Cultures of the Arab World I
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course is designed to develop students' knowledge and understanding of key elements of the cultures that make up the contemporary Arab world (intended as a complex system of languages, ethnicities, societies and religions), and to equip them with the ability to discuss and critically analyse these elements. Each year, the course will focus on a general topic by exploring recurrent concepts in the primary sources within their respective historical and political contexts, and by referring to secondary sources where necessary.
Expected learning outcomes
Students are expected to:
- critically analyse and discuss the themes covered during the course, being able to autonomously read and understand texts included in the syllabus;
- find primary and secondary sources on their own regarding the general topic covered during the course, make original reflections on these sources, and present them in a clear and coherent way.
- critically analyse and discuss the themes covered during the course, being able to autonomously read and understand texts included in the syllabus;
- find primary and secondary sources on their own regarding the general topic covered during the course, make original reflections on these sources, and present them in a clear and coherent way.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
This syllabus is valid until May 2028
Representing the body
Through various types of primary sources (literary, historical, journalistic, and artistic), we will explore ways of representing the body in Arab culture. The concept of "body" will be approached not only as referring to specific historical events but also as a broad semantic field, interpreted differently in Arab cultural production throughout time. Recurring concepts will be analyzed in their respective contexts, supported by secondary literature on case studies.
The body in contemporary Iraqi literature
This part of the course, for first-year students only, focusses on representations of the body in contemporary Iraqi literature. We will reflect on the concept of fragmentation (physical, social, textual) and on the (re)construction of narrative bodies,
Representing the body
Through various types of primary sources (literary, historical, journalistic, and artistic), we will explore ways of representing the body in Arab culture. The concept of "body" will be approached not only as referring to specific historical events but also as a broad semantic field, interpreted differently in Arab cultural production throughout time. Recurring concepts will be analyzed in their respective contexts, supported by secondary literature on case studies.
The body in contemporary Iraqi literature
This part of the course, for first-year students only, focusses on representations of the body in contemporary Iraqi literature. We will reflect on the concept of fragmentation (physical, social, textual) and on the (re)construction of narrative bodies,
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the following is assumed:
- outline of the history of the Arab world from the 6th century to the present day;
- key concepts of Islam;
- socio-political context of the contemporary Arab world.
Students admitted to the degree who realize they do not have the required preparation are advised to study the contents of the following textbooks:
- Allen, Roger (2000). An Introdution to Arabic Literature. Cambridge University Press.
- Aydin, C. (2017). The Idea of the Muslim World: A Global Intellectual History, Harvard University Press.
- Hillenbrand, Carole (2005). Islam. A New Historical Introduction, Thames and Hudson.
- outline of the history of the Arab world from the 6th century to the present day;
- key concepts of Islam;
- socio-political context of the contemporary Arab world.
Students admitted to the degree who realize they do not have the required preparation are advised to study the contents of the following textbooks:
- Allen, Roger (2000). An Introdution to Arabic Literature. Cambridge University Press.
- Aydin, C. (2017). The Idea of the Muslim World: A Global Intellectual History, Harvard University Press.
- Hillenbrand, Carole (2005). Islam. A New Historical Introduction, Thames and Hudson.
Teaching methods
The course will include lectures by invited speakers.
Part of the course will be taught interactively: students will be required to read texts ahead of class and to hold short presentations.
The MyAriel website for the course contains a Course Blog, detailing the contents and activities for each class as well as additional references.
https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=12527
Part of the course will be taught interactively: students will be required to read texts ahead of class and to hold short presentations.
The MyAriel website for the course contains a Course Blog, detailing the contents and activities for each class as well as additional references.
https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=12527
Teaching Resources
- Bahoora, Haitham, "Writing the Dismembered Nation: The Aesthetics of Horror in Iraqi Narratives of War '', Arab Studies Journal, 23(2015), 184-209 (un testo in altra lingua potrà essere concordato con i docenti).
- Censi, Martina, "Rewriting the body in the novels of contemporary Syrian women writers", in Ozyegin, G., Gender and Sexuality in Muslim Cultures, Ashgate 2015 (disponibile su MyAriel).
- Ruocco, Monica (a cura di). Letteratura araba, Mondadori 2024. La Nahda e gli sviluppi della letteratura araba fino al 1948, capp. 18 e 22-30
- Two novels from among the following:
--- Wannous, Dima, Quelli che hanno paura, Baldini e Castoldi 2018;
--- Barakat, Hoda, Corriere di notte;
--- Saadawi, Ahmed, Frankenstein a Baghdad, E/O 2015;
--- Blasim, Hassan, Il matto di piazza della libertà, 2a edizione Utopia 2024.
- Censi, Martina, "Rewriting the body in the novels of contemporary Syrian women writers", in Ozyegin, G., Gender and Sexuality in Muslim Cultures, Ashgate 2015 (disponibile su MyAriel).
- Ruocco, Monica (a cura di). Letteratura araba, Mondadori 2024. La Nahda e gli sviluppi della letteratura araba fino al 1948, capp. 18 e 22-30
- Two novels from among the following:
--- Wannous, Dima, Quelli che hanno paura, Baldini e Castoldi 2018;
--- Barakat, Hoda, Corriere di notte;
--- Saadawi, Ahmed, Frankenstein a Baghdad, E/O 2015;
--- Blasim, Hassan, Il matto di piazza della libertà, 2a edizione Utopia 2024.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an interview in which students will demonstrate their knowledge of the course topics and set texts, and the abilitiy to contextualize, comment and discuss them in the light of the analytical tools provided during the course. The student's active participation in class and activities organized within the course will be taken into consideration. During the second semestre, students who have attended the course regularly will have the opportunity to give a presentation in class which replaces one part of the oral exam.
STAA-01/L - Arabic Language and Literature - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Osti Letizia
Professor(s)