Modern Arab Thought: The Arab Renaissance

This course introduces students to the 19th/early 20th century Arab thought - the "Nahda" (Arab Renaissance). Through primary and secondary English texts, we will explore questions raised by thinkers of this epoch pertaining to perceived civilizational crisis, and examine the diagnoses/proposals offered by them. The course underlines the changes and continuities in these concerns under the impact of dramatic socio-political events of the epoch. We will discuss the strengths/weaknesses of "Nahda" thought that continues to inform/preoccupy contemporary Arab debates on culture, democracy, gender and Islam. We will examine the significance of this legacy in today's Arab world. Enrollment limited to 20 juniors and seniors.