SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT

The Journey of Urdu: From Tradition to Modernity

Introduction  

Urdu is not merely a language but a mirror of South Asia’s cultural history and intellectual heritage. From the ghazals of Mir and Ghalib to the fiction of Manto and Qurratulain Hyder, Urdu literature embodies aesthetics, resistance, reform, and modernity. This course introduces learners to Urdu’s historical evolution, linguistic features, literary aesthetics, and practical skills, offering both cultural insight and critical appreciation.

Unique Selling Propositions                     

 

  1. A comprehensive exploration of Urdu literature from classical to modern times
  2. Emphasis on both textual analysis and creative practice
  3. Integration of cultural, historical, and global perspectives
  4. Development of critical, creative, and communicative skills in Urdu

Objectives and Learning Outcomes                                
  1. To study the historical formation and evolution of Urdu.
  2. To critically examine classical and modern genres of Urdu literature.
  3. To engage with reformist, progressive, modernist, and feminist movements in Urdu literature.
  4. To develop practical skills in reading, criticism, and creative writing.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain the historical and cultural evolution of Urdu.
  2. Critically analyze selected classical and modern texts.
  3. Identify and evaluate poetic and prose genres in Urdu.
  4. Produce a creative or research-based project with cultural presentation.

Key Topics / Related Concepts 
  1. History of Urdu: From Delhi Sultanate to Modern Times
  2. Linguistic Development and Stylistics
  3. Classical and Modern Poetry (Ghazal, Nazm, Marsiya)
  4. Prose Genres: Novel, Short Story, Drama, Essay
  5. Literary Movements: Progressive, Modernism, Postmodernism, Feminism
  6. Contemporary Urdu and Digital Platforms

Activities and Learning Strategies             
  1. Close reading of classical and modern Urdu texts
  2. Creative writing workshops (poetry, short story, essays)
  3. Group discussions, debates, and panel sessions
  4. Multimedia lectures and guest talks by renowned scholars/writers
  5. Research and creative projects with presentations
  6. Cultural activities: Mushaira, dramatic readings, and recitations
  • Learning Duration:
  • Certificate Fee: Rs 8000
  • Session:
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Instructor

Dr. Sabbir Hassan is currently pursuing his postdoctoral fellowship, where his research interests intersect with postcolonial feminist and ecofeminist theories, exploring the nexus of power, identity, and environment. As a recognized poet, his work has been published in Rekhta, one of the most prominent platforms for Urdu literature. He was honored with the Innovative Urdu Poet Award at the Global Urdu Poetry Festival, UAE (2022), where his poetry resonated widely across audiences. Recently, his poem was published by Taproot Press, a Leverhulme-sponsored project at the University of Glasgow. Alongside his research and creative work, Dr. Hassan is serving as a professor at the University of Education, Lahore.

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