This course contains a substantial writing component and fulfills part of the basic requirement in writing. They constructed their identity in a Arabic melting pot under the aegis of a common sacred history and a poetic tradition from a legendary period in Ancient Arabia. This poetry depcts a wild and blissful age that was savage, true and innocent. Our course will examine the major documents of this period, recorded as an oral tradtion of peotry and legend. No background in Arab-Islamic culture is required.
All texts are in English .
This course contains a substantial writing component and fulfills part of the basic requirement in writing. Court poets celebrated the lineagew and deeds of great men, thus promoting not only their glory, but a particular ideal of heroism. Poets performed their works in ceremonies honoring their patron-hero, who would bestow on the poet a handsome reward. In later generations, fans of poets would memorize and reperform heroic poems in late-night parties. We will dwell on ideals of masculinity as they evolve and diverge.