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

Love is a profound transformation, a force that brings growth, purpose, hope, dignity, joy, purity, and desire. Nonetheless, it is often love that deprives us of these very things, bringing us to their opposites. In this seminar, we will grapple with the paradoxes of ‘love’ (ḥubb) as expressed in Arabic poetry. This course examines the theme of love in Arabic poetry, ranging from the pre-Islamic era to the present. We will read Arabic poetry in translation alongside secondary scholarship. 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. All readings will be provided in English translation. Each term new poetry.

Instructor: Alaa Aldeen Kayali