NES 2754

NES 2754

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2022-2023.

This course examines Near East's rich and diverse literary heritage. We will read a selection of influential and wondrous texts from ancient to modern times, spanning geographically from the Iberian peninsula to Iran. We will explore a range of ancient myths of creation and destruction. We will also trace encounters with otherness in travel narratives. Together we will read and discuss such ancient works as the "The Story of Sinuhe" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh," as well as selections from the Hebrew Bible, New Testament and Qur'an. We will explore medieval works such as the "Travels" of Ibn Battuta, the "Shahnameh" of Ferdowsi, and "The Arabian Nights." We will also read Orhan Pamuk's My Name is Red, and Sonia Nimr's Wondrous Journeys in Strange Lands, as well as excerpts from Yochi Brandes's The Orchard. Students will also have the opportunity to research and analyze primary source materials in the collections of Cornell Rare Books and Manuscript Collection, and the Johnson Art Museum. All material is in English translation.

When Offered Fall.

Breadth Requirement (GHB)
Distribution Category (ALC-AS, LA-AS)
Course Attribute (CU-ITL)
Satisfies Requirement Requirement for NES majors.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi:
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: COML 2754JWST 2754SHUM 2754

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  7848 NES 2754   LEC 001

    • TR McGraw Hall 145
    • Aug 22 - Dec 5, 2022
    • Starr, D

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    For updated course description, see syllabus.