Islamic Literature and Civilization

• 1) Civilizational Overview; Qur'an and Islamic Spirituality, including Sufi Mysticism
• 2) Islamic Philosophy, emphasis on Ibn Tufayl's Hayy ibn Yaqzan
• 3) Ghazal: Islamic love poetry from Arabic, Persian, Ottoman, Urdu, emphasis on Hafez, The Green Sea of Heaven. Islamic Architecture.
• 4) Modern Fiction: emphasis on Tayeb Saleh, Season of Migration to the North

The course will be primarily based upon the readings discussed in class, questions and issued posed by the students on those readings at the beginning of each session. Background lectures will be given as needed to fill in the historical and cultural context. Other short assignments (such as one page response papers or oral reports) may be assigned ad hoc.

Requirements: 2 short papers invoving close reading of texts (see explanation on close reading instructions); class presentations; consistent attendance and participation; and a 10 page final paper. No extensions are given except for serious illness or family emergency on request from the dean. (In case of late work, please do not offer oral explanations, just turn the work when complete with a short note attached). Final evaluation will be based roughly 1/3 based on the short papers, 1/3 on class participation, 1/3 on the final work.

Required Readings:

• The Koran, Dawood Translations, 5th Edition.
• Michael Sells, Early Islamic Mysticism (EIM)
• Maria Rosa Menocal, Ornament of the World
• Hafiz, translated by Elizabeth Grey, The Green Sea of Heaven
• Roy Mottahedeh, Mantle of the Prophet
• Ibn Tufayl, Hayy ibn Yaqzan, Lenn Goodman Translation
• Tayeb Saleh, Season of Migration to the North
• Ghazal Poetry, special packet (To be available in October)

For those who wish a background overview of Islam, see Richard Martin, Islam: a Religious Studies Approach (Magill Reserve)