Major & Certificate

Major

Middle Eastern Studies is a vibrant and growing discipline in the United States and around the world. Students wishing to enter this rich and varied discipline can begin with a major in Arabic Studies at Williams. The major is designed to give students a foundation in the Arabic language and to provide the opportunity for the interdisciplinary and multi–disciplinary study of the Arab, Islamic, and Middle Eastern arenas.

Students wishing to major in Arabic Studies must complete ten courses, including the following six courses:

  • ARAB 101-102 Elementary Arabic
  • ARAB 201 Intermediate Arabic I
  • ARAB 202 Intermediate Arabic II
  • ARAB 301 Advanced Arabic I
  • ARAB 302 Advanced Arabic IIARAB 102

Students must also take at least one 400-level ARAB course, in addition to three other courses on Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies in Arabic Studies or affiliated units. At least one of these courses should be from the arenas of language and the arts (DIV I) and at least one from politics, religion, economics, history, etc. (DIV II).

Students who place into more advanced language courses may substitute additional courses, adding up to a total of at least nine.

Study Away

Up to four courses from approved semester or year-long study away programs may be counted toward the major.

Students may also be granted 1 credit towards the major for intensive summer language study at department-approved programs. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Arabic Studies faculty about which summer program best lines up with their current language skills and the learning goals for each level at Williams. Upon completion of a summer program, students must take a language placement test in order to ascertain the appropriate level for subsequent courses in Arabic at Williams.


Certificate

The Certificate in Arabic demonstrates that a student has acquired a working foundation in the Arabic language and has been exposed to important aspects of Arabic speakers’ cultures. The sequence of seven language and culture courses is designed to supplement a student’s major at Williams by enabling the student to expand his or her knowledge in a related field.

Required Courses:

  • ARAB 101 Elementary Arabic I
  • ARAB 102 Elementary Arabic II
  • ARAB 201 Intermediate Arabic I
  • ARAB 202 Intermediate Arabic II
  • ARAB 301 Advanced Arabic I
  • ARAB 302 Advanced Arabic II

At least 1 elective course, either in Arabic literature, arts, or culture, or in Arabic history, religion, politics, economics, etc..

Students must earn a cumulative grade average of B or higher in the sequence of seven courses.

Students who enter Williams with previous training in Arabic may be exempted from up to two of the required seven courses. Thus, in order to earn a certificate, a student must take no fewer than five courses (including three language courses) after enrolling at Williams.

Study Away

Up to four courses from approved semester or year-long study away programs may be counted toward the certificate.

Students may also be granted 1 credit towards the certificate for intensive summer language study at department-approved programs. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Arabic Studies faculty about which summer program best lines up with their current language skills and the learning goals for each level at Williams. Upon completion of a summer program, students must take a language placement test in order to ascertain the appropriate level for subsequent courses in Arabic at Williams.