Classical and Medieval Prose (M23AR02DC)

Explore the richness of Arabic prose from the pre-Islamic to the medieval period through texts, Quran, Hadith, and selected prose masterpieces.

📖 Course Description:

This course offers a comprehensive study of Classical and Medieval Arabic prose, focusing on its historical development, literary forms, and major contributors. Students will explore prose literature across key periods — Pre-Islamic, Umayyad, and Abbasid eras — and analyze the intellectual, cultural, and religious forces that shaped it.

In addition to literary texts, the course emphasizes the study of Quranic passages, Hadith selections, and classical prose texts, allowing students to engage directly with the sources that influenced Arabic thought and style. By familiarizing learners with prominent writers and their unique works, the course provides both a historical perspective and an appreciation of prose as a vibrant medium of expression in the Arab world.

🎯 Learning Outcomes:

By completing this course, students will:

1. Understand the literary works and developments of Classical and Medieval Arabic prose.

2. Acquire knowledge of the authors, texts, movements, and trends that shaped prose in this period.

3. Analyze various prose genres including Quranic, Hadith, and secular writings.

4. Evaluate the contributions of eminent writers such as Ibn Muqaffa‘, al-Jahiz, Ibn Khaldun, and others.

5. Develop an appreciation for the cultural and intellectual scope of Arabic prose traditions.