The Major and Certificate
The Arabic Studies program is anchored in a comparative, interdisciplinary, trans-historical and global approach to Arabic language, literature and cultures. We want you to achieve high levels of language fluency while developing tools to think about and engage critically with the Arabic-speaking world. You’ll also gain experience in rigorous research practices, critical thinking, and ethical engagement with Arabic language and cultures beyond the headlines.
Why Study Arabic?
Arabic and Middle Eastern studies is a vibrant and growing discipline in the U.S. and around the world, covering a wide array of literatures, societies, cultures, states and economies. The Arabic Studies major at Williams opens pathways in academia, international relations, finance, government and law, among other fields. Our majors graduate with highly marketable skills, including strong language competence, rigorous analytical abilities and knowledge of a vital region in today’s political landscape.
Major Requirements
The Arabic Studies major provides a foundation in the Arabic language and the opportunity for interdisciplinary study of the Arab, Islamic and Middle Eastern arenas. To major in Arabic Studies, you must complete 10 courses, including the six required language courses below. You must also take at least one 400-level course, in addition to three other courses on Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies in Arabic Studies or affiliated units. At least one of these courses should be from the arenas of language and the arts, and at least one from politics, religion, economics, and history.
Featured Courses
Given the fact that Islamophobia is a global issue, this course focuses on the socio-geopolitical global dynamics of Islamophobia by examining the historical roots of Islamophobia on a global scale and its manifestation in current events in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America.
This survey course addresses the main economic, religious, political and cultural trends in the modern Middle East. Topics to be covered include the cultural diversity of the Middle East, relations with Great Powers, the impact of imperialism, the challenge of modernity, the creation of nation states and nationalist ideologies, the discovery of oil, radical religious groups, and war and peace.
From fear of the Shari’a to its implementation in so called “Islamic countries,” Islamic law is perhaps best associated with draconian punishments and the oppression of women. Islamic law is ever present in our public discourse today and yet little is known about it. This course is designed to give students a foundation in the substantive teachings of Islamic law.
Certificate Requirements
The Certificate in Arabic shows that you have acquired a working foundation in the Arabic language and have been exposed to important aspects of Arabic speakers’ cultures. The sequence of seven language and culture courses is designed to supplement your major by expanding your knowledge in a related field. In addition to the six core language courses below, you must take at least one elective focused on Arabic literature, arts, culture, history, religion, politics, economics or other related areas.
Required Courses
Students in both the major and certificate program are required to take the following core language courses:
- ARAB 101 Elementary Arabic
- ARAB 102 Elementary Arabic
- ARAB 201 Intermediate Arabic I
- ARAB 202 Intermediate Arabic II
- ARAB 301 Advanced Arabic I
- ARAB 302 Advanced Arabic II
Up to four courses from approved semester or year-long study away programs may be counted toward the major or certificate. You may also be granted one credit for intensive summer language study at department-approved programs.
Learning Objectives
Arabic Studies at Williams is a comprehensive program offering coursework in formal and spoken Arabic at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of proficiency. Our language courses aim to build a strong foundation of language proficiency and cultural understanding, and encourage exploration in a range of different fields, including literature, linguistics, art, history, religion and anthropology.
Our proficiency-based curriculum aims to develop learners’ competence toward Advanced proficiency and beyond (based on the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). Our faculty uses a communicative competence approach with strong emphasis on interactivity.
The core Arabic language curriculum consists of three years (six semesters) of language-centered, skill-based coursework that simultaneously incorporates content on various aspects of Arab cultures; intercultural competence is an essential objective of the program. Our fourth- year curriculum focuses on topics such as cinema and current events. It provides further exploration of Arab thought and aims at advancing Arabic proficiency and cultural knowledge in order to engage effectively with social and political issues in the Arabic-speaking world.
The core language curriculum uses the Al-Kitaab textbook series, which offers instruction in formal and colloquial Arabic at all levels. We incorporate authentic materials and resources at all levels of proficiency in order to equip students to use Arabic in a wide variety of real-life situations. In so doing, we embrace a dynamic view of Arabic, reflecting authentic communication with and among speakers of Arabic across various contexts and geographical areas in the Arabic-speaking world.
Our students are expected to reach Intermediate Low to Mid proficiency by the end of the first year, Intermediate Mid to High by the end of the second, and Advanced proficiency by the end of the third year.