Introductory Topics in Middle East and North African Studies (290-6-3)

Instructors

Rebecca Johnson
847/467-1365
University Hall 225

Meeting Info

University Hall 412: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Introduction to Modern Arabic Literature

This course will introduce students to the major authors, works, and literary movements of Arabic Literature from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, focusing on the social and historical contexts within which these works developed. We will explore the role that the multifaceted questions of modernity, colonialism, nationalism, and gender have played in the development of new literary genres and themes (including the novel, free verse, the prose-poem, and revolutionary literature), while also understanding them in relationship to classical texts and concepts. All readings will be provided in English translation, but Arabic texts will be made available to anyone who would like to read in the original.

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area