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Syllabus:
Judeo-Arabic Literature
Jonathan Decter
Jews in the Islamic World, from the common people to the most illustrious intellectuals,
wrote in Judeo-Arabic. In this course, we will survey major genres of Judeo-Arabic
literature— literary, epistolary, exegetic, theological, and philosophical—in order to learn
the language and cultural perspective of these Jews. We will see how strongly their
worldview was shaped by the Arabic speaking environment and the intellectual programs
of Muslim intellectuals. Authors we will study include Authors include Saadia Gaon,
Judah Halevi, Moses Ibn Ezra, Moses Maimonides, Ibn Shahin. This course assumes that
you have studied at least two years of Standard Arabic. The course does not assume
prior knowledge of Hebrew.
Assignments: We will read aloud and translate prepared texts in class and use texts as
jumping off points to explore topics in Jewish culture in the Islamic world. Texts should
be vocalized to the extent possible. We will also be reading select articles and books in
English that contextualize and specifically address the contents of the Judeo-Arabic texts.
Evaluation: You will be graded on weekly translation assignments and on a final
research project to be designed with the professor. You are expected to make use of and
include translations of Judeo-Arabic texts in your final assignment.
Books:
Joshua Blau, Judaeo-Arabic Literature: Selected Texts (Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 1980)
Course reader (selected other texts chosen by the professor)
If you read Hebrew, I also recommend Joshua Blau, Diqduq ha-aravit ha-yehudit
(Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 1995)
It is assumed that you own the Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Standard Arabic. You
are not required to buy any other dictionaries though I will speak of other useful
dictionaries during the semester. Joshua Blau has prepared a Dictionary of Mediaeval
Judeo-Arabic Texts – it is not a dictionary of all words occurring in the language but only
of rare words that seem to appear in Judeo-Arabic texts but not standard classical Arabic
texts. It is a useful and interesting book but is primarily for the specialist.
Texts to be studied with supplementary readings:
General Background
Abraham Halkin, “Judeo-Arabic Literature”
Raymond Scheindlin, “Merchants and Rabbis, Intellectuals and Poets: JudeoArabic Culture in the Golden Age of Islam”
Benjamin Hary, Multiglossia in Judeo-Arabic
Saadia Gaon
Blau, 9-18 (Book of Beliefs and Opinions), 19-47 (Judeo-Arabic Translation of
the Bible)
Robert Brody, The Geonim of Babylonia and the Making of Medieval Jewish
Cutlure
Jacob al-Qirqisani (a Karaite)
Blau, 47-51 (from a Karaite legal work)
Leon Nemoy, A Karaite Anthology
Yefet Ben Eli (A Karaite)
Blau, 73-86 (Commentary on Job)
Haggain Ben Shammai, articles on Yefet Ben Eli
Judah Ibn Quraish
Blau, 87-97 (Epistle to the community of Fez)
Haggai Ben Shammai, “Risalah” in the Encyclopedia of Islam
Jonah Ibn Janah
Blau, 123-50 (Introduction to “Book of Roots” and select passages)
Nissim Ibn Shahin
Blau, 166-81 (Book of Relief after Adversity)
William Brinner, An Elegant Composition Concern Relief after Adversity
Bahya Ibn Paquda
Blau, 182-86 (Book of Direction to the Duties of the Heart)
Diana Lobel, A Jewish-Sufi Dialogue: Philosophy and Mysticism in Bahya Ibn
Paquda’s Duties of the Heart
Judah Halevi
Blau, 188-95 (The Kuzari)
Diana Lobel, Between Mysticism and Philosophy: Sufi Language of Religious
Experience in Judah Halevi’s Kuzari
Moses Maimonides
Blau, 197-206 (The Guide of the Perplexed)
Sarah Stroumsa, Maimonides in His World: Portrait of a Medieval Thinker