Classical Arabic II [ LGLOR2662 ]

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LGLOR1661 and LGLOR1662, or at least two years of Classical and/or Modern Arabic language training.

Alternately with LGLOR 2661, this course undertakes the study of Arab texts belonging to the realm of belles lettres: classical literary poetry and prose (especially the VIIth to XVth centuries, not excluding more recent continuations of the genres in question).

The precise themes will be decided in function of importance and fame of the texts in question; recent research developments; the academic interests of the tutor and his colleagues and, when possible and relevant, the interests of the students.

In-depth study of literary Arabic in its older variety, which is the language of the Koran and of all great works of classical Arabic literature.

At the end of this course, the student will be capable to read, translate and comment on the important works of classical Arab literature.

In order to achieve this goal, the student will acquire thorough familiarity with Classical Arabic grammar, the heuristic skill of using the main instruments for the study of Classical Arabic grammar and literature (grammars, encyclopaedias, bibliographies, monographs and articles, web-based resources), an elementary knowledge of Arab prosody (the metric structures of poetry and of rhymed prose), the capability of carrying out personal research on specific subjects in the domain of in the domain of Classical Arabic poetry and prose, and of presenting the results of a research project of limited dimensions on a specific Arabic text.

Evaluation is continuous, based on the oral presentations and participation in the discussions.

Oral exam based on the subjects treated during the course.

This course is mid-way between a lecture and a seminar. The texts, prepared by the students, are read and analysed as a group. They will be analysed from a grammatical, philological and contextual viewpoint, making a systematic reference to the relevant studies. The philological explanations and the commentaries will be given by the teacher, but will also be the object of a systematic exchange of views with the students.

This course, at an advanced level, is consecrated to the study of several categories or genres of classical Arab texts: literary (poetry, artistic prose),  religious historico-geographical or documentary texts.

It trains the students  to present and comment orally on specific texts connected to research projects.

- L.-W. Deheuvels, Manuel d'arabe moderne, Paris, 2008;
- L.-W. Deheuvels, Manuel d'arabe moderne, Volume 2, 7th ed., Paris, 2008;
- A. d'Alverny, Cours de langue arabe, Beyrouth, 2004.

In addition, an outline bibliography will be distributed during the course, in function of the texts that are chosen.

The course is not accessible to occasional students.