Arabic Studies (BA)

Program Overview

A BA in Arabic studies is offered through the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies (CNES). 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

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 - Elementary Arabic I

  Begins the process of training the student to read, and respond orally to, simple Modern Standard Arabic, the form of Arabic taught in the Arabic-speaking world from Morocco to the Arab Gulf, and the language of polite conversation, formal speeches, lectures and media broadcasts, and the press (including newspapers, short stories and novels). Writing in Arabic is also taught and drilled, but primarily to the extent that it allows students to reinforce reading and speaking Arabic. Through the memorization of "basic texts" and drilling on sounds, structures and vocabulary, the student develops the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that provide the proper foundation for continuing a more extensive study of Standard Arabic. Also invaluable for the study of spoken dialectal Arabic (e.g., Egyptian). For majors and non-majors. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• ARAB 203 - Intermediate Arabic I

  A continuation of ARAB 101 and 102, building on them with respect to grammar, vocabulary, nature of materials to be read and format of textbook. Develops the ability to read and comprehend higher levels of Modern Standard Arabic in a variety of fields and genres, and to understand Modern Standard Arabic as it is spoken on the radio and on formal or polite occasions. Also stressed is the ability to converse and discuss and to write simple but correct, serviceable prose. For majors and non-majors. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• ARAB 305 - Advanced Standard Arabic I

  The sequel to 203-204, this course prepares students for reaching advanced proficiency. Reading and listening texts, video materials, and speaking, listening, and writing exercises for each lesson. Emphasis on consolidating vocabulary and grammar and building an active knowledge of words, expressions, and structures appropriate for an advanced level of Arabic. Levels: Undergraduate

• ARAB 310 - Egyptian Colloquial Arabic

  This course is an introduction to the vernacular of Arabic used in Egypt, for students who have completed at least three semesters of training in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA) is not only the native language of over 92 million people, it is also the most widely understood spoken variety of Arabic, due in large measure to Egypt’s geographic location, its social and political influence, and the proliferation and popularity of Egyptian cinema, music and literature throughout the Arab world since the early part of the twentieth century. Students will acquire basic conversational skills in the Cairene dialect of ECA, with an eye to future travel to Egypt. By the end of the course, students will be able to greet others and initiate conversations; introduce and speak about themselves, their lives, their daily routines and their environments in general terms; express their likes and dislikes and their plans for the future; and understand aspects of Egyptian culture connected to daily life, including culturally significant idioms, adjectives and proverbs used among friends and acquaintances. Significant attention will be directed to highlighting and exploring phonological, morphological, syntactic and semantic differences and similarities between MSA and ECA. Prerequisite: successful completion of ARAB 101, 102 and 203, or the equivalent level of proficiency as determined in advance by the instructor. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• ARAB 281A - 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

• ARAB 380G - Studies In Arabic Literature

  Various specific topics. Examples of the options include, but are not limited to, Arabic Literature, Arabic Literature in Translation, Advanced Standard Arabic III and IV, Arabic Grammar Review, Introduction to Islamic Thought, Introduction to Qur�an and Hadith, and Koranic Arabic. Levels: Undergraduate

• ARAB 381I - Topics In Arabic

  Various specific topics. Examples of the options include, but are not limited to, Arabic Literature, Arabic Literature in Translation, Advanced Standard Arabic III and IV, Arabic Grammar Review, Introduction to Islamic Thought, Introduction to Qur'an and Hadith, and Koranic Arabic. 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.