Arabic Studies (ARBC)

From a global perspective, the study of the Arabic language has become increasingly important and Arabic speakers are in great demand in certain careers. Approximately 300 million people speak Arabic, making it one of the world's most widely spoken languages. It is the official language of 25 countries, as well as one of the official languages of the United Nations. Moreover, being the sacred language of the Qur'an, Arabic honors a rich and ancient heritage that is culturally vibrant today.

Since 2006, the Arabic studies program at Bucknell University has been targeting the acquisition of the Arabic language and promoting familiarity with the world's Arab cultures, literatures and histories. Language courses offered at Bucknell consist of beginning and intermediate Arabic courses in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Spoken Arabic, particularly the Levantine dialect. The growth of the Arabic studies program prompted the College of Arts & Sciences and the Department of Languages, Cultures & Linguistics to approve a minor in Arabic studies in 2013.

Arabic & Arab World Studies

The structure of the Arabic & Arab world studies major consists of three components of knowledge: language skills, cultural and interdisciplinary knowledge, and a culminating experience. The Arabic & Arab world studies major comprises nine courses, including a culminating experience: five language courses beyond ARBC 101, and three interdisciplinary courses offered by the Arabic studies program or other disciplines, such as international relations, political science, religion, philosophy, history or art and history. In addition, students majoring in Arabic & Arab world studies are required to complete a 300-level seminar in Arabic language or a ARBC 300-level independent study project. This requirement will fulfill the College of Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum (CASCC) culminating experience.

Students placed in ARBC 103 due to prior Arabic exposure are expected to complete a minimum of four Arabic language courses beyond the placement, three interdisciplinary courses offered by the Arabic studies program or other disciplines, one additional Arabic language or interdisciplinary course, and a 300-level Arabic language seminar or independent study project. In total, the Arabic & Arab world studies major includes nine courses. 

A typical major in Arabic & Arab world studies would look like the following: 

Language Proficiency

ARBC 102Beginning Arabic II1
or ARBC 101A Intensive Beginning Arabic
ARBC 103Intermediate Arabic I ( prerequisite: ARBC 102 or equivalent)1
ARBC 104Intermediate Arabic II (prerequisite: ARBC 103 or equivalent)1
ARBC 217Advanced Arabic I1
ARBC 218Advanced Arabic II1
ARBC 301Advanced Topics in Arabic1

Cultural & Interdisciplinary Courses: choose three (one credit each), no more than two courses from one department; and only one of the three courses may be a 100-level course.

ARBC 110Reading in Arabic1
ARBC 120Everyday Shami Arabic1
ARBC 121Arabic Conversation in Shami I.5
ARBC 122Arabic Conversation in Shami II.5
ARBC 150Topics in Arabic Studies1
ARBC 203Unveiling the Hijab's Culture1
ARBC 220Transformations of Identities: The Arab Minority in Israel1
ARBC 221A Window into Middle Eastern Culture in Amman1
ARBC 250Topics in Arabic Studies1
ARBC 260Cinema in The Arab World 1
ARBC 261Media, Power, and the Middle East1
ARBC 301Advanced Topics in Arabic (prerequisite: Advance II or equivalent; can be offered as an independent study as needed).5-1
ARBC 380Independent Study in Arabic.5-1
ARTH 275Art and Architecture of the Islamic World1
CLAS 244Magic and Mystery of the Ancient Mediterranean World1
HIST 100Thinking about History (topic: ComicBook Histories Middle East)1
HIST 255Under Siege: The Modern Middle East 1914-20141
HIST 285The Middle East in Global Perspective1
HIST 290Europe Imperialism and Colonialism1
HIST 330European History1
HUMN 260Introduction to Translation Studies1
IREL 229Middle East Conflict and Revolution1
PHIL 267Arabic Philosophy1
POLS 224Government and Politics of the Middle East1
POLS 287U.S. Foreign Policy and the Middle East1
POLS 289The Arab-Israeli Conflict1
POLS 290Topics in Politics 11
RELI 100Introduction to Religion 11
RELI 201Islam1
RELI 234Issues of Religion and Culture (This course will be listed as an elective course only if offered under the title "RELI 234-02: Drinking Coffee, Tasting God: The Mystical Path of Islam")1
1

This course will count as an elective course only if the majority of the course material focuses on Middle Eastern/Arab World topics.

Culminating Experience

1. Complete a seminar at the ARBC 300 level (one credit):
This seminar will focus on one of the following fields: Arabic literature, culture or linguistics. At the end of this seminar, students should submit a critical research paper with a summary in Arabic. The research paper will be presented as an oral presentation at a symposium organized by the Arabic studies program on campus.

Or

2. Complete an ARBC 300-level independent study project successfully during senior year:
The project should result in a research paper combined with a summary of the project in Arabic as well as an oral presentation at a symposium organized by the Arabic studies program on campus. With the permission of the Arabic studies adviser during the second semester of junior year, students who are majoring in Arabic & Arab world studies may pursue an honors thesis in Arabic studies.  

