Arabic Literature from Early Islam till End of Umayyad Periods(622-750 ce)

1. Discuss the origins and development of Arabic literature during the Early Islamic and Umayyad periods.
2. Identify the key themes and styles of poetry and prose in these eras.
3. Analyze the influence of political and social factors on literary works.
4. Evaluate the contributions of major poets and writers of the time.
5. Compare and contrast the literary characteristics of the Early Islamic and Umayyad periods.

13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: The Poetry of Early Islamic Period · 2 hours

     Understand the meaning of Early Islamic period.. Discuss the state of poetry during this time.. Identify themes in the poetry.. Compare poetry of Pre-Islamic and Early Islamic periods..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 2: Al-Mukhađramūn and their Works · 2 hours

     Define the term Mukhađramūn.. Identify popular Mukhađramūn poets.. Discuss the life and works of leading Mukhađramūn poets like Hassan bn Thābit, Ka'b bn Mālik, and Ka'b bn Zuhayr..

3. Week 3Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Arabic Prose in the Early Islamic Period · 2 hours

     Discuss the dimensions of Arabic prose in the early Islamic period.. Understand the Qur'an as a divine literary piece.. Analyze the style and structure of the Qur'an..

4. Week 4Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Arabic Prose in the Early Islamic Period · 2 hours

     Identify factors responsible for the strength of Arabic prose.. Discuss the influence of the Qur'an and the Hadith on Arabic language and literature..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Oratory in The Early Islamic Period · 2 hours

     Identify major themes of Arabic oratory during the Early Islamic period.. Identify factors responsible for the strength of Arabic oratory.. Identify distinctive features of Arabic poetry in the period..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 4: Art of Writing in the Early Islamic Period · 2 hours

     Identify major developments that Islam brought to literacy.. Identify major themes of writing during the period..

7. Week 7Module 3:

   • Unit 1: The Literary Life of the Umayyad Period · 2 hours

     Understand the history of the Umayyad period.. Identify new trends in the literary life of the Arabs.. Analyze socio-political and ideological influences on Arabic literature..

8. Week 8Module 3:

   • Unit 2: Arabic Poetry in the Umayyad Period · 2 hours

     Identify new developments in poetic themes during the Umayyad period.. Understand the role of politics and political groups in these developments..

9. Week 9Module 3:

   • Unit 3: Oratory in the Umayyad Period · 2 hours

     Identify factors responsible for the development of oratory during the Umayyad period.. Recognize types of oratory and prominent orators.. Analyze samples of oration from the period..

10. Week 10Module 3:

    • Unit 4: Arts of Writing in the Umayyad Period · 2 hours

      Understand factors responsible for the spread of writing and compilation of knowledge.. Recognize the importance of the creation of the office of letters (diwan alrasail).. Identify prominent writers of the period..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 5: · 2 hours

      Discuss the main features of Arabic Literature in the Early Islamic period.. Identify new dimensions introduced into Arabic literature during the Umayyad period..

12. Week 12Module 1:

    • Review of Modules 1 & 2 · 3 hours

      Review all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and themes.. Prepare for tutor-marked assignments..

13. Week 13Module 3:

    • Final Revision · 3 hours

      Final revision and preparation for the final examination.. Review all course materials and notes.. Practice answering exam-style questions..