Islamic Studies

at Vanderbilt University

Arabic Language

Many languages are spoken in the Islamic world, but Arabic is particularly important. The study of Arabic language is therefore essential to every student's training in Islamic Studies and Middle East Studies. This is a rather difficult language, and most students find they require three years of instruction before they are comfortable in the language.

Under the direction of Dr. Bushra Hamad (RLST), Vanderbilt University offers three levels of Arabic instruction, each supported by two semesters of class time, as well as the upper level reading seminars RLST 292 and RLST 293.

Students are encouraged to explore Summer programs within the US and abroad. These programs will normally offer additional instruction in other important languages, such as Persian, Turkish and Urdu. See "Study and Research Abroad" for more details. *Please remember that transfer credits for all language courses are not automatic. Professor Hamad will be happy to advise students considering such courses.

Courses Offered

The Vanderbilt Arabic program offers instruction in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), that is, the Arabic of newspapers, magazines, media broadcasts, etc., at all levels, and is proficiency-based. All four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) are developed, with special emphasis on speaking and reading. Sentence building and structure, as well as vocabulary retention are central to class activities. Knowledge of Arabic culture is an important component of all courses. All courses are to be taken on a grade basis. Audits are not allowed.

210a-210b Introductory Arabic Students will learn the Arabic script, basic grammar and vocabulary. By the end of the fall semester, students will be able to initiate and sustain conversation and read materials appropriate to a beginner's level. Five hours per week. Additional lab work required. (5-credit hrs). Hamad & staff. No P/F
220a-220b Intermediate Arabic This course builds widely on the base of vocabulary established in ARA 210a-ARA 210b. Arabic is used extensively in the classroom to teach more complex sentence structure and grammar, as well as introduce new vocabulary. Use of acquired vocabulary and its application to a variety of situations is highly encouraged. By the end of these two courses, students are fully prepared to read and understand authentic materials of average difficulty, as well as discuss and debate familiar topics. Three hours per week plus at least one hour of lab work. (4-credit hrs). Hamad. No P/F
230a-230b Advanced Arabic Course provides overview of Arabic in its formal manifestations. Of all four skills reading and speaking are emphasized, authentic materials are used, and grammar learned in proper context. Literary techniques and observations help students understand and analyze relevant materials. Prerequisite: 2 years of Arabic. (3-credit hrs) Hamad. No P/F
240 Media Arabic Listening to, discussing, simulating, and analyzing Arabic media materials. Coverage of current and historical events, such as TV broadcasts, headline news, documentaries, and public discussions on political, religious, and cultural issues. FALL [3] Hamad. (INT)
250 Arabic of the Qur'an and Other Classical Texts Syntactical and morphological features of Classical Arabic. Differences and similarities with Modern Standard Arabic in vocabulary usage, semantic extensions, and context; vocabulary borrowing. Texts drawn from the Qur'an, Hadith, and Sira (biographical) literature. Prerequisite: 240. SPRING. [4] Hamad. (INT)

RLST 292 Readings in Arabic Literature
RLST 293 Readings in Islamic Tradition

ARA 210a-210b will be offered in the regular school year, and in the Summer session.

NOTE: All courses must be taken in proper sequence. All upper-level registration is contingent upon the approval of Dr. Hamad.