ARA4302 – Readings in Arabic Literature, Religions and Politics
Course description
Course content
Reading course to introduce students to current trends of research in Literary Anthropology and the history of Arabic Literature. Selection of texts varies, but particular emphasis is laid on the question of how literary images, symbols or rhetorical forms shape human perception and imagination. The analysis of literary texts will provide the students with more insight and a better understanding of how literature may influence human emotion, discourse and behaviour. The main focus will be put on studying ‘primary’ sources, but relevant secondary literature will also be used to facilitate understanding and improve analysis.
Learning outcome
Students will familiarize themselves with select Arabic texts relevant to classical and/or modern literature. They will improve their reading skills, and learn to place the texts in the broader context of their production and use. More generally, students shall develop their ability critically to read and analyse source material; to find and assess secondary literature; to reflect methodically on sources and their interpretation; to describe and summarize source material and/or other texts in a factual manner; to present their own analysis in oral and written form and in a concise academic style; and to evaluate each other’s work.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Admission as a Master student to the Program for Asian and African Studies.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
ARA2110 – Arabisk språk 3+4 (discontinued) or equivalent.
Recommended previous knowledge
Fluent knowledge of written Arabic (four semesters minimum); English; for some secondary texts German reading knowledge would be helpful.
Teaching
14-week seminar (2 hours/week) with class readings and intermittent lecture-style presentations by teacher and students.
Se Felles retningslinjer for obligatorisk aktivitet ved HF
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Seminar paper (semesteroppgave; 8-10 pp.; footnotes and appendices excluded) on a relevant topic to be agreed upon. It must be presented orally in class, along with a 1-2 pp. written handout / “thesis paper”, before it can be submitted.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.
Other
Reading list is to be agreed upon between student and lecturer.