Read the classics in the original Arabic! Learn how to decipher a poem on your own and how to identify the meters. We will read famous and lesser-known Arabic poems composed between 750-1258 CE, including poems by Abu Nuwas, Abu al-Atahiya, al-Buhturi, al-Mutanabbi, Abu Firas, al-Maʿarri, as well as various muwashshahat. Themes include love, piety, battle, carousing, poverty, and grief. We will focus on close reading, historical context, and the historical development of genres and styles over time. Heritage speakers of Arabic are encouraged to register; please contact the intructor to confirm your Arabic level before the start of class.