ARABIC 245R: Classical Arabic Seminar

Instructor: Shady Nasser

A survey of medieval Arabic writings on literary theory, from the early proponents of the Qasida form and amud al-shi'r to selected writings on muḥdath poetry. Works on both poetry and prose will be considered. Authors included: al-Jahiz, Ibn al-Mu'tazz, Ibn Qutayba, al-Marzuqi, al-Jurjānī, Hazim al-Qartajanni, etc. Topics include: Qasida form, eloquence (fasaha and balagha), poetics (badi’, majaz etc.) Qur'an and inimitability.

Advanced knowledge of classical Arabic is required (AT LEAST Four years of formal training)