General provisions

The course is given as an independent course and as part of Master's program in languages

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree with a humanities subject as the main field of study including (1) 75 credits in Arabic, or (2) Arabic: A Semitic Language, 15 credits, Arabic: Advanced Optional Course, 15 credits, and another 15 credits of Arabic at Master's level or, (3) 37.5 credits in Hebrew.

Learning outcomes

In order to achieve the grade Pass, the student is required to at least be able to:

- present an overview of the historical developments in Muslim Spain (al-Andalus) from the 8th until the 15th century;

- describe and discuss Jewish/Christian/Muslim cultural exchange from different perspectives

- give an account of the most important literary developments within Hebrew and Arabic literature in the above-mentioned period, and its main authors.

- with the help of available resources independently analyse a selection of Hebrew and/or Arabic prose and poetry with reference to its linguistic, social and cultural context, with a focus on linguistic and literary features. The analysis should be made based on the original language for at least one of the languages.

Content

The course aims at providing insights into the dynamic cultural - in particular within language and litterature, but also science, philosophy and religion - deveopment that takes place in the muslim Spain from the 8th century until the end of the 15th century. Here we find authors such as Maimonides and Ibn Arabi and many others, whose influence has stretched far beyond their original settings. The focus in the course in analysis of a selection of texts in Arabic and Hebrew of different types, including scientific and literary prose, as well as sacred and profane poetry.

Depending on the students main language - Arabic or Hebrew, or a combination - some texts will be read in original, whereas others are studied in translation and through secondary literature. About 50-75 pages of text in the original languages (or translated between Arabic and Hebrew) are studied in further detail. Focus lies on linguistic and literary features, and the context in which the text originates. Texts will be selected from various genres, and include texts by Maimonides, Ibn Gabirol, Ibn Hazm, Judah ha Levi, Ibn Arabi and others.

Instruction

Examinatory seminars, to which the students have prepared texts and introductions.

Assessment

Examination is conducted as follows:

a) the texts that are studied together in class are examined ongoing, demanding active and prepared participation in the seminars.

b) Oral presentation of a selected text and an introduction to a specific context or author

c) Written essay with independent analysis and translation of a Hebrew and Arabic text, decided with the examinor.