ACADEMIC YEAR 2021-2022
Regarding the Graeco-Arabic Studies, Richard Walzer, Professor in the University of Oxford, wrote:
‘With the exception of the Greek papyri from Egypt and occasional discoveries of new inscriptions the Arabic versions of Greek writings on philosophy, medicine, science, and mathematics are our only hope, if we wish to increase our present knowledge of Greek literature. Although the high quality of the numerous translations preserved is beyond doubt, it is obvious that this promising field of research is not so well cultivated as it deserves to be. The translations of works whose Greek text has survived should be more systematically used in critical editions. But it is certainly more tempting to go in search of otherwise lost Greek works which may be regained from Arabic translations. Much remains to be done before we are entitled to say that all the available texts have been examined and properly understood …’.
(Richard Walzer, Galen on Jews and Christians, Oxford: Oxford University Press 1949, Preface)
WINTER SEMESTER
GAS 906: Topics on Graeco-Arabic Studies
This course offers an introduction into the main themes of Graeco-Arabic Studies.
Written examination.
Optional written essay (10% - 20% of the total mark).
GAS 914: The Arab Kingdom of Damascus (7th – 8th century AD)
This course offers an introduction to the Arab-Muslim expansion and their control of Near and Middle East in the 7th- 8th century. The course focuses on the policy the Umayyad dynasty followed in establishing their power and building an Empire, their relations with other peoples, and the expeditions launched against Constantinople.
Written Examination
Optional written essay (10% -20 % of the total mark).
SUMMER SEMESTER
GAS 902: The Heritage of Classical Antiquity in the Arabic Tradition
This course examines the transmission and translations of Greek philosophical and scientific works of Antiquity into the Arabic Society and Culture from the 8th to 11th c. A.D.
Written Examination
Optional written essay (10% - 20% of the total mark).
GAS 921: The ‘Prolegomena’(Muqaddimah) to the History by Ibn Khaldūn (AD 1332-1406) (Seminar)
The seminar aims at studying a selection of passages from the ‘Introduction’ or ‘Prolegomena” (muqaddima) to the History of Ibn Khaldūn.
Mandatory written essay.