FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Topics in Women’s Literature (ENGL 387) will be offered for the first time at the Jackson County Center in Ripley during the fall semester. 

The instructor, Dr. Nancy Nanney, has selected an especially timely and intriguing topic for the course: “Modern Literature by Arab and Muslim Women Writers.” Students will have a chance to study literature by female Arab authors, many of whom are Muslim, as well as works by female Muslim writers who come from a host of countries and cultural backgrounds.

The class will meet on Thursday night, from 7-9:45 p.m., at JCC in Ripley. 

The course spans the early 20^th century through to the present, with a special focus on contemporary authors. Students will read literature by prominent female writers, such as Ahdaf Soueif (from Egypt), Fadia Fakir (from Jordan),  Fatimah Mernissi (from Morocco), and Hanan al-Shaykh (from Lebanon), as well as works by emerging authors from Asia, Africa, and America. The course will cover translated writings as well as literature composed originally in English. Also, a variety of genres will be included: poetry, plays, essays, memoirs, and fiction.

In addition, Dr. Nanney is arranging for a guest writer from the American Muslim community to share her creative work with the students. For more information about this fascinating topic, please contact Dr. Nancy Nanney, (304) 424-8361.

Fall semester classes begin August 19.