ARAB 335
Rhymes, Romance, and Revolution: Arabic Poetry in Translation
Spring 2025
Division I
W Writing Skills
Cross-listed
COMP 353
Class Details
Since pre-Islamic times, poetry has been “the record of Arab history,” as an old adage holds. From ancient tribal odes and medieval mystical verse to modern love lyrics, Arabic poetry speaks to how people of the region have lived and interacted. Yet, beyond just recording, poetry has also played a central role in shaping society, culture, and politics in the Arab world. This course introduces students to the poetic tradition(s) of the region, traversing a broad chronology (early Islamic, medieval, modern) to explore such questions as: what are the themes and structures of Arabic poetry? Which elements have changed or persisted over time? And how is it that even classical Arabic poems continue to resonate with younger generations today? We will consider such questions as we read Arabic poems in translation, analyzing how these texts were composed, recited, set to music, and, sometimes, censored or banned by authorities. Students will become familiar with Arabic poetic genres–Classical, Sufi/religious, Diaspora, Free Verse–as well as major poets in the literary tradition. Readings and discussion will be in English. No knowledge of Arabic or poetry required.
The Class:
Format: seminar
Limit: 14
Expected: 10
Class#: 3965
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Limit: 14
Expected: 10
Class#: 3965
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation:
Daily attendance (including first meeting of the semester) and participation in class discussion; short essays (1 page) every two weeks, final presentation, and final paper (10-12 pages).
Prerequisites:
None
Enrollment Preferences:
Arabic majors; Comparative Literature majors
Distributions:
Divison I
Writing Skills
Notes:
This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
ARAB 335 Division I COMP 353 Division I
ARAB 335 Division I COMP 353 Division I
WS Notes:
Students will develop their writing skills by submitting one-page unit responses every two weeks and a final paper of 10-12 pages on a topic of their choice. Students will receive feedback on each writing assignment and have opportunities for multiple drafts and peer review throughout the semester with instructor and course Writing TA.
Class Grid
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ARAB 335 - 01 (S) SEM Arabic Poetry
ARAB 335 - 01 (S) SEM Arabic PoetryDivision I W Writing SkillsMW 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
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