ARAB 407
Arabic Poetry: A Musical Introduction Fall 2024
Division I D Difference, Power, and Equity

For over a thousand years, poetry has served as a wellspring for Arabic song lyrics, creating an intimate bond between word and melody. Some of the most renowned Arab poets are those whose words were set to music, to be chanted by master singers and ordinary people alike. In this course, we explore Arabic poetry through the lens of song. Journeying between ancient verse and contemporary compositions, we will consider such questions as: What are the themes, structures, and linguistic features of Arabic poetry? How has it changed over time? And why is it that even classical Arabic poems can become modern pop hits circulating everywhere from Marrakesh to Muscat? We will consider such questions as we read and listen to Arabic poems, analyzing themes related to politics, identity, religion, and gender in Arab society. Students will become familiar with Arabic poetic genres–Classical, Andalusian, Mahjar, Free Verse–as well as major singers since the twentieth century. Readings and discussion will be in Arabic.