Rhetoric and Prosody (M23AR10DC)

Explore the foundations of Arabic rhetoric and prosody, mastering literary techniques, stylistic analysis, and the rhythmic patterns of Arabic poetry.

📖 Course Description:

This course provides an in-depth study of Arabic rhetoric (balāgha) and prosody (‘arūḍ), two essential disciplines of classical Arabic literary theory. Students will explore the art of eloquence, clarity, and stylistic beauty in Arabic texts, while learning how to distinguish between literary and non-literary writings.

The curriculum introduces students to the major branches of rhetoric—‘ilm al-bayān, ‘ilm al-ma‘ānī, and ‘ilm al-badī‘—covering techniques such as metaphor, simile, conciseness, antithesis, and parallelism. In addition, the course offers a detailed introduction to Arabic poetic meters, rhyme systems, and rhythm, with special focus on al-Khalīl ibn Aḥmad’s framework for Arabic prosody.

By the end, learners will be able to analyze rhetorical and prosodic elements in texts, appreciate classical Arabic eloquence, and apply these skills in both academic and creative writing.

🎯 Learning Outcomes:

By completing this course, students will:

1. Identify the basic concepts of Arabic rhetoric and poetics.

2. Recognize literary techniques in Arabic writing.

3. Distinguish between literary and non-literary texts.

4. Appreciate rhetorical elements in classical and modern Arabic texts.

5. Understand and apply the rules of Arabic prosody and rhyme.

6. Enhance their ability to use rhetorical techniques in creative writing.