Why is it that the most famous work of Arabic literature in the West was, until recently, relatively unread in the Arab world? This course will examine the discovery-some would say invention-of The Arabian Nights in the West and the reasons for its languishing for so long in relative obscurity in the Arab World. We will also study closely the text itself, an amazing collection of narratives framed by the famous tale of the king Shahriyar and his story-telling wife Shahrazad. Toward the end of the course we will look at some of the modern creative texts-written and filmic-inspired by The Arabian Nights in both the West and the Arab world. Primary readings will be supplemented by secondary historical and critical literature on the work and the course will deal centrally with issues of narration, colonialism, orientalism, translation, and gender. All readings in English. Requirements: The final grade will be based on class participation, short weekly reaction papers, one individual or group presentation and a final paper of 6 to 8 pages. No prerequisites. No enrollment limit (expected: 15).

Hour: STONE