.......Through imprints, websites, and discussion ASIAN 224 introduces the student to six traditions of poetry in India: 1. Vedic-Upanishadic mystic poetry. 2. Tamil Sangam poetry. 3. Classical Sanskrit and Prakrit court poetry. 4. Medieval devotional poetry. 5. Urdu metaphysical poetry. 6. Modern secular poetry. We will read translations of selections from each of these six traditions, appraise them as sources of esthetic enjoyment from our own points of view and where possible evaluate them in the context of their own place and time. In coming to terms with traditions far removed in space and time the student will come to know something of Indian esthetic theories and the continually renegotiated role of the poet in forming and transforming the ways in which people interpret their own life experience.
....... The course will include an hour exam and five out of six (or seven) short (2 - 3 pp) papers, at least one of which will be a close reading and explication of an individual poem, and at least one other will compare notions of what makes poetry poetry in India and the West. Translation and/or transcreation is an option for one of these assignments.
....... Additionally each student will be responsible for setting out the biographical and historical context of a listed poet in a class presentation. The list includes Baba Farid, Basavanna, Bihari, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ghalib, Iqbal, Kabir, Kalidasa, Mir, Mira Bai, Nammalvar, Tagore, and Tukaram. Other names may be added depending on the specific interests of students.
....... I will do my best to create an environment that encourages the free and active participation of everyone in the class.
....... The material that we will read either will be posted to this Website or will be in a coursepack available at Accucopy (518 East William St. Phone: 769-8338).