ARAB 2750 – Life and Culture of the Arabs
Fall 2021 – Midterm Exam
A. Anan’s grandfather’s home in Damascus is a living edifice of culture and tradition. List five architectural features of the house and discuss how they were designed to reflect Arab culture. Present each feature in one complete sentence, and its function in a sentence or two. (5 points)
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B. Anan’s parents aspired to be a modern family, and their actions reflected their interpretation of modernity. However, it seems that their interpretation of modernity was selective and self-serving. Give five examples of how Anan’s family acted “modern.” Then, give three examples of situations where Anan’s family opted for tradition because it benefitted them more than modernity.
Examples of being/acting modern with explanations (5 points)
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Examples of being/acting traditional with explanations (3 points)
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C. Traditional Arab cultures have many of the defining characteristics of modernity. Give three examples of tolerance within the Ameri family. (5 points)
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D. Briefly describe one cultural ritual practiced by the Jabri family in Damascus, and discuss how this ritual attempts to gain legitimacy through the use of religion. (2 points)