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2014/15 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARAB2075 Introduction to Modern Arabic Literature

20 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Sameh Hanna
Email: s.hanna@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2014/15

Pre-requisite qualifications

Having completed and passed the year abroad

This module is mutually exclusive with

ARAB2076

Introduction to Modern Arabic Literature

Module replaces

ARAB2045 Arabic Short Story

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module offers an in-depth knowledge of modern Arabic literature. Through examining representative literary texts from different Arab countries, the module looks into the linguistic, cultural and socio-political dynamics that both motivated and resulted from the writing of these texts.

Objectives

The main objective of this module is to examine the modern literature of the Arabic-speaking nations and how it developed and distinguished itself from classical Arabic literature. Looking at key foundational texts in modern Arabic literature, this module explores the socio-political and cultural developments that both motivated and resulted from the new models of Arabic literary writing which evolved since the late nineteenth century? Through lectures, seminars and individual/group presentations, students will gain a thorough understanding of the textual features and thematic structures of modern Arabic fiction and poetry, as well as the social and cultural contexts within which these texts evolved.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have acquired the ability to:
- Read, understand and interpret key Arabic literary texts and identify their characteristic stylistic features;
- Appreciate the meanings of these texts within their social, cultural and political contexts;
- Develop conceptual tools for understanding, researching and critically reflecting on these texts;
- Develop presentation and communication skills in Arabic.
- Develop essay writing and time management skills.

Skills outcomes
- Critical thinking
- Comprehending, contextualising and critiquing texts from different literary genres and different Arabic countries.
- Communication and presentation skills.

Syllabus

The syllabus will cover the following topic areas:
1. An overview of modern Arabic literature: key issues
2. Neo-classicism in modern Arabic literature: discussion of extracts from al-Muwaylihi's A Period of Time (Hadith 'Isa ibn Hisham) and introduction by Roger Allen.
3. The role of translation and adaptation in developing new literary genres.
4. The work of Tawfiq al-Hakim: developing the concept of the 'third language' in literary writing.
5. Najib Mahfouz and social realism.
6. Yusif Idris and the development of modern Arabic short story.
7. Mahmoud Darwish: his world and poetry
8. Ghassan Kanafani: the politics and poetics of fiction writing in Arabic.
9. Hanan al-Shaykh: Women writers and writing women
10. Tayeb Saleh: Representation of cultural otherness

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	21	1.00	21.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			169.00
Total Contact hours			31.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

The 200 hours include lectures, seminars, students’ presentations, exam and independent reading

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Written / oral assignments
- Designated feedback sessions (one per semester)
- Student questionnaires/surveys
- Personal tutee appointments
- Office hours

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3000 words	50.00
Oral Presentation	10 - 15 minutes	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		60.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/09/2015

Disclaimer

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