Relighion source-critical analysis

RST 210 A B Paper 1: Source-Criticism Paper 4-8-2014 Instructions:

1. Write a source-critical analysis of the following topic. 2. Length: 4-5 pages. 3. Double spaced, 12 font (Times New Roman), 1” margins. 4. Use MLA citation format. 5. The paper is due in class on Wednesday, April the 23rd. 6. Use the primary source reading under the topic; make sure to analyze the evidence. Topic:

1. In The Epistle on Singing-Girls (Risālat al-Qiyān), the ‘Irāqī author al-Jāḥiẓ (d. 869) discusses women who were unfree (slaves) in their personal status, and highly-trained, accomplished artists and performers in their professional status. What does al-Jāḥiẓ tell us about this phenomenon? Does he approve or disapprove? Does he maintain a consistent stance? Finally, can you relate this essay of al-Jāḥiẓ, and the phenomenon it describes, to attitudes toward sexuality, the arts, and “polite behavior” in urban society during the ‘Abbāsid era?

Primary Source:

al-Jāḥiẓ. The Epistle on Singing-Girls of Jāḥiẓ. Edited and translated by A.F.L. Beeston. Warminster, Wilts, England: Aris & Phillips Ltd., 1980. Print.