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.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. Identify and apply literary terms, concepts, devices, and characteristics of Middle Eastern literature.
   
2. Apply appropriate literary criticism (perspectives) for effective analysis by considering the literary culture of the Middle East.
   
3. Use evidence from literary texts and secondary texts to compose original and insightful literary analysis.
   
4. Pose questions and analyze themes that reflect the human condition, such as economic, ethical, historical, personal, political, and/or social issues, discovered in the selected Middle Eastern literature.
5. Analyze how the selected Middle Eastern literature reflects human experiences and values.
6. Analyze literary representation of Western influence on Middle Eastern cultures, including the changing role of women.
   
7. Identify and explain the role of native Middle Eastern literature as reaction and resistance to Western colonialism and Eastern authoritarian governments.
   
8. Write analytically about Middle Eastern literature, using appropriate research and documentation.
   
9. Communicate effectively an understanding of the literature and exchange ideas with others.
   

Course Objectives

1. Identify and apply literary terms, concepts, devices, and characteristics of Middle Eastern literature.
   

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Rubric for Writing Assignments

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: English - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   Describe the aesthetic and structural characteristics of literature from different genres, literary periods, and perspectives.

2. Apply appropriate literary criticism (perspectives) for effective analysis by considering the literary culture of the Middle East.
   

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP1
3. Use evidence from literary texts and secondary texts to compose original and insightful literary analysis.
   

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP2
4. Pose questions and analyze themes that reflect the human condition, such as economic, ethical, historical, personal, political, and/or social issues, discovered in the selected Middle Eastern literature.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP3
5. Analyze how the selected Middle Eastern literature reflects human experiences and values.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP4

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: English - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   Explain how literature reflects the human condition, experience, values, and ethical questions.

6. Analyze literary representation of Western influence on Middle Eastern cultures, including the changing role of women.
   

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: English - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   Analyze literature in light of historical and cultural contexts.

7. Identify and explain the role of native Middle Eastern literature as reaction and resistance to Western colonialism and Eastern authoritarian governments.
   

   This objective is a course Goal Only

8. Write analytically about Middle Eastern literature, using appropriate research and documentation.
   

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: English - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   Compose and present creative and original projects of literary analysis supported by academic sources and documentation.

9. Communicate effectively an understanding of the literature and exchange ideas with others.
   

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: English - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   Compose and present creative and original projects of literary analysis supported by academic sources and documentation.