Swarthmore College, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

ARABIC LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

First- through third-year Arabic language courses are offered each year. First-year Arabic has no prerequisites and is open to the entire student community with the exception of native speakers. These can be given placement tests and will be able to register in their respective level. Culture, film and literature in translation courses will also be offered each year and are open to all students. Students of Arabic are particularly urged to take these classes as well as other classes related to the Arab world in other Departments and Programs (Sociology and Anthropology, Religion, History, and Political Science) as a means of gaining perspective on classical and modern Arabic literature and culture.

Introductory and intermediate Arabic language courses are intensive and carry 1.5 credits per semester. Students should plan to take these courses as early as possible so that studying in the Arab World can be incorporated into their curriculum. Study abroad is particularly encouraged for students of Arabic; academic credit (full or partial) is generally approved for participation in the several programs of varying duration in different Arab countries and recommended by the Arabic section. These include but are not limited to universities and programs in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Syria, and Yemen.

Special Major and Minor in Arabic Language and Literature

Students may do a special major or minor in Arabic Language and Literature in both the course and honors programs. The Arabic Language and Literature special major contains components of language, literature, and culture. Study abroad is strongly encouraged and supported and contributes directly to a major or minor in Arabic Language and Literature. Students of Arabic also may choose the projected course minor in Islamic and Arabic studeies or a major in Asian studies (see under Asian studies), where Arabic language courses above the first-year level as well as Arabic literature and culture courses and credit for study abroad normally may be counted toward the major.

Students interested in a special major or minor in Arabic should consult with the section head of Arabic as soon as possible.

Special Major in Interdisciplinary Arabic Language and Literature

1. A minimum of 10 credits in courses numbered 003B and above.

1. Mandatory completion of courses to be determined by the section based on present and anticipated offerings; at least one course or seminar on modern Arab culture/film/literature in translation and at least one course or seminar on Classical Arab culture/literature in translation.

2. At least one and up to three credits should be taken from other Departments and Programs (Sociology and Anthropology, Religion, History, Political Science, Comparative Literature, and Women’s Studies) on subjects related to Arabic and the Arab World with the approval of the Arabic section.

3. Study abroad in a program approved by the section is strongly recommended; transferred credits normally may be counted toward the major.

4. Minimum of 6 credits of work must be completed at Swarthmore.

5. A culminating exercise or thesis.

Course Minor in Arabic Language and Literature

A minimum of 5 credits of work in courses numbered 004B and above.
At least two courses in classical or modern literature/culture/film.
A minimum of 3 credits of work must be completed at Swarthmore.
Study abroad in a program approved by the section is strongly recommended; transferred credits normally may be counted toward the minor.

Honors Major in Arabic Language and Literature

Requirements for the honors major in Arabic essentially are the same as those for the special major, excepting the culminating exercise. An honors major in Arabic will consist of examinations in Arabic language, literature, and culture. Work done abroad may be incorporated where appropriate. Honors preparations in Arabic consist of 2-credit seminars, designated pairs of courses (or 1-credit attachments to designated 1-credit courses), or a 2-credit thesis. Senior honors study is mandatory and normally is done in the spring semester of the senior year. Work is arranged on an individual basis, and candidates may receive up to 1 credit for completion of the work. Honors examinations normally will consist of three 3-hour written examinations and a 30-minute oral for each examination.

Honors students of Arabic may also consider an honors major in Asian Studies (see under Asian Studies).

Honors Minor in Arabic Language and Literature

It is possible to prepare for an honors minor in Arabic Language and Litearture. Requirements for the honors minor in Arabic Language and Literature are essentially the same as those for the course minor. The honors preparation will consist of a 2-credit seminar or a designated pair of courses (or a 1-credit attachment to a designated 1-credit course). Senior honors study is mandatory and normally is done in the spring semester of the senior year; work is arranged on an individual basis, and candidates will have the option of receiving 0.5 credit for completion of the work. The honors examination normally will consist of one 3-hour written examination and a 30-minute oral examination.

Students of Arabic may also consider an honors minor in Islamic and Arabic studies (see under Islamic and Arabic Studies) or an honors minor in Asian studies (see under Asian studies).

Arabic Courses

ARAB 001B-002B. Intensive Modern Standard Arabic

Students who start in the 001B-002B sequence must complete 002B to receive credit for 001B.

1.5 credits.

ARAB 001B.

Fall 2007. Staff.

ARAB 002B.

Spring 2008. Staff.

ARAB 003B-004B. Second-Year Modern Standard Arabic

1.5 credits.

ARAB 003B.

Fall 2007. Staff.

ARAB 004B.

Spring 2008. Staff.

ARAB 011. Third-Year Arabic

ARAB 012. Advanced Arabic

Fall 2007. Staff.

Spring 2008. Staff.

The Arabic section is planning to offer the following courses for the 2007/8 academic year:

Arabic Section