Arab World, Islam and the Middle East
UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR
A major in the Arab World, Islam and the Middle East combines units of study on Arabic language and literature, with units on Islam and the societies, cultures and politics of the modern Arab world and the Middle East.
Whether you are interested in learning Arabic for basic communication skills, or in order to use it effectively in business, education, law, health, media, translation or community work, we have appropriate Arabic courses at a range of levels. Studying a combination of units of study in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies will provide you with a strong foundation of expert knowledge of the language, history, politics, society and culture of the Arab world and Islam, and of the Middle East as an important region in the modern world.
Study plan
A major in Arabic and Islamic Studies will require a minimum of 36 credit points at senior level. It combines ARBC and ARIS units and allows more focus on either area of study as follows:
Either Arabic Language and Literature (ARBC): 24 credit points of Arabic language senior units (ARBC2613-3616 B stream or ARBC3635-3638 A stream), plus 12 credit points from the ARIS senior units (ARIS2673-3676).
Or Arab World, Islam and the Middle East (ARIS): 24 credit points of ARIS units (ARIS2673-3676), plus 12 credit points of senior Arabic language units (ARBC2613-3616 B stream or ARBC3635-3638 A stream).
Students taking senior units in the ARBC A stream may be taught in a combined class for practical purposes (eg ARBC3635 and ARBC3637). Contents offered to such combined classes alternate from year to year to ensure a continuing sequence.
Graduate opportunities
Sydney Arts and Social Sciences graduates work in government departments at all levels, and major private sector consultancies and corporations, locally and overseas. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers a range of subject areas that prepare graduates for careers in administration, education, business research, marketing, media, management consultancy, public relations, gallery and museum curatorship, hospitality and tourism, community and welfare. Our graduates are proficient in research and inquiry, and demonstrate personal and intellectual autonomy, and ethical, social and professional understanding, qualities sought after by leading employers all over the world.
Further study for major
Eligible candidates may proceed to an Honours year in the Bachelor of Arts, or apply for admission to a rich postgraduate program in the humanities and social sciences, comprising advanced learning and professional courses. Master degrees include capstone projects ranging from internships with government and non-government organisations in Australia and overseas, the gallery and museum sector, and leading media organisations, to opportunities for independent research projects which prepare students for higher degrees by research.
Related subject areas
Arabic Language and Literature