Fall
2008 ~ SyllabusENGL 4950 (05)
Fall
2008 ~ SyllabusRecommended Readings & Films for Literature of the Islamic World
Dr. Mary Magoulick (http://hercules.gcsu.edu/~mmagouli)
Office: A&S 3-21; 445-3177
Hours: M: 3:30-4, T 9:30-10:30 & 2:30-3:30, W 11-12:15; R 9:00-10:30 (or by appt.)
Anam, Tahmima. A Golden Age. Harper, 2008. ISBN: 978-0061478741 Set in Bangladesh
Novel of one woman’s struggle to hold her family together during the Bangladesh War of Independence.
Haddawy, Husain (trans.), The Arabian Nights. W.W. Norton, DeLuxe Edition, 2008, ISBN: 978-
0393331660, 464 pp. [selections only] “Arabia”
Stories translated from the Mahdi edition, the definitive Arabic edition of a fourteenth-century Syrian manuscript in the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris (oldest surviving version of the tales, most authentic)
Halady, Laila. West of the Jordan. Beacon Press, 2003. ISBN: 978-0807083598, 220 pp. U.S./Palestine/Jordan
Novel by Arab American of living between two cultures (the U.S. and Jordan)
Hosseini , Khaled, A Thousand Splendid Suns. Riverhead, 2007. ISBN: 978-1594489501,384pp
Afghanistan
Novel of 3 decades of anti-Soviet jihad, civil war & Taliban tyranny, seen through lives of 2 women.
Lalami, Laila . Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits. Chapel Hill, N.C.: Algonquin Books, 2005. ISBN: 9781565124936. Morocco.
Novel of the lives and hopes of would-be immigrants from Morocco to Spain.
Mahfouz, Naguib, The Journey of Ibn Fattouma. Anchor Books, (1983/1993), 160pp. ISBN: 978-0385423342. Egypt
Novel/fable of young Ibn Fattouma of "the land of Islam" who searches for the perfect society.
Mokeddem, Malika. Of Dreams and Assassins. Charlottesville, University of Virginia Press, 2000, 124 pp, ISBN: 978-0813919942 (Trans. from French by K. Melissa Marcus) Algeria/France
Novel about the subjugation of women in Algeria and the violence of the recent years there, perpetrated by fundamentalist Muslim guerrillas
Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. New York: Pantheon, 2003 (French version 2000). ISBN: 037571457X Iran
Graphic memoir of a girl coming of age during the Iranian revolution.
Schimmel, Annemarie (ed.) As through a Veil, New Edition: Mystical Poetry in Islam. Oneworld Publication, 2nd rev.ed., 2001, ISBN: 978-1851682744
We will consider various contemporary and traditional works written by writers from all over the world who share no single culture or perspective except that of being from the “Islamic world” (not a clearly defined area). Not all our writers are practitioners or active believers of Islam, but their perspectives are to some extent infused or informed by their life experiences in cultures informed to greater or lesser extent by Islam. The extent to which the religion and culture of Islam influence these works will be one of our considerations in class discussions. The class will be run seminar style with a goal of all members of the class contributing to research Islam and its many cultures and to understanding the background of each of our works. Our consideration of cultural contexts and implications of the literature will lead to larger questions and issues regarding multicultural literature and religion and literature. This course will involve some lectures and primarily seminar-style discussions of the works students will read outside the classroom as homework. Each student will lead a seminar, and there will be both outside writing assignments and in-class writing (for instance the essay exam).
As a result of this course, the student will be able to do the following:
* Distinguish the ideologies, periods, and aesthetics of examples of literature from Islamic cultures;
* Understand the range, history, variation and nuances of Islamic cultures around the world
* Evaluate the literary significance of certain representative writers from Islamic cultures, as well as certain influential texts;
* Be familiar with major theoretical strands in literary criticism related to Islamic studies;
* Begin to show awareness of Islamic literature in its biographical, historical, artistic, and intellectual contexts.
* Articulate a written critical argument that requires analytical close reading of modern fiction.
Ø One short critical response to assigned readings (~2-3 pages). You do not have to do any research or additional reading but will write detailed analysis in answer to specific questions to be distributed in class. You must answer based on close textual analysis (of specific passages in the texts).
Ø Lead a class in a seminar style discussion, but also employing an organized presentation. You may be part of a small group (3 maximum). Students will lead discussion and present relevant background information of one of the novels or major works from the semester. Your group will be in charge of the class this day and should come prepared with background or critical information about the novel, the culture involved in the novel, and/or the author. As important as the research you do will be your ability to generate good discussion and to show good organizational skills and teamwork in your presentation. If people in groups are worried about not being given equal time I can allow each group member a set amount of time (20 min.) and grade you each individually on your work. Or groups may choose to be graded as a collective – but you must let me know if advance.
Ø A final exam in which you answer specific questions (essay and objective) about our readings, films, lectures, and discussions. You should show an awareness of class issues, strong analysis of readings, and synthesis of your original insights to do well on this exam.
Ø An analytical essay (6-8 pages) in which you explore in depth one or more works of relevant literature (at least one of which should be a reading from class). You discussion must also involve some critical outside research (at least one work. You must discuss papers in advance w/instructor.
Ø Regular, active attendance. Be prepared to ask and answer questions and to raise and discuss issues of significance to this class. The various in-class written work will count toward participation grades.
Ø Timely completion of all assignments. Readings are to be completed before the lecture on the day on which they are to be discussed. It will catch up to you if you consistently neglect to do the readings. Remember, there is a comprehensive final exam that will test reading and understanding.
