The course provides a general overview of Arabic literature from the last century to the present day. Particular attention will be given to adab al-iltizàm (commitment literature) which involved all Arab countries, due to their difficult historical-political conditions. Several writers will be studied, some of them emerging, others already well known, in addition to literary currents (anti-colonial literature, prison literature, exile literature), which represent the writing of resistance and rebellion against all oppressive policies, foreign or local, old and new. The course includes the historical-political framework of the Arab countries, in addition to reading, analysis and translation of extracts from literary works studied in class.
Texts:
- (edit. by Y. Albers, G. Khalil, F Pannewick), "Commitment and Beyond: Reflections on/of the Political in Arabic Literature since the 1940s" Dr Ludwig Reichert Verlag, 2015,
(Aboubakr, Botros, Khoury, Guth, Atassi, Antoon, al-Arissi, Milich). The book is available on-line.
N. B: Each student is invited to read at least two novels (or collections of stories or poems), translated from Arabic into Italian. Texts in Arabic and further bibliographical updates will be provided during the lectures.