Studying at York
Medieval Arabic and Persian 'Global' Narratives - ENG00144I
- Department: English and Related Literature
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2023-24
Module summary
Medieval Arabic and Persian literature produced some of the most enduring literary narratives known today, from the aesopic animal fables of Kalila wa Dimna, the lovesick Layla wa Majnun to the frame-tale narratives of the 1001 Nights. Together, they represent a global phenomenon of medieval literary history: narratives that were translated, transformed and adapted across the broadly defined ‘silk roads’ only to be later absorbed into pan-European narratives, both medieval and modern. This module explores a selection of the most influential of these Arabic and Persian texts, from fables to epics, frame-tale narratives to romance, mysticism to philosophy. We will examine some of the earliest conceptions of love and madness, animals discussing morality, the philosophical chitters of birds, and stories that have the power to save lives. Along the way we will encounter the Persian Alexander, Scheherazade and a range of female Arabic poets, culminating with the magnus opus of the renowned Rumi. We will explore the social, cultural and intellectual contexts that fostered this literary production and ask how and why these literatures attracted a broad readership across vast geographies, cultures and religions both within and beyond the East. This means we will examine the nature of inter and cross-cultural exchange on a global scale. In some seminars we will explore connections and comparisons with European writers, including Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Goethe, and explore their position in the theoretical fields of orientalism and contemporary world literature.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
The aim of the module is to introduce students to a selection of the most influential literature produced in Arabic and Persian from the classical to the late medieval period (c. 700-1400), paying attention to the social, cultural, religious and intellectual diversity of these geographies while examining the global role of translation, adaptation, and inter and cross-cultural exchange within and beyond the so-called ‘Islamic World’. Students will also be introduced to beginners Arabic.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
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Demonstrate an informed understanding of and engagement with a range of medieval Arabic and Persian poetry and prose.
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Demonstrate an informed understanding of and engagement with these literary narratives in their social, cultural and historical contexts
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Examine key debates and critical approaches, including the concept of global literature, inter and cross-cultural exchange and orientalism in a pre-modern context.
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Develop arguments and ideas which demonstrate a proficiency in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
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Demonstrate an understanding of some of the key issues at stake in the act of translation and in the study of literature in translation.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 70 |
| Open Examination | 30 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Throughout the module, you will have the opportunity to pitch, road-test, and develop essay ideas. Feedback will be integrated into your seminars or the ‘third hour’ (i.e. the lecture or workshop).
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 70 |
| Open Examination | 30 |
Module feedback
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You will receive feedback on all assessed work within the University deadline, and will often receive it more quickly. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is designed to help you to improve your work, and the Department also offers you help in learning from your feedback. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further you can discuss it with your tutor or your supervisor, during their Open Office Hours
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For more information about the feedback you will receive for your work, see the department's Guide to Assessment
Indicative reading
Texts may include, 1001 Nights, The Adventures of Sayf ben dhi Yazan, Nizami, Layli Majnun, Ferdowsi, Shahnameh, Ibn Tufayl, Hayy ibn Yaqzan, Farid Attar, Conference of the Birds, Rumi, Masnavi (selected).