Arabic Studies (BA, minor)

Program Overview

A BA in Arabic studies is offered through the Department of Middle Eastern and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (MEAMS). Arabic studies focuses on Arabic language and literature as a gateway to the culture and civilization of the Arabic-speaking world. 

Degrees Offered

• BA in Arabic Studies

Minors

• Arabic Studies

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Internship possibilities may reflect your larger interests such as a legal, medical, government or business-oriented internship, and could even include an archeological field school experience.

Students are also encouraged to look into a minor offered through the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Program.

The department highly recommends study abroad in the Arabic-speaking world, as well as in Turkey.

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

• ARAB 101 - First-year Arabic I

  Arabic is the fastest growing language in the United States and the fifth most spoken language in the world. ARAB 101 /ARAB 501 is the first in a sequence of courses in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the language of all official forms of communication and media throughout the Arab world, the register of Arabic taught in countries where Arabic is an official language, the liturgical language of more than two billion Muslims worldwide and millions of Arab Christians, and one of the six official languages of the United Nations. In this course, students will be introduced to the letters, sounds, and symbols that make up the Arabic writing system, and acquire basic skills in the areas of speaking, reading, writing, and listening. They will develop the ability to speak about themselves, their lives, and their environment; to initiate and sustain conversations on daily-life topics with educated native speakers; to read simple, authentic texts on familiar topics; to write formal notes and sentences on subjects connected to daily life; to comprehend and produce accurately the basic sentence structures of Arabic; and to understand aspects of Arab culture connected to everyday life, including culturally significant idioms used among friends and acquaintances and important expressions for polite interaction with speakers of Arabic. NO PREREQUISITES. Offered in Fall. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• ARAB 150 - Islam: Texts and Contexts

  Did you know that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and is expected to be the world’s largest religion soon? Did you know that approximately 1/3 of enslaved Africans in what came to be the United States came from predominantly Islamic parts of West Africa? Did you know that “Islam,” usually translated as “peace” and “submission,” more correctly means “commitment”? This course introduces students to religious currents in the Islamic world, past and present. We will begin by looking at the origins of Islam, and placing the chief features of its principles, practices, and beliefs in their historical context. In an attempt to explore the enduring ties that bind the myriad interpretations of Islam across time and space to their universal foundations, each week will be devoted to a different theme. Topics include the origins of Islam; the life of the Prophet Muḥammad; major themes of the Quran; Tradition (Ḥadīth) in the making; the Imamate in Shīʿī Islam; Sufism and the aesthetics of Islamic mysticism; Islamic messianism; the Islamic world in the 19th century; Islam in America: From Enslaved Africans to Malcolm X and Dave Chappelle; and Islam in Binghamton. This course has no prerequisites, and no prior knowledge of Islam or Arabic is required or will be assumed by the instructor. Offered every two years in spring. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• ARAB 180B - Topics in Arabic

  Various specific topics. Examples of the options include, but are not limited to, Arabic Literature, Arabic Literature in Translation, Arab culture and civilization. Levels: Undergraduate

After You Graduate

Students majoring in Arabic studies increasingly find themselves in demand for careers in business, foreign service, academics, defense, intelligence and national security. The major pairs well with the study of history, business, banking, economics, philosophy, pre-law, medicine, art history, comparative literature, political science, anthropology, Africana studies and Judaic studies. This major is excellent preparation for a PhD program.

Career possibilities are vast and include: 

• diplomat
• editor
• grant writer
• lawyer
• legislative aide
• librarian
• public administrator
• security/law-enforcement specialist
• teacher
• technical writer
• university/college professor 

For more information, visit the Arabic Studies website.