Aims

At the end of this course, the student must have gained some introductory knowledge of Christian Arabic literature, focussed on 3 points :
- Knowledge of Arabic, Hellenistic and Syriac sources (translation and influences) ;
- Knowledge of the cultural frame in which this literature developed itself (Christian Arabic community of the Middle East, important debate themes and theological discussions) ;
- Knowledge of the works and authors representative of this literature ( how to place the author in the cultural and stylistic frame and structure of major works).

Main themes

The Christian Arabic communities of the Middle East. General notions of their history (VIIth-XVIth century). Utilisation of the accessible working tools and instructions on how to complete them. Major literary personalities of the different Christian Arabic communities and their works; the translations. This course does not require the knowledge of Arab.

Content and teaching methods

The course presents the main authors of the Christian literature in Arab, coming from the diverse religious communities. The texts chosen dealt with historical, encyclopaedic and theological topics, with special attention to the debates of the Islamic-Christian dialogue. The period seen goes from the VIIIth century (establishment of Islam in the Middle East) to the XIVth century (diminution of the Christian Arabic world).
After a general presentation aiming at specifying the limits and the frame of this literature, the important works and the different authors will be systematically studied. Theoretical presentations and commented reading of texts (translated into French) will also help the student be introduced to the literary and dogmatic characteristics of the Christian Arabic authors.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisite : the knowledge of Arab is not required, presupposed.
Evaluation : oral exam on the subjects seen at the course and on the books read.
Texts and books : a summary of the course (with bibliography) is available.

Other credits in programs