Satisfying the College of Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum (CASCC) Disciplinary Depth Goals 

The fulfillment of the CASCC disciplinary depth goals for a bachelor in Arabic & Arab world studies is as follows:

  1. Writing within the major ARBC 200-level courses, ARBC 300-level courses, independent study project in senior year, and all W2 courses listed in the cultural and interdisciplinary courses;
  2. Information literacy in ARBC 200-level courses, ARBC 300-level courses, and independent study project in senior year;
  3. Formal presentation as part of the culminating experience.   

Arabic Studies - Study Abroad

The Arabic studies program at Bucknell does not yet have its own study abroad program. The Arabic studies program welcomes participants in other study abroad programs in any Arabic-speaking countries; no more than two of the study abroad courses may count toward fulfilling the Arabic & Arab world studies major requirements at Bucknell. Language courses and/or courses in Arabic literature, Arabic culture, Middle Eastern history, and the politics of the Middle East may be credited toward the major requirements. Study abroad courses toward the major must receive course approval from the director of the Arabic studies program before starting the study abroad program.

 
 
 

The Arabic studies minor consists of five courses. Students must complete the sequence of the core language courses through ARBC 104, plus additional coursework to reach a total of five credits toward the minor. The additional coursework may be taken in Arabic studies or other disciplines, such as international relations, political science, religion, philosophy, art and history. Moreover, the minor can be satisfied with four courses when ARBC 101A is completed. Students placed in ARBC 102 or ARBC 103 due to prior Arabic exposure yet lack official credentials at the college level will need to enroll in additional courses to reach a total of five courses. These courses may be in Arabic language or/and interdisciplinary and cultural courses in Arab World studies, politics and history of the Middle East and Islamic studies. Three to four core courses:

ARBC 101
ARBC 102
Beginning Arabic I
and Beginning Arabic II
1-2
or ARBC 101A Intensive Beginning Arabic
ARBC 103Intermediate Arabic I1
ARBC 104Intermediate Arabic II1

One Elective course1:

ARBC 110Reading in Arabic1
ARBC 120Everyday Shami Arabic1
ARBC 121Arabic Conversation in Shami I.5
ARBC 122Arabic Conversation in Shami II.5
ARBC 203Unveiling the Hijab's Culture1
ARBC 221A Window into Middle Eastern Culture in Amman1
ARBC 250Topics in Arabic Studies1
ARBC 301Advanced Topics in Arabic.5-1
ARTH 275Art and Architecture of the Islamic World1
HIST 100Thinking about History (The Question of Palestine)1
HIST 290Europe Imperialism and Colonialism1
HIST 399Non-western History (U.S. in the Middle East since 1945)1
IREL 229Middle East Conflict and Revolution1
PHIL 267Arabic Philosophy1
POLS 224Government and Politics of the Middle East1
POLS 266Nationalism1
POLS 287U.S. Foreign Policy and the Middle East1
POLS 289The Arab-Israeli Conflict1
RELI 201Islam1
1

 Two half-credit courses are considered as one course toward fulfilling the minor requirements.

Arabic minors are strongly encouraged to participate in approved study abroad programs in any Arabic-speaking country. No more than two of the study abroad courses may count toward fulfilling the Arabic minor requirements. Arabic minors who opt to apply for an Arabic study abroad program must receive course approval from the director of the Arabic studies program before starting the program.  

Students interested in the minor should consult the director of the Arabic studies program for the appropriate sequencing of courses.

The goal of the Arabic minor is to equip Bucknell students with definable linguistic proficiency in four skills: speaking, writing, listening and reading, which are in line with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language’s (ACTFL) Standards for the Arabic language. The minor also aims to familiarize Bucknell students with the various cultural aspects of Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Students with an Arabic minor will attain at least the intermediate level of proficiency in Arabic, which will furnish them with a solid foundation in their pursuit of academic and professional careers for which this is a prerequisite.

Students minoring in Arabic Studies will be able to:

  1. Achieve at least intermediate-mid level of proficiency according to ACTFL standards and guidelines. (2, 4, 7, 8, 9)
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in both Standard and Spoken Arabic by their ability to engage with native speakers of Arabic. An Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) test will be conducted at the end of each academic year. (1, 3, 6, 7)
  3. Understand customs, perspectives and gestures commonly found in various Middle Eastern cultures and compare them to their own. (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
  4. Implement their linguistic skills as well as their knowledge of the Arab culture outside the classroom setting. (2, 3, 9)
  5. Apply knowledge of other disciplines in the course of their Arabic  Studies minor, promoting exchanges of knowledge that enhance interdisciplinary education. (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Numbers in parentheses reflect related Educational Goals of Bucknell University.

Courses

ARBC 101. Beginning Arabic I. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3,Recitation:1
Beginning language skills. Practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Elementary grammar. Introduction to Arabic culture.

