Classical Persian Poetry

Prerequisites

155901242:  Persian Language 1 (or equivalent)

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

At the end of a module, a student should be able to demonstrate:

• A rounded knowledge and critical understanding of the major genres and themes of classical Persian poetry
• Familiarity with the principal critical works on the subject, and become familiar with the structural & textual analysis of the poems of 10th-16th Centuries
• Knowledge of different literary schools instrumental in the developments of Persian literary heritage
• An understanding of literary language, structures and imagery as embodied in selected texts by leading poets
• The ability to relate literary structures, themes and imagery  to political and cultural changes of the period under study
• Acquisition of the critical language to articulate the ways in which language, literature and thought are interrelated

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to approach much classical Persian verse on his/her own, with the help from translations and dictionaries.

Workload

This module is taught over 11 weeks with 2 hours classroom contact per week.

Scope and syllabus

An introduction to the literary history of Iran and Persian poetry and the different schools of poetry, as well as the major genres related to the mediaeval period, from its origins to c.1500. A selection of poems by well-known poets of the genres of epic, romantic, didactic, spiritual & mystical writing will be read, and discussed. Some of the poems chosen for the module will be translated through pair or group work. Preparation of the texts for class and background reading will be required.

Method of assessment

• Assignment 1 - Translation and Critical Reading (600 words) to be submitted in Term 1 (20%)
• Assignment 2 - One essay (1,800 words) to be submitted before start of Term 2 (60%)
• PowerPoint oral presentation on a specific topic (15 minutes) by agreement in Term 2 (20%)
• The exact assessment deadline dates are published on the relevant module Moodle/BLE page

Suggested reading

Texts of all poems will be provided as handouts or study packs.

General Works of Reference

• Thackston, W. M., (Wheeler McIntosh,) A millennium of classical Persian poetry. a guide to the reading and understanding of Persian poetry from the tenth to the twentieth century
• C. E. Bosworth, The Islamic Dynasties, A Chronological and Genealogical Handbook, 1980
• E.G. Browne, A Literary History of Persia, London 1902-24 (and reprints - by C.U.P.), Vols II, III. vol. i 1902, ii 1906, iii 1920, iv 1924.
• Jan Rypka, History of Iranian Literature, Dordrecht, 1968.
• A.J. Arberry, Classical Persian Literature, London 1958.
• A.J. Arberry, Persian Poems, Everyman's Library, 1954 (and reprints).  A selection of translations.
• Julie Meisami,  Medieval Persian Court Poetry, Princeton 1987.
• History of Persian Literature from the Beginning of the Islamic Period to the Present Day, (Handbuch der Orientalistik, Abteilung 1,  Band 4, Abschnitt 2, Lieferung 2) ed. B. Spuler (Leiden 1981), includes George Morrison, 'Persian Literature (Belles-Lettres) from the Earliest Times to the time of Jami,' and Julian Baldick, ‘Persian Sufi Poetry up to the Fifteenth Century.’
• Jan Rypka, History of Iranian Literature, Dordrecht, 1968.
• A.J. Arberry, Classical Persian Literature, London 1958.
• A.J. Arberry, Persian Poems, Everyman's Library, 1954 (and reprints).  A selection of translations.
• Julie Meisami,  Medieval Persian Court Poetry, Princeton 1987.
• History of Persian Literature from the Beginning of the Islamic Period to the Present Day, (Handbuch der Orientalistik, Abteilung 1,  Band 4, Abschnitt 2, Lieferung 2) ed. B. Spuler (Leiden 1981), includes George Morrison, 'Persian Literature (Belles-Lettres) from the Earliest Times to the time of Jami,' and Julian Baldick, ‘Persian Sufi Poetry up to the Fifteenth Century.’
• C.A. Storey, Persian Literature: A Bio-bibliographical Survey, vol. IV, parts i and ii, by. F. de Blois, London 1992-4.  This goes up to AD1225 so far.
• Articles in Ehsan Yarshater (ed.), Persian Literature, [New York] 1987.
• Encyclopaedia of Islam.  Articles on individual poets and topics, second edition where possible

Convenor

Ms Narguess Farzad

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