntax and style; (2) rapid acquisition of vocabulary and popular idioms (e.g. gender manifestations) through in-class discussions and oral presentations; (3) writing assignments that reflect students' abilities to understand and assimilate the texts. We will work intensively on improving reading-for-comprehension skills, listening and speaking through in-class oral discussions and presentations. Special exercises will be developed to improve understanding, and use of essential elements of rhetorical analysis of literary works and applying them to the texts we read in class.
Evaluation Method
The final grade for the course will be based on the following: Attendance and Participation, completion of pre-class assignments, and writing assignments that reflect student's understanding of content and the different applications of Arabic rhetoric.
Class Materials (Required)
Material will include selections from a variety of different sources and will be provided to students in PDF format.
Class Notes
This class is planned and taught mainly in Arabic. Students are expected to communicate and engage in group conversations using Arabic language.
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area