Dwight Reynolds

Dwight Reynolds is a Distinguished Professor of Arabic Language & Literature in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He is an affiliate faculty member in the Department of Music, Department of Theater and Dance, Program in Latin American and Iberian Studies, and the Comparative Literature Program. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania (1991), his research focuses on Arabic literature, folklore, ethnomusicology, and the cultural history of al-Andalus. His work bridges historical and contemporary studies, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to music, oral traditions, and cross-cultural exchanges.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Arabic Language & Literature, University of Pennsylvania, 1991

Research Interests:

Reynolds’ scholarship explores Arabic oral epics (e.g., Shīrat Banī Hilāl), medieval Andalusian music, and the interplay between folklore and literature. He has pioneered digital archiving projects to preserve oral traditions, notably the Sirat Bani Hilāl Digital Archive. His work often examines marginalized figures like female musicians (qiyan) and the socio-political dimensions of artistic expression in Islamic contexts.

Recent Publications & Awards:

His book The Musical Heritage of al-Andalus (2021) won the PREMIO DEL REY BOOK PRIZE (2022) and EARLY MUSIC BOOK PRIZE (2022). He co-edited Tarab: Music, Ecstasy, Emotion, and Performance (2025) and published Medieval Arab Music and Musicians: Three Translated Texts (2022), which received the MEDITERRANEAN SEMINAR BOOK PRIZE (2025).

Teaching & Outreach:

Reynolds teaches courses on Arabic culture, medieval Iberian studies, and comparative literature. His work emphasizes public humanities, including digital archives and interdisciplinary collaborations. He has advised numerous graduate students and contributed to UCSB’s cultural initiatives through lectures and symposia.

Labs & Collaborations:

Central to his research is the Sirat Bani Hilāl Digital Archive, which digitizes and contextualizes oral epic performances. This project reflects his commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage and making academic resources accessible to broader audiences.