ENGL-214 Middle Eastern Literature
Students will study Middle Eastern Literature, in English translation, by examining major works by Arab and Arab-American writers from the advent of World War II to the present. Students are introduced to major Middle East literary topics and themes, most notably from those countries that felt the greatest impact of Western influence, signaling a change in literary technique and theme: Egypt, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, and Iraq. Students will read from several genres, including the novel, the short story, poetry, and historical nonfiction. Readings will explore the broad social, cultural, and political changes wrought by Western presence, including the changing roles of women in Arab/Islamic culture. This course is writing intensive.