Classical Arabic Poetry

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Classical Arabic poetry is usually defined in contrast to modern poetry. It begins with the pre-Islamic ode, or qasida, and arguably ends with the beginning of the so-called Arabic renaissance, or nahda, in the late 18th century. Often seen as the major pillar of classical Arabic culture, classical Arabic poetry still occupies a significant space in modern culture, with Arabs at pre-college education studying, reciting, and learning by heart various stanzas and poems. This course aims at introducing students to major aesthetic and thematic issues of this poetry. It will begin with the pre-Islamic ode, opening the debate about its origin and structure. The course will then discuss two major genres of this poetry: elegy and ghazal, before focusing on the achievements of some of the most significant poets in Arabic history, such as Abu Nuwas and Al-Mutanabbi. While it is impossible to cover the vast material of classical Arabic poetry in one course, the hope is that the readings will give students sufficient ideas about the origin, development, and orientations of this art. This course will be taught in Arabic. In addition to poems, students will read relevant articles, mainly in Arabic, that will further illuminate and contextualize the poems.