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Classical and Medieval Poetry (M23AR03DC)

By Dr Muhammadali Uncategorized
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About Course

Study the origins, development, and masterpieces of Arabic poetry from the pre-Islamic era to the medieval period, with focus on poets, themes, and selected texts.

📖 Course Description:

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of Arabic poetry in the Classical and Medieval periods, focusing on its origins, development, and literary value. Students will study the evolution of poetry from the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era) through the Islamic, Umayyad, and Abbasid periods, and into medieval Spain and later Islamic dynasties.

The course introduces students to both the aesthetic and socio-cultural aspects of Arabic poetry, emphasizing its role in Arab society, politics, and intellectual life. Selected texts from eminent poets such as Labid, Amr ibn Kulthum, Jarir, al-Mutanabbi, Abu Tammam, and Ibn Zaydun will be studied in detail. Through historical context and literary analysis, learners will gain a deeper appreciation for Arabic poetry’s beauty, diversity, and influence.

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What Will You Learn?

  • In this course, you will study the origins and development of Arabic poetry from the pre-Islamic to the medieval era.
  • You will explore the role of poetry in Bedouin society, Islamic culture, and courtly life.
  • The course examines the works of great poets such as Labid, Amr ibn Kulthum, al-Mutanabbi, Jarir, Abu Tammam, and Ibn Zaydun.
  • You will analyze themes like ghazal, wasf, political, and didactic poetry across different periods.
  • Through selected texts, you will practice literary appreciation and stylistic analysis.
  • By the end, you will develop a deeper understanding of the aesthetic and cultural significance of Classical and Medieval Arabic poetry.

Course Content

Block 1: Pre-Islamic, Islamic, and Umayyad Poetry
Unit 1: Origin and development of pre-Islamic poetry, its role in Arab life, Mu‘allaqat, major poets. Unit 2: Islamic poetry – Mukhadram poets, impact of Islam, role of Khalifs. Unit 3: Umayyad poetry – Naqa’id, political and ghazal poetry, major poets.

Block 2: Abbasid Poetry and Poetry in Spain
Unit 1: Abbasid poetry – Poets of Baghdad (Bashar, Abu Nuwas, Abu Tammam, al-Buhturi, al-Mutanabbi, al-Ma‘arri, etc.); themes like ghazal, wasf, political poetry, didactic poetry. Unit 2: Poetry in Spain – Muwashshahat and zajal, major poets, poetry in Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods.

Block 3: Selected Portions of Classical Poetry
Unit 1: Mu‘allaqa of Labid ibn Rabi‘a (15 lines). Unit 2: Mu‘allaqa of Amr ibn Kulthum (15 lines). Unit 3: Qasida Jarir. Unit 4: Qasida by Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (15 lines).

Block 4: Selected Portions of Medieval Poetry
Unit 1: Diwan al-Mutanabbi (Qafiya Lam – 1 poem). Unit 2: Qasida Abu Tammam (Madh Ahmad ibn Mutasim, 15 lines). Unit 3: Diwan Ibn Zaydun (Qafiya Qaf – 1 poem).

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