Courses: Department of Central Eurasian Studies

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U346/U520 Literature of the Ottoman Court in Translation
Kemal Silay

The course will involve readings and analysis of some of the most representative literary texts of the Ottoman court, including both poetry and prose. You will be introduced to a variety of different literary forms practiced by Ottoman authors, including the gazel, kaside, mesnevi, tezkire, and others. In addition to analyzing these texts according to the classical Ottoman canon, we will also pay considerable attention to the modern and contemporary theoretical approaches to this long literary tradition. Discussions will include nationalist, Marxist, Islamist and postmodernist interpretations, which should allow us to comprehend more fully the broader issue of modern understandings of medieval literature in general.

TEXTS: At least two days before each topic is to be covered, I will provide you with the texts in English translation.

YOUR GRADE WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

Undergraduates:

Attendance and Class Participation: 30%
Midterm: Close reading of a poem: 30%
Final: Close reading of a poem, and essay questions: 40%

Graduates:

Attendance and Class Participation: 20%
Midterm: Close reading of a poem: 20%
Final: Close reading of a poem, and essay questions: 30%
Book/article review and presentation (topics will be assigned): 30%