CEUS U698 0687 DeWeese
Islamic Hagiography of Central Asia
This course is intended (1) to familiarize students with the body of Islamic hagiographical
literature produced in Central Asia from the 12th to 19th centuries, (2) to introduce them to the
textual, methodological, conceptual, and historical problems in utilizing and interpreting this
literary corpus, and (3) to provide experience in reading and analyzing individual hagiographical
accounts. Introductory lectures and readings will cover the hagiographical tradition itself and the
state of scholarly research dealing with Central Asian Islamic hagiography; the major part of the
course will be devoted to guided readings in Persian and/or Chaghatay Turkic hagiographical
works selected on the basis of students' interests and language skills. Since very few Central
Asian hagiographies have been published in critical editions, most readings will be drawn from
works available in printouts from microfilms of original manuscripts.
Prerequisites: Reading knowledge of Persian and/or Chaghatay Turkic.
Readings: In addition to readings in the hagiographical works themselves, students are expected
to familiarize themselves with the relatively limited body of scholarly literature devoted to Central
Asian hagiography; a select bibliography is attached; readings for the introductory sections will be
distributed in class.
Requirements: Course grade will be determined on the basis of class participation, demonstrated
progress in readings and interpreting the texts, and a research project to be defined in consultation
with the instructor.
Days and time: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00-2:15.