In this course we take an extended journey among classical Arabic narratives, studying the style, the contents and the religious, cultural and historical contexts of these multifaceted texts and analyzing how they inspire and influenced more modern literature.

The lecture series will present a selection of interesting stories, legends and texts that constitute milestones in the development of Arabic narrative fiction. We examine the influence and contributions made by other cultures, especially those of India and Persia, that affected the evolution and enrichment of Arabic narrative prose.

The discussion will be accompanied by reading and analysis of chapters from legends and tales and other comprehensive narrative passages, with stress on the works’ unique stylistic and linguistic characteristics and their literary contribution.