Arab Studies
Arab Studies at Davidson
The Arab Studies Department adheres to the philosophy that the study of the Arabic language cannot be separated from the study of the rich Arabic culture. Thus, while the concentration is on Classical Arabic, students are exposed to various dialects from early on.
Elementary and Intermediate Arab Studies courses, which are highly interactive, focus on giving students a strong foundation in the communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through the study of proverbs and music, we build upon vocabulary and enrich the students' understanding of the traditions of the Arab world. In addition to the main grammar textbook, students in all classes are introduced to Arabic films, video clips, television serials, and literature as key components of their studies. Immersion outside of the classroom includes extracurricular cultural activities with the neighboring Arab community.
The department also offers an independent study in advanced Persian culture and language for those students who have elementary or intermediate level proficiency in Farsi.
For Arabic language placement tests, please contact Rebecca Joubin at rejoubin@davidson.edu.
Many students choose to complement their semesters learning Arabic both at Davidson and abroad with a summer at the Qasid Institute in Amman, Jordan.
Arab Studies News
Syrian TV Previewed Fall of Assad and Offers a Look at What Might Follow
Syrian television dramas offered a compelling – and surprisingly critical – look at Syrian life under Bashar al-Assad. They frequently subverted the grand narratives of the Baath party regime, skewered the brutal dictator, and predicted his cowardly flight. Some miniseries even offered insight into what might come next in the turbulent days after a dictator’s downfall. Learn more.
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