American University of Sharjah

College of Arts of and Sciences

Department of Arabic Studies
ARA 102: READINGS IN ARABIC HERITAGE II
Fall 2010

Instructor: Imed Nsiri

Office: NAB 12L
Office Tel: 5152518
Office Hours: TBA

E-mail: insiri@aus.edu

Course Description:
Examines selections from writings in Arabic prose and poetry that reflect the
intellectual, literary and cultural development of the Arabs from the fall of
Baghdad in 1258 CE up to the present day.

Textbook:
Reading materials to be made available at AUS book store.

Secondary Sources and references:

J. Kritzeck, comp. Anthology of Islamic Literature: From the Rise of Islam
to Modern Times.
The Encyclopaedia of Islam
The Encyclopedia of Arabic Literature
Farroukh, O. The History of Arabic Literature

Course Objectives

•0 To understand the importance and relevance of the Arab heritage & the
Arabic language.
•1 To expose a wide range of texts from different cultural topics.
•2 To develop students’ abilities to read texts critically.
•3 To recognize the contribution of Arab culture to the West.
•4 To familiarize with Arab heritage in Andalusia.
•5 To explain the role of the Arab renaissance (al nahda).
•6 To identify new literates from the Arab.

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Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to:

1. Knowledge and appreciate of Arab heritage and culture.

2. Relationship between the Arabic heritage and Arabic language.
3. Understand Post-Abbasid culture.
4. Andalusia contribution to Arab heritage.
5. Relationship between the Arabs and the West.
6. The importance of Arab renaissance (al nahda).
7. The emergence and transformation of modern Arabic literary genres (e.g.
fiction, drama & poetry).

Expectations:
1. Students are expected to attend classes regularly and participate
actively in the class discussions.
2. Students are to read texts ahead of time and be prepared to discuss
them in class during the period alloted to these texts.
3. Students are to study secondary sources (in Arabic and/or English)
that are related to the primary texts in this class.
4. All assignments and course work must be presented on time.
5. Late assignments and course work will not be accepted.
6. Class presentations are done individually and in group. Students
should choose early on the topics they wish to present on.

Class presentations are done individually and in group. Students should choose
early on the topics they wish to present on.

Grade Breakdown:

Attendance and participation 10 points

Presentations 10 points
Assignments and Quizzes 30 points

Midterm 20 points
Final exam 30 points

Grading policyA= 95-100 (GPA: 4); A- = 90-94 (GPA: 3.7); B+ =86-89 (GPA: 3.3); B
=83-85 (GPA: 3.0); B- = 80-82 (GPA: 2.7); C+ = 76-79 (GPA: 2.3); C = 73-75 (GPA:

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2.0); C- = 70-72 (GPA: 1.7); D = 60-69 (GPA: 1.0); F = Below 60 (GPA: 0.0); I =
Incomplete; W = Withdrawal.
Attendance policy (see also University catalog):

Regular attendance is mandatory (see current AUS catalog (Calendar)).

Anyone who misses more than seven hours for whatever reason will be asked to drop the
course. Arriving late to class on 3 occasions amounts to one absence.
In the event that you miss a class, you will remain responsible for the material covered in
that class including assignments and handouts.
Turn off your mobile phones.
Do not leave class early. You will be counted as absent.

Plagiarism and Cheating in Exams: (see current AUS catalog (Calendar)).

Plagiarism is stealing and using the ideas and writings of another as your own. Plagiarism
and cheating in exams are totally forbidden. Students should be aware of the penalties for
plagiarism and cheating as set by the university. Any student who violates academic
integrity will receive an F in the course.

How You Will be Evaluated:

Your performance in class will be evaluated on how much you have learned from the
course—both facts as well as approaches to the study of the subject. Keeping up with the
readings and participating in class discussions are necessary in order to pass the course.

Week 1

Introduction
What is heritage?
Classical Arabic versus colloquial Arabic
Arabic Literary heritage: periods, genres, and developments

Weeks 2-4
The Andalusian (Muslim Spain) Literature and Culture
Introduction: historical background
Poetry and prose
Philosophical Narratives
Al-Andalus and contribution to science

Weeks 5–7
Mamluk/Ottoman Period
Introduction
Historical texts
Travel literature
Religious texts
Popular narratives

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Weeks 8 – 14 Midterm
Al-Nahda (The Intellectual Awakening) and Beyond
Introduction: Arabs, Islam, and the West.
Ihya’iyya (Revivalist) School: Neo-classical writings
Romantic School: al-Mahjar, Diwan, and Apollo
Al-Hadatha (Modernist) School: Essays, the novel, the short story, drama, and poetry

Week 15-16
Students’ presentations and Review

Final Exam: Please check the final examination table ( according to your class
time).

N.B. The above syllabus is subject to change, but all changes will be announced in class.