Critical Responses: 10%
Presentation (leading class): 20%
Examination: 20%
Final Essay: 40%
Participation (& attendance): 10%
Grades on individual assignments will be based on effort and thoughtfulness as well as correctness of logic and development of ideas. Critical responses should use the text as a guide in analysis. Prior to mid-semester, you will receive feedback on your academic performance in this course.
· This syllabus is a guide and as such is subject to revision. It is your responsibility as a student to attend class faithfully, note and adhere to any changes announced, & to complete all work on time. If you miss a class, contact me for any changes in readings or assignments. I DO NOT keep track of what you have missed or must make up – that is YOUR responsibility.
· I encourage you to communicate with me about any concerns, problems, or questions you may have during the semester during my office hours, by appointment or email (note that I have no email access at home and so will not respond at night).
· Plagiarism and cheating are unethical and unacceptable. If you have any doubt as to what constitutes plagiarism and/or cheating, see me or consult your student handbook (see the honor code). ANY COPYING of information, ideas or words without proper citation is cheating and will constitute a violation. Violation of the code means failure (possibly of the course).
· Faithful, punctual attendance is mandatory. If you have a documented excuse, be sure to inform me and show me your documentation. You must always keep track of (and still turn in on time) any work or assignments you miss. Excessive absences will result in an overall lower grade in the course.
· Classroom activities, lectures, and discussions require enormous time and preparation and cannot be repeated or re-created for one individual student at a later time or date by the instructor. Fellow students may lend you notes & keep you informed, but duplicating a class is nearly impossible, hence the attendance policy. Do not ask me to repeat a class for you individually.
· Active, respectful participation is required of all students. Respectful participation means listening to others’ opinions, presentations, and ideas even if an initial reaction is to disagree. Responses should be thoughtful, respectful, and based on readings or class information. Critical thinking (the basis of all college education and higher reasoning) requires you to attend to various sides of issues. You should learn to evaluate, compare, and judge information based on reason and logic rather than emotion. Active participation involves listening attentively and respectfully as much as it involves speaking. Aggressive or rude behavior will not be tolerated and will result in lower participation points.
· Cell phones (or computers with internet access) must be turned off and kept out of sight during class period. Any violation may result in lost participation points.
· BREAKS during class are not allowed except in cases of sickness or extreme emergency. If you leave during class (even briefly), without documented medical necessity, you will be counted absent during that class period. Plan your time around class so that you can stay in the classroom and remain attentive throughout the entire one hour and 15 minute period.
· Any student requiring modifications due to a documented disability should make an appointment to meet with the instructor as soon as possible. An official letter from GC&SU documenting the disability will be required in order to receive accommodation.
· During a fire drill or other emergency, students will promptly and safely exit the classroom in an orderly fashion according to posted routes and teacher’s instructions, then congregate in the designated spot as instructed. Class will resume if possible.
· Assignments are due at the beginning of class or by the announced deadline. If you wait until the last minute to print out your paper, you rely on temperamental technology at your own risk. Be in control of the technology you use! “My computer (or printer) broke” & “I lost my jumpdrive” are NOT valid excuses. Back-up, print in a timely manner, and work far enough in advance so that you have time to spare. Retain a back-up copy of work you turn in to me.
· When a print version of your paper is required, an electronic submission may NOT be substituted (in other words you can’t email your paper to me as an attachment unless the assignment calls for such electronic submission).
Week 1 8-20 Introduction, syllabus and begin discussing Islam (religion & culture)
Week 2 8-25 Islam in history, Read “A History of Islam” at http://www.cqpress.com/context/articles/epr_islam.html
8-27 Islam as religion, Read about religion at http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/introduction/woi_intro.html#2
Week 3 9-1 No class – Labor Day holiday
9-3 Read Arabian Nights pp. 1-66
Week 4 9-8 Poetry selections
9-10 Poetry and Art
Week 5 9-15 Read Mahfouz, Journey of Ibn Fattouma, pp. 1-112 (ch 1-4)
9-17 Finish Reading Mahfouz, pp. 113-148
Week 6 9-22 Read Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis, pp. 1-93
9-23 Conclude Satrapi, Read pp. 94-153
Week 7 9-29 Read Anam, A Golden Age, Read pp. 1-93
10-1 Read Anam, pp. 97-154
DUE: critical response
Week 8 10-6 Read Anam, pp. 157-237
10-8 Conclude Anam, Read pp. 241-274
Week 9 10-13 Read Lalami, Hope & Other Dangerous Pursuits, pp. 1-77
10-15 Continue Lalami, Read pp. 78-114 (to end of part I)
Week 10 10-20 Conclude Lalami, Read pp. 117-195
10-22 No class (professor at conference); work on paper proposals
Week 11 10-27 Film TBA
DUE: paper proposal (meet w/professor)
10-29 End film; Begin discussion of Mokeddem, Of Dreams & Assassins. Read pp. 3-60
Week 12 11-3 Conclude Mokeddem, Read pp. 61-120
11-5 Begin Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Read pp. 1-70 (first 11 chapters)
Week 13 11-10 Continue Hosseini, Read pp. 71-175 (to end of part I)
11-12 Continue Hosseini, Read pp. 179-218 (to end of Chp 33)
Week 14 11-17 Continue Hosseini, Read pp. 219-291 (to end of Chp 42)
11-19 Conclude Hosseini, Read pp. 292-370 & Begin film TBA
Week 15 11-24 Film (TBA)
DUE: Rough draft of final essays
11-26 Thanksgiving Holiday BREAK (no classes)
Week 16 12-1 Read Halaby, West of the Jordan, Read pp. 1-103
12-3 Continue Halaby, Read pp. 104-152
Week 17 12-8 Conclude Halaby, Read pp. 153-220
DUE: Final draft of essays
FINAL 12-12 FINAL EXAM (written essay exam required in-class) – 2:00 – 4:45 pm (Friday)