Spring 2008

ARA 382C • ARAB GRAMMARIANS II

Course Description

This course is a sequel to Arab Grammarians I and will continue to explore the writings of some of the greatest Arab grammarians. This course focuses more on the theoretical contributions that the Arab grammarians made. In the second half of the semester we explore the two schools of grammatical thought, namely the Kufi and the Basri schools. We will study their disputes in the light of current linguistic thought.

Most of the reading materials will be in Arabic. Arabic will be the language used in class. The textbooks selected are classified among the most difficult books in Arabic. Just as Arab Grammarians I, this course is only appropriate for highly-motivated students who want to specialize in the study of Arabic as a language and a system.

Texts

Sibawayhi, Kitaab Sibawayhi; Ibn Jinni, AL-KhaSaa'iS; Al-Tha'aalibi, Fiqh Allughah; An-Anbari, Al-Insaaf fi Masaa'il Al-Khilaaf. A full list will be given on first day of class. All materials can be downloaded on line .

back