Arabic and Islamic Studies

The department of Arabic and Islamic Studies is in the School of Languages and Cultures (SLC).

About the major

The department of Arabic and Islamic Studies currently offers two majors;

• Arab World, Islam and the Middle East (the ARIS Major)
• Arabic Language and Literature (the ARBC Major)

These two majors give you a foundation in 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. Majors progress from foundation units in your junior year to senior units treating specific topics in depth, offering an opportunity to focus on a key period or theme. 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, research or community work, you will learn what you need in our diverse units of study. A major in Arabic and Islamic Studies equips you to understand the historical and cultural importance of the Arab world and of Islam in today’s society.

If you are looking to complete both be aware that units of study can only count towards the requirements of one major. You should seek advice from the Department or the Faculty to help determine the correct units of study to complete both majors.

Arab World, Islam and the Middle East (ARIS Major)

A major in Arab World, Islam and the Middle East requires at least 36 senior credit points, including at least 24 from culture units of study (ARIS) and 12 from language units of study (ARBC). At least 12 credit points of these must be taken at 3000 level.

The units of study for the major can be found in the Table A unit of study table for Arab, Islam and the Middle East. The table shows units of study on offer in the current handbook year. You may find information regarding a full list of units of study available to the major on the departmental website.

Junior units of study (1000 level)

You take 12 junior credit points from Arabic and Islamic cultural units of study, which are coded ARIS. If you have no previous background in the Arabic language you will also take 12 junior credit points of Arabic language, which are coded ARBC.

If you have an existing competency in Arabic you should consult the department to determine which level you should begin at.

Senior units of study (2000 and 3000 level)

At senior level you complete at least 24 credit points of senior (2000 and 3000 level) of cultural units of study including at least 12 credit points at senior-advanced (3000 level). You also complete at least 12 credit points of senior Arabic language units of study to complete the major.

Pathways through the Arab World, Islam and the Middle East (ARIS) major

Sample Pathway through the Arab World, Islam and the Middle East (ARIS) major
First Year	S1	ARIS1671	ARBC1611	Junior unit	Junior unit
	S2	ARIS1672	ARBC1612	Junior unit	Junior unit
Second Year	S1	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	ARBC2613	Senior unit	Senior unit
	S2	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	ARBC2614	Senior unit	Senior unit
Third Year	S1	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
	S2	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit

Arabic Language and Literature (ARBC Major)

A major in Arabic Language and Literature requires at least senior 36 credit points including at least 24 from Language units of study and 12 from culture units of study and at least 12 credit points at 3000 level.

The units of study for the major can be found in the Table A unit of study table for Arabic Language and Literature. The table shows units of study on offer in the current handbook year. You may find information regarding a full list of units of study available to the major on the departmental website.

Junior units of study

If you have little or no previous knowledge of the Arabic language you will complete 12 junior credit points in Arabic language units of study, these are coded ARBC.

You also complete 12 junior credit points of Arabic and Islamic culture units, these are coded ARIS.

Senior units of study (2000 and 3000 level)

At senior level you complete at least 24 credit points of senior (2000 and 3000 level) of language units of study including at least 12 credit points at senior-advanced (3000 level). You will also complete at least 12 credit points of senior culture units of study.

If you have previous experience with Arabic language you may be able to commence at a higher level. You should contact the Department to help determine the best place to start.

Pathways through the Arabic Language and Literature (ARBC) major

You are able to take a major in Arabic Language and Literature regardless of your existing experience with the language. If you are unsure which pathway suits your level of competency you should contact the department for advice.

Please note: the pathways below are just sample pathways. There are many different ways that you can construct your major as part of your degree.

Pathway 1: Students at Beginners’ Arabic level:

Students at Beginners' Arabic level
First Year	S1	ARBC1611	ARIS1671	Junior unit	Junior unit
	S2	ARBC1612	ARIS1672	Junior unit	Junior unit
Second Year	S1	ARBC2613	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
	S2	ARBC2614	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
Third Year	S1	ARBC3615	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
	S2	ARBC3616	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit

Pathway 2: Students at Intermediate Arabic level:

Students at Intermediate Arabic level
First Year	S1	ARBC2613 *	ARIS1671	Junior unit	Junior unit
	S2	ARBC2614	ARIS1672	Junior unit	Junior unit
Second Year	S1	ARBC3615	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
	S2	ARBC3616	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
Third Year	S1	ARBC3635/ ARBC3637 offered in alternating years	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
	S2	ARBC3636/ ARBC3638 offered in alternating years	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit

Pathway 3: Students at Advanced Arabic level

Students at Advanced Arabic level
First Year	S1	ARBC3635 *	ARIS1671	Junior unit	Junior unit
	S2	ARBC3636	ARIS1672	Junior unit	Junior unit
Second Year	S1	ARBC3637	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
	S2	ARBC3638	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
Third Year	S1	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit
	S2	Any senior 2000/3000 level ARIS unit	Senior unit	Senior unit	Senior unit

* If you are entering at either the Intermediate or Advanced level you may require permission from the department prior to enrolling in senior units of study.

Honours

The honours program in Arabic and Islamic Studies requires completion of 48 senior credit points in Arabic and Islamic Studies, at Credit level or above. These include the 36 credit points of the Arabic and Islamic Studies major (as specified above), the 6 credit point honours preparation unit 'ARIS3680-Approaches to Arabic and Islamic Studies' (next offered in 2015, and then in alternating years), plus 6 credit points chosen from any of the remaining ARBC or ARIS senior units.

Students with interdisciplinary interests can enrol in joint honours, combining Arabic and Islamic Studies with another subject area. The honours program in Arabic and Islamic Studies consists of seminars on topics in Arabic and Islamic culture and society, and advanced language for research purposes, and a thesis on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with the department.

Please note: from 2015 the minimum requirement for entry into Honours will increase to an average of 70% or above across 48 senior credit points in the intended subject area/s.

Contact/further information

Department website: sydney.edu.au/arts/arabic_islamic

Chair of Department: Professor Sahar Amer
Email:

Phone: +61 2 9036 7011
Alternatively, contact the SLC office at