Honors in Arabic Studies

Honors in Arabic Studies

Candidates for Honors in Arabic Studies must fulfill all requirements for the course major or minor and demonstrate the linguistic proficiency necessary for advanced work in the field. Admission to the Honors Program normally requires a B average in coursework both within the department and across the College.

Students are strongly encouraged to spend at least one semester studying in an Arabic-speaking country; advanced summer study is also recommended.

Honors Major

Honors majors in Arabic Studies participate in the external examination process required of all Swarthmore Honors students. This includes:

  • Written Examinations: Three three-hour examinations, one for each honors preparation.
  • Oral Examination: A series of three oral examinations (30–45 minutes each). Each session focuses specifically on the content of one of the three-hour written preparations.

Honors Preparations

Honors majors complete three preparations. Because Arabic Studies offers one-credit courses, each preparation is typically constructed by combining two related courses.

Preparations are designed in consultation with the Arabic Section Head to ensure coherence and appropriate scope. They may include:

  • Arabic-language preparation: Two advanced courses taught in Arabic.
  • Hybrid preparation: One course taught in Arabic combined with one course taught in English (typically in Arabic literature in translation or on cultural topics). 

At least two preparations must include substantial coursework in Arabic. The third may be completed through courses taught in English.

Advanced courses suitable for honors preparations typically include: ARAB 021, ARAB 022, ARAB 023, ARAB 030, ARAB 041, and ARAB 048.
When appropriate, honors preparations for both majors and minors may be constructed by combining two of these courses, in consultation with the Arabic Section Head.

Honors Minor

Honors minors fulfill the requirements for the course minor and complete:

  • External Examination: Participation in the Honors examination process.
  • Written Examination: One three-hour examination based on the honors preparation.
  • Oral Examination: A 30- to 45-minute oral examination. 

Honors Preparation

Honors minors complete one preparation, typically consisting of two courses. At least one course must include substantial work in Arabic; the second may be taught in Arabic or in English (typically in translation or on cultural topics).

Advanced Arabic courses (ARAB 021, 022, 023, 030, 041, and 048) may be combined, where appropriate, to form a preparation. All preparations are designed in consultation with the Arabic Section Head to ensure a coherent and rigorous program of study.

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