Love in Arabic Poetry: The Beloved with a Thousand Faces *In-Person* *NEW*

This course examines the theme of love in Arabic poetry, ranging from the pre-Islamic era to contemporary times. We will read Arabic poetry in translation alongside secondary scholarship focusing on the following poets and poetess: ʿAntarah ibn Shaddād (d. c. 608), Laylā al-Akhyaliyyah (d. c. 704), Rābiʿah al-ʿAdawīyah (d. 801), Qays ibn al-Mulawwaḥ (Majnūn Laylā, d. c. 688), al-Būṣīrī (d. 1294), Mahmoud Darwish (d. 2008), Abdullah al-Baradouni (d. 1999), and Chafika B. Ouail. Each poet and poetess offers a unique perspective on the beloved, whether divine, nature, prophet, human, city, land, or even the poet’s and poetess’ very self. We will be introduced to concepts such as platonic love (ḥubb ʿudhrī), Sufism (taṣawwuf), prophetic praise (madīḥ nabawī), longing (shawq), and patriotic love. The course will also explore sung poetry, including ʿAbd Allāh al-Baradūnī’s “yā Muṣṭafā” among other prophetic praises (madāʾiḥ nabawiyyah), sung Ṣūfī poetry, musical settings of Majnūn Laylā, and various musical versions of love poems. All readings will be provided in English translation.

Instructor: Alaa Aldeen Kayali