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Arabic Studies
Bachelor of ArtsMajorYear: 2025
Arabic Studies
Contact information
Coordinator
Dr Abdul-Samad Abdullah
Email: abdulsa@unimelb.edu.au
Currently enrolled students:
Future students:
Overview
The undergraduate program in Arabic Studies offers an integrated way of studying Arabic language and aspects of Arab culture and society. Beyond studying the language itself, students also have the opportunity to acquire a significant amount of knowledge about the nature of living, seeing, acting and interacting in the 'Arab way'. With the development of students' language proficiency, there will be a growing emphasis on reflection on, as well as critical awareness and discussion of issues related to Arabic literature and the realms of history, Arab society and religion in the Arab World, as well as current economic, environmental and political issues in the Middle East and North Africa (the MENA region where the Arab countries are situated). In the last semester of study, the program offers a capstone subject designed to consolidate and extend the knowledge and skills acquired over the preceding phases of study in the Arabic Major. The capstone experience involves applying knowledge and skills acquired so far in planning, designing, executing, and presenting the outcomes of, an independent research project, fostering student autonomy and agency and providing collaborative teamwork experience.
Arabic language subjects are organised in a progressive sequence (of units) from Arabic 1 through to Arabic 7. Entry points are determined by the students' background in the language, placement testing, prerequisites, or at the discretion of the Arabic Studies program. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers (subject codes), subject to appropriate prior experience and approval from the Arabic Studies program.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this major, students should have:
- Developed an in-depth knowledge of the Arabic language and of Arab culture and society, relative to their entry level
- Developed effective written and oral communication skills in Arabic
- Developed a capacity to combine their knowledge of Arabic language and culture with other disciplines, and to work effectively across disciplines and cultures
- Applied their research and inquiry skills to critically examine, analyse and evaluate complex issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives, and the ability to apply knowledge, information, and research and reasoning skills creatively to a range of contexts
- Consolidated their knowledge of the social and cultural diversity of the Middle East and North Africa (the MENA region), and developed the skills to work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds
- Combined research and inquiry skills to critically examine global, regional and local issues in the MENA region
- Demonstrated the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities, and to work effectively both independently and in groups, as members or leaders of a team
- Developed high levels of self-awareness and personal and professional integrity, with skills in self-assessment as well as constructive criticism.
Last updated: 11 December 2024