Classical Arabic II A [ LGLOR2661 ]

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LGLOR1661/1661A and LGLOR1662/1662A, or at least two years of Classical and/or Modern Arabic language training.

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.

Alternately with LGLOR2662, this course is concerned with the study of classical Arab texts whose contents are not primary literary: scientific texts, biographies and encyclopaedias.

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

At the end of this course, the student will be able to read, translate and comment on mostly non literary texts, at a average or advanced level of difficulty.

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, online resources), the capability of carrying out personal research on specific subjects in the domain of non-artistic classical Arab 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 and readings.

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 non-literary classical Arab texts: scientific texts, biographies and encyclopaedias.

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.