Department of Arabic Studies School of Humanities and Social Science
Professors Emeriti: H. Sakkout, E. Sartain Professors: N. Hanna, B. O'Kane, M. El Rabie, G. Scanlon, M. Serag, A. Shiha Associate Professors: E. Fernandes (Chair), H. Lutfi, S. Mehrez (Sabbatical) Assistant Professors: J. Lumbard, R. Mckinney, M. Badrawi
Master of Arts
The student may choose one of the following areas of specialization:
Courses The student must take a minimum of eight courses in his/her area of specialization.
These must include:
- For Arabic Language and Literature specialization: either ARBS 504 or ARBS 507 or ARBS 508
- For Islamic Art and Architecture specialization: either ARBS 572 or ARBS 573
- For Middle Eastern History specialization: either ARBS 530 or ARBS 542 or ARBS 543
A maximum of two 400-level courses may be taken as part of the M.A. program.
300 and 400 level courses may be taken at the 500 level in which case extra readings and research will be required of the graduate student. See below ARBS 510-511, ARBS 512-513, ARBS 521-522, ARBS 560-561, ARBS 575-576.
Subject to departmental approval, up to two courses may be taken outside the area of specialization.
Courses on 19th - 20th century Middle Eastern history are taught by the Department of History.
Language
To be eligible for the master of arts degree in Arabic Studies the student must reach an acceptable level of proficiency in advanced literary Arabic as established by examinations. The student whose degree concentration is Arabic language and literature is expected to go beyond this minimum requirement. The student whose degree concentration is Islamic Art & Architecture is expected to attain the equivalence of ALNG 201 by test. To be eligible for the degree of master of arts in Arabic studies, the student must also demonstrate through examination a reading knowledge of at least one major language other than English, preferably French or German. If the student's research can be performed successfully without knowledge of a third language, the department may exempt the student from this requirement.
Thesis
A thesis is required in all three branches of the master of arts in Arabic studies. The thesis must be written in English and submitted in accordance with university regulations.
Graduate Diploma in Islamic Studies
This diploma is intended to provide basic knowledge of Islam and Islamic institutions and thought, particularly for students who have not specialized in Islamic studies at undergraduate level. Full-time students are expected to finish the program in two semesters. Extra time must be allowed for prerequisite courses and Arabic language courses if required.
Admission
The applicant must satisfy the university's general requirements for graduate admission. For details, refer to the "Admissions" section of the catalog. Prerequisite courses may be assigned, depending on the applicant's academic background.
Language
To qualify for the diploma, each candidate must demonstrate proficiency in classical Arabic at the intermediate level (ALNG 202 or its equivalent). It is preferable that the student reach the required level of Arabic proficiency before the beginning of the course work.
Courses
A minimum of six courses are required for the diploma.
All students must take the following: |