This language is spoken by over 300 million people. It is a primary language of Islam, the faith of over a billion people. It has given us the English words: algebra, orange, candy, jasmine, coffee and zero (among others).

There are many reasons to study this fascinating and challenging language. Studying Arabic will expose you to a rich cultural heritage and give you a better understanding of this culture, and your own. The study of Arabic will also prepare you to take your place in the world. Arabic- speakers are in high demand internationally, in fields like journalism, business, finance, translation, consulting and more.

New class offered(Winter 2010)

ARBC 2100/ HIST 2500/ RELS 2052: A Cultural Introduction to the Arab World 

Main topics covered in this course include:

1)the guide marks of Arabic history, the emergence of a civilization “of the Word”. 

2)Islamic textuality including the Arabic language, the Koran, the Tradition of the Prophet Mohammad, and the sciences related to the Islamic Law.

3) the Arabic legacy in in cultural and academic field such as the sciences, philosophy, literature, architecture, calligraphy, decoration.

4) multi-cultural al-Andalus and the ideal of ‘convivencia’.

5) present nostalgia for the past

6) tradition, modernity and effects of ‘Globalization’ in the contemporary Arabic “high culture” and “pop culture”  as seen in literature, music, arts, cinema, life style, education system, and the media.

Some lectures will be accompanied by audio visual presentations including documentary films. The class will be offered in English and does not require previous knowledge of the Arabic language.

Read more about classes offered in Arabic language and culture..