Arabic Calligraphy 10 Week Course
Description
Part of the range of Arabic language courses and activities at the SOAS Language Centre
These courses are the very latest addition to the SOAS Language Centre portfolio of courses and are aimed at those who wish to explore the significance and the techniques of one of the most important forms of artistic expression in the Islamic world. These courses are an ideal complement for those who are already familiar with - or are currently studying - Arabic or a language whose writing system is derived from the Arabic alphabet (e.g. Persian, Pashto, Urdu). Applicants must be familiar with the Arabic alphabet but it is not necessary for applicants to be proficient in the Arabic language.
The first course (in Riq'ah) allows students to practice the script and develop writing techniques through the exploration of the underlying proportions of Arabic letter forms; the optional course (in Naskh) is designed to aid students in perfecting and giving their work a professionally finished look. These courses can be taken independently of each other.
The calligraphic styles currently available for study at the SOAS Language Centre are as follows:
Riq'ah style (10 weeks, one session of 2 hours per week)
Riq'ah is featured by speed and inclined angles. It is quick to write and needs only a few touches at the ends of certain letters, such as haa, and raa and Ain. Riq'ah is easy, simple and beautiful at the same time. It is very helpful for personal correspondence and for note-taking.
Naskh Style (10 weeks, one session of 2 hours per week)
Naskh is one of the most beautiful and popular of styles and is classified as moderately difficult. This style is the one most commonly used for printing in Arabic. Naskh requires a skill in drawing circles and curves, and sharp endings on letters such as haa and raa. Considerable practice with a calligraphy pen is required to form the oval and circular shapes typifying this style.
Materials
Writing implements (pen, paper, ink) will be provided to students at a cost of £5, payable directly to the teacher at the start of the course. Students will learn how to prepare their own reed pen. Any additional incidentals that students may be required to purchase will be notified to them prior to the start of the course. These courses are taught in English by Moustafa Hassan, a master calligrapher and artist from Egypt.
How to Apply
Apply via our online store for Naskh and Riq'ah.
Telephone Ilham Salimane: +44(0)20 7898 4870
Email: nme@soas.ac.uk
