While Arabic is an ancient language dating back to the First Century CE, it remains one of the most pervasive languages in use today, with an estimated 250 million native speakers worldwide. Some schools offer programs under this umbrella that focus on helping students develop a mastery of the language, while others distinguish themselves with curricula that immerse college kids in the culture and history of the Arab world. Arabic and related studies are a natural major for students interested in pursuing business or international relations after graduation.
Middlebury is serious about languages and its Arabic Department fits right in with the school spirit. For one, it partners with Middlebury’s Summer Arabic School, one of many eight-week, intensive summer language programs. This one is offered on Bennington’s campus, but students who return to Middlebury in the fall will be met with the same immersive atmosphere in the classroom. There is also an Arabic House where upper-level students are encouraged to live and take a pledge to communicate in the language while residing there. In addition, students can get involved with the department’s radio show, Saw Al Tulaab and are seriously urged to study abroad in Jordan. But what makes this department most unique, perhaps, is its implementation of a language table in which students can, not only converse with other students and faculty, but also be served by upper-level pupils who act as waiters.
Williams’ Arabic Studies major seeks to provide a foundation for students in Arabic so they can go on to explore other academic pursuits in Middle East studies and related topics. But the highlight of this program is probably all of its semester-abroad options, from Syria to Morocco, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt. Winter study options also include Morocco and Yemen. In addition to language, the department further offers courses in literature, history, and politics. Courses include Understanding 9/11 and the War in Iraq and Photography In/Of the Middle East, among many others.
Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut offers an Arabic Department with an interdisciplinary emphasis. While some schools focus on the language, this program not only pushes students to master “the sounds and script” of Arabic, but also to develop an understanding and analytical framework for Arabic literature, art, and culture. Course offerings include language (beginner through advanced), as well as classes like Introduction to Arab and Middle Eastern Cinema and Contemporary Arabic Novel.
Davidson’s Arab Studies Department emphasizes both language and culture. What sets it apart is that students will learn about and engage with various dialects. One unique aspect of this department is an annual art and calligraphy workshop offered to both college students and local elementary students. There is also an independent study in advanced Persian culture and language for those who have proficiency in Farsi. Research and study abroad are encouraged, with an option to spend a summer at the Qasid Institute in Amman, Jordan.
Middle Eastern Studies at Wellesley does not exclusively focus on Arabic studies. In fact, it includes other facets of the Middle East, from political conflict to Judaism, to Islamic architecture of antiquity, but there are also many offerings in Arabic language and a winter session in Morocco, among other related activities. The program has an Arabic Cluster where Arabic language students can live together, along with a Fulbright Foreign Language TA from An Arabic-speaking country. There’s also a weekly colloquial Arabic session, and classes that focus on Arab culture and history.
Smith’s Middle East Studies Program offers Arabic courses at all levels. Majors are required to take at least two years of an approved language. The program also offers classes in modern Arab history and culture, from The Arab Spring to one called Encounters with Unjust Authority: Political Fiction of the Arab World. There are multiple study abroad programs from those wishing to expand their knowledge of Arabic during their time at Smith: three in Jordan, two in Morocco, one in Egypt, and one in Lebanon, to name a few.
Wesleyan’s Arabic program is housed under its Middle Eastern Studies Department. Language courses don’t only focus on instruction in vocabulary and grammar, but also explore literature, media, and business. Wesleyan’s program is interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore classes in other majors to satisfy requirements. Study abroad programs include offerings in Morocco and Jordan. The Department also offers a language table.
Swarthmore’s Arabic program is housed under the Department of Modern Languages and Literature and is accessible to those who are just starting out. Students can take a minor or advocate for a special major in the subject. Coursework can also help fulfill an interdisciplinary major in Islamic Studies, among others. This program works in conjunction with Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford, allowing students to take Arabic at any of the three universities for credit. In addition to courses in language and literature, the program also hosts activities, such as film screenings, guest speakers, and a weekly language table.
Colgate’s Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program also offers courses in a broader Middle East context. Majors must take four semesters of a related language and Arabic is offered it all levels. This program is interdisciplinary. Five required core classes can come from a list of courses in Colgate’s Arts and Humanities, Religion, and Social Sciences Departments. There are also numerous study abroad opportunities in the region and in North Africa.
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