Islamic Foundational Texts

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course will focus on the close reading, translation, and literary cultural interpretation of selected passages from the foundational texts of Arab-Islamic culture: Qurʾān, Tafsīr, al-Sīrah al-Nabawiyyah, and Poetry. A focus on morphology and syntax aims at developing accuracy and precision in reading and translation, but also to develop an appreciation of their rhetorical and semantic function in the refinement of expression and meaning, whether in classical or modern Arabic. Critical readings will explore the linguistic, literary, and cultural dimensions of these formative texts. Grading and Requirements: Perfect attendance is expected. If you miss a class you will be required to complete a make-up assignment, as determined by the instructor, with one week of the missed class. Requirements and Grading: Class preparation and participation: 40% Four Unit Essays and Translation Quizzes: 40% Final Research or Translation Project: 20% Advanced Arabic II (ARAB 216/ARAB217) or the equivalent; or permission of the instructor.