Course Description
The major genres of Islamic literature and its principle concepts, covering Qur'anic, hadith, legal and political literature, philosophy, theology, historiography, hagiography, and poetry, emphasizing the Medieval period and mystical prose and poetry primarily in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. The works will be in English translation. A writing intensive course.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to do additional readings and submit a well-documented fifteen page research paper.
Athena Title
COMP ISLAMIC LIT
Prerequisite
Junior or senior standing or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The objective of the course is both to introduce the major genres and masterpieces of Islamic literature as well as to provide students with basic concepts and an analytical framework necessary for understanding and comparing Islamic texts. Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Computer Literacy To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web, email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral class reports and completion of written assignments. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
Brief overview of the major terms, concepts, and historical periods of Islam The problem of modernity and the study of Islamic literature An analytical framework for the study of Islamic literature Qur'an Qur'anic commentary Prophetic literature Hadith Hadith literature and criticism Philosophy and Theology Legal literature Historiography Political literature Hagiography Mystical prose: Arabic, Persian Mystical poetry: Arabic, Persian, and Turkish
Syllabus