Certificate in Arabic Studies

Arizona State University students admitted to a degree program in any field of study would be eligible for the Arabic Studies Certificate Program.

Overview

A certificate in Arabic studies provides students with skills that will enable and qualify them to communicate effectively in Arabic in the four areas of language acquisition: speaking, listening, reading and writing. In addition to these communicative skills, students will simultaneously gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the culture, literature and traditions of the vast Arabic-speaking world. The certificate provides critical educational and cultural diversity that will enrich ASU students’ undergraduate experience and prepare them for life as employees and employers. Graduate students in the liberal arts, social sciences and humanities seeking academic or professional careers in any of the three disciplines or thematic concentrations are also expected to be attracted to this certificate because of the added advantage the program gives them in the job market given the demonstrably high need for graduates with Arabic knowledge.

Requirements

ASU students admitted to a degree program in any field of study would be eligible for the Arabic Studies Certificate Program. In addition to the course work and examinations required in the major field of interest, students would be responsible for fulfilling the minimum requirement of 18 hours (in addition to the basic language requirement) to earn the Arabic studies certificate. These hours can be chosen in consultation with the certificate coordinator. A minimum grade of “C” (2.00) or better is required in each course.

Language

Students must demonstrate proficiency in the Arabic language at the intermediate level. The language requirement can be satisfied by completing the 201-202 sequence, one year of study abroad at the intermediate level or satisfactory placement on a proficiency examination.

Core Courses (18 credit hours)

Students must complete nine credit hours at or above the 300 level of core courses from the following:

ARB 311/ARB 411 Advanced Arabic Skills I and II
ARB 321/ARB 421 Arabic Conversation I and II
ARB 331 Arabic/Islamic Culture and Literature
ARB 341 Quran Text and Women
ARB 351 Classical Arabic Literature
HST 372 History of the Modern Middle East

Elective Courses

In addition to the above core courses, students are required to complete nine credit hours from an approved list of electives. Six hours of these must be from two different departments. The following is an example of electives offered:

ARB 394 Special Topics (subjects vary)
AFS 394 (subjects vary)
ARB 590/598 (topics vary)
GCU 328 Geography of the Middle East and North Africa
HST 307 Studies in African History
REL 365 Islamic Civilization
REL 366 Islam in the Modern World
REL 369 Women in Islam
REL 460 (topics vary)
REL/POS 494 Different Voices in Contemporary Islamic Discourse

Contacts

Dr. Souad T. Ali

Oraib Mango