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ARA323Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Arabic Novel

This course introduces students to the concept and significance of the Arabic Novel within Arabic Literature. It provides an overview of major concepts, including the Nahdah (Renaissance) period, the development of modern Arabic literature, and the emergence of the novel form. Students will explore the historical context, key themes, and prominent figures in the evolution of the Arabic novel, examining its political and social concerns.

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39h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Arabic NovelNahdahModern LiteratureFictionLiterary Analysis

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

The Nahdah (Renaissance) in Arabic Literature

2

Development of Modern Arabic Literature

3

Beginnings of the Arabic Novel

4

Historical Novel

5

Themes in Arabic Novel

6

Content Analysis of Arabic Novels

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Literary Critic

Apply your skills in this growing field

Translator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PublishingJournalismEducationCultural InstitutionsTranslation Services

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction/The Background - Nahdah (Renaissance) in Arabic Literature

3h

Unit 1: The Ottoman Period and The French Campaign

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: The Ottoman Period and The French Campaign.
  • Understand the historical context and impact of these events on Arabic literature.
  • Identify key figures and their roles during this period.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction/The Background - Nahdah (Renaissance) in Arabic Literature

3h

Unit 2: The Rise of Muhammad Ali and Modernization of Education

3 study hours
  • Study the rise of Muhammad Ali and his impact on Egypt.
  • Examine the modernization of education and its influence on Arabic literature.
  • Analyze the role of the Arabic Printing Press and the birth of translation movement.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction/The Background - Nahdah (Renaissance) in Arabic Literature

3h

Unit 3: The Development of Modern Arabic Literature - Age of Translations, Adaptations and Neo-classicism

3 study hours
  • Explore the development of modern Arabic literature.
  • Understand the Age of Translations, Adaptations, and Neo-classicism.
  • Identify key literary figures and their contributions during this period.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction/The Background - Nahdah (Renaissance) in Arabic Literature

3h

Unit 4: The Development of Modern Arabic Literature - The Periods of Romanticism and Nationalism, and Retreat from Romanticism in Arabic Literature

3 study hours
  • Examine the periods of Romanticism and Nationalism in Arabic literature.
  • Analyze the retreat from Romanticism and its impact on literary themes.
  • Discuss the key characteristics and influences of each period.
Week
5

Module 2: The Beginnings of the Arabic Novel

3h

Unit 1: Fiction (Novels and Novellas)

3 study hours
  • Define fiction and its various forms (novels, novellas).
  • Trace the origin of the novel in Arabic literature.
  • Identify the characteristics and functions of novels and novellas.
Week
6

Module 2: The Beginnings of the Arabic Novel

3h

Unit 2: The Development of Modern Arabic Fiction in Syria and Lebanon

3 study hours
  • Study the development of modern Arabic fiction in Syria and Lebanon.
  • Examine the contributions of early Arab writers in this region.
  • Understand how a reading public was developed for the novel genre.
Week
7

Module 2: The Beginnings of the Arabic Novel

3h

Unit 3: The Development of Modern Arabic Fiction in Egypt

3 study hours
  • Explore the development of modern Arabic fiction in Egypt.
  • Analyze the role of newspapers and journals in promoting fiction.
  • Discuss the 'egyptianizing' of contexts in early Arabic fiction.
Week
8

Module 2: The Beginnings of the Arabic Novel

3h

Unit 4: The Historical Novel: Jurji Zaydan

3 study hours
  • Examine the historical novel and the contributions of Jurji Zaydan.
  • Understand how Zaydan used the press to develop a reading audience.
  • Analyze Zaydan's historical novels and their impact on Egyptian society.
Week
9

Module 2: The Beginnings of the Arabic Novel

3h

Unit 5: Between Education and Entertainment in Modern Arabic Fiction

3 study hours
  • Explore the balance between education and entertainment in modern Arabic fiction.
  • Analyze how writers used fiction to educate the public about social realities.
  • Discuss the role of journals and monthly novels in portraying the past and present.
Week
10

Module 2: The Beginnings of the Arabic Novel

3h

Unit 6: The Status of Zaynab by Muhammad Husayn Haykal

3 study hours
  • Study the status of Zaynab by Muhammad Husayn Haykal.
  • Investigate the arguments about whether Zaynab is the first real Arabic novel.
  • Analyze the content of Zaynab and its significance in Arabic literature.
Week
11

Module 3: The Mature Arabic Novel Outside Egypt

3h

Unit 1: The Emergence of the Novel: Political and Social Concerns

3 study hours
  • Understand the emergence of the novel and its political and social concerns.
  • Identify factors that motivated the rise of the Arabic novel.
  • Discuss literary figures who led the way in fiction writing.
Week
12

Module 3: The Mature Arabic Novel Outside Egypt

3h

Unit 2: Prominent Themes of the Arabic Novel in Recent Decades

3 study hours
  • Explore prominent themes of the Arabic novel in recent decades.
  • Analyze themes such as conflict, civil war, and cultural contact.
  • Discuss the impact of these themes on Arabic literature.
Week
13

Module 3: The Mature Arabic Novel Outside Egypt

3h

Unit 3: Zaynab of Muhammad Husayn Haykal: A Content Analysis

3 study hours
  • Conduct a content analysis of Zaynab by Muhammad Husayn Haykal.
  • Apply content analysis techniques to understand literary works.
  • Discuss the themes and literary qualities of Zaynab.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all units, focusing on key figures and their contributions to the Arabic novel.

2

Create timelines of major events and literary movements discussed in the course.

3

Practice analyzing excerpts from Arabic novels, identifying themes and literary techniques.

4

Prepare summaries of each module, highlighting key concepts and arguments.

5

Review tutor-marked assignments and feedback to identify areas for improvement.

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