Arabic Language and Literature


Arabic
Arabic at W&L adopts a communicative approach to language learning, training students in Modern Standard Arabic and the Levantine vernacular simultaneously. In this globalized century, proficient students can pursue careers in diplomacy, education, business, law, interpretation/translation, journalism, intelligence and more.
Arabic at W&L is housed in the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) Studies Program. Students may focus on Arabic language if they minor in Middle East and South Asia Studies with Language Emphasis (MESAL).
In addition to first-, second- and third-year Arabic, courses include Special Topics in Arabic Culture and Literature, as well as Directed Individual Study.
“Arabic at W&L has always challenged me but has kept me engaged every step of the way through diverse ways of learning and relevant content.”
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Arabic
First-year Arabic is an introductory course in written and spoken Arabic, focusing on basic grammar and speaking. Aspects of Arab culture are introduced. Second-year Arabic builds on grammar and vocabulary knowledge and emphasizes speaking and writing, as well as listening comprehension and reading. Students are introduced to popular Arab culture. Third-year Arabic expands on grammar concepts and vocabulary knowledge with practical applications of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Social and political aspects of Arab culture are introduced.
Media Arabic
A language-focused course that provides students with vocabulary and discourse structures common in today's Arabic media coverage. Weekly topics are culled from various news outlets (e.g., Al-Jazeera, AJ-Arabiyya, BBC Arabic, YouTube, AJ-Ahram, An-Nahar, AI-Dustour) which serve to familiarize students with a broad range of current sociopolitical, economic and cultural issues.
Special Topics in Arab Lit & Culture
An advanced seminar on a particular author, period or genre. Topics may include Arab Short Stories, Classical Arabic Poetry, Travelogues in Arabic Literature, Arabic Pop Culture and Music, and Arabic Media. The subject changes annually. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Arab World Through Film
The geopolitical importance of the Arab world and the legacy of Orientalism reduce “the Arab” and the region to stereotypes and misrepresentations. In order to challenge these depictions, this course asks: “How does Arab cinema represent contemporary Arab society?” The course introduces the student to the vibrant and dynamic cultures of the Arab world through the medium of film. We will analyze, uphold, and challenge issues of social and cultural significance in the region. We will examine portrayals of “the Arab” and “the Middle East” in the American cinema, study the history of Arab cinema, and explore the techniques that Arab filmmakers employ to represent their social, political, and religious world.
Arabic Dialects
Taught in Arabic, this course serve as an introduction to three Arabic dialects, in particular those used in Morocco, Egypt, and the Emirates. Students learn the sounds, key vocabulary, and sentence structures particular to these dialects, and develop their listening comprehension abilities and communication skills. This practical course is designed to prepare students to engage in authentic interactions with Arabic speakers in North Africa and the Middle East.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.



More for Students

See the World
Study abroad at American University in Dubai (AUD) (Dubai, UAE); the American University of Beirut (AUB); the American University in Sharjah (AUS) (Sharjah, UAE); CET (Amman, Jordan); CIEE (Amman, Jordan); AALIM (Meknes, Morocco); AMIDEAST (Morocco, Jordan).
Gain Experience
Arabic students at W&L have worked in a variety of internships in politics, diplomacy, education, journalism, business, marketing, law or intelligence
Get Funding
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS): intensive study abroad, funded by the U.S. government • Summer Arabic Language and Media (SALAM) Scholarship: intensive study abroad, funded by the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (Omani government) • NSEP Boren: Government funded for less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests • William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship Program at AUD: funds study abroad in Dubai at the AUD
Be Involved
All Arabic students are invited to participate in movie nights, calligraphy lessons, cooking lessons, dance lessons, spoken word night, occasional guest speakers and the annual WLUArabic Lunch. Students may also work with the Association for Middle East Interests (AMEI), a campus student group dedicated to informing the student body and Rockbridge-area community about the Middle East.