ARBC 101A. Intensive Beginning Arabic. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:4,Recitation:1
Intensive practice in beginning speaking, listening, reading, writing, and elementary Arabic grammar. Introduction to everyday Arabic culture. Successful completion meets the prerequisites for ARBC 103. Students who completed ARBC101A can not enroll in ARBC101 and ARBC102.

ARBC 102. Beginning Arabic II. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3,Recitation:1
Continuation of Arabic language skills. Practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: ARBC 101 or equivalent.

ARBC 103. Intermediate Arabic I. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3,Recitation:1
A continuation and review of basic grammar, emphasizing all four language skills and culture. Prerequisite: ARBC 101A or ARBC 102 or equivalent.

ARBC 104. Intermediate Arabic II. 1 Credit.

Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Recitation:1
Review of basic grammar with an emphasis on all four language skills and culture. Prerequisite: ARBC 103 or equivalent.

ARBC 105. Intensive Intermediate I. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:4,Recitation:1
Continuation of Arabic language skills. Practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Prerequisite: ARBC 101 or equivalent.

ARBC 110. Reading in Arabic. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
The course aims to develop reading competence in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), meaning this course is not designed to integrate the four-skill approach. The goal of the course is to reach proficiency of intermediate level in authentic MSA reading materials. Completing ARBC 101 is a prerequisite for this course.

ARBC 120. Everyday Shami Arabic. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course will introduce students to intermediate everyday Arabic, specifically Palestinian dialect and cultures. This full-credit course is equal to the two half-credit ARBC 121 and ARBC 122 courses. Prerequisite: ARBC 102.

ARBC 121. Arabic Conversation in Shami I. .5 Credits.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:2
Concentration on development of speaking skills. Conducted entirely in Arabic. Prerequisite: ARBC 102. It is not open to students who have taken ARBC 120.

ARBC 122. Arabic Conversation in Shami II. .5 Credits.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:2
Concentration on development of speaking skills. Conducted entirely in Arabic. Prerequisite: ARBC 121. It is not open to students who have taken ARBC 120.

ARBC 150. Topics in Arabic Studies. 1 Credit.

Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
Study of topics in Arabic language, cultures, and societies.

ARBC 203. Unveiling the Hijab's Culture. 1 Credit.

Offered Alternate Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Taught in English, this is an introductory cultural course to various aspects of the Muslim and Arab world to get a deep look at the Middle Eastern culture and customs.

ARBC 206. Arabic Translation in the Age of AI. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course aims to familiarize students with Arabic language translation techniques and provide them with the necessary skills for translation between Arabic and English. The course's emphasis lies in exploring where and how traditional translation methods fit in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other computation tools.

ARBC 217. Advanced Arabic I. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Designed to equip students with advanced intermediate competence in Modern Standard Arabic and spoken Arabic, targeting the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Prerequisite: ARBC 104 or by permission of the program director.

ARBC 218. Advanced Arabic II. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Designed to equip students with advanced competence in Modern Standard Arabic and spoken Arabic, targeting the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Prerequisite: ARBC 217 or ARBC 250 or by permission of the program director.

ARBC 220. Transformations of Identities: The Arab Minority in Israel. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
The course aims to explore the evolving social and cultural changes in the Arab minority in Israel, and seeks to develop an understanding of the ongoing effects of globalization on a non- Western society.

ARBC 221. A Window into Middle Eastern Culture in Amman. 1 Credit.

Offered Summer Session Only; Lecture hours:3
This course aims to explore Jordan’s cultures and will consist of four components: twice-weekly class discussions, four lectures by local guest speakers, two community service opportunities and field trips. The course will cover interdisciplinary materials, such as History, Religious Studies, Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, Politics, Refugees Studies and Sustainability.

ARBC 250. Topics in Arabic Studies. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
Study of topics in Arabic language, cultures and societies. Prerequisite: ARBC 104 or equivalent.

ARBC 251. Advanced Independent Study in Arabic. 1 Credit.

Offered Fall, Spring or Summer; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:3; Repeatable
This course is designed to build Advanced proficiency in Arabic.

ARBC 260. Cinema in The Arab World. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course will survey various aspects of cinema in the Arab world from different periods in history and will consider how cinema is used to explore topics such as gender and sexuality, national identity, political conflicts, immigration and refugees, religious influence and censorship.

ARBC 261. Media, Power, and the Middle East. 1 Credit.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course seeks to critically analyze the discourse of the U.S. mass media and public policy decision-making toward Arabs and Muslims. The course aims to furnish students with knowledge about power, media, and discourse to build better global awareness of minorities and their human rights.

ARBC 301. Advanced Topics in Arabic. .5-1 Credits.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:Varies; Repeatable
Advanced Arabic independent study under the direction and supervision of an instructor. Topics to be selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: ARBC 218 with a minimum grade of D and permission of the instructor.

ARBC 380. Independent Study in Arabic. .5-1 Credits.

Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:Varies; Repeatable
Subject to be selected by student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: ARBC 218 and permission of the instructor.

Faculty

Associate Professor: Martin Isleem (Director)

Visiting Assistant Professor: Dena Isleem