Undergraduate Certificate
Overview
The Center for Contemporary Arab studies offers a program of studies leading to
a Certificate of Arab Studies which undergraduates may complete in conjunction
with bachelor's degree in a regular major. Students in both the SFS and College
may be considered for the Certificate of Arab Studies.
Requirements
The student's overall plan of study at the University is guided and given coherence
by the major department advisor and by the Director of the Program. The student
plans their coursework based on their interests and competencies, within the constraints
imposed by his or her total program. However, all candidates for the Certificate
must include the following elements in their programs:
- Four semesters of Modern Standard Arabic.
This requirement maybe satisfied alternatively by passing a written and oral
examination of Modern Standard Arabic. Students are urged to begin their language
study at the earliest feasible time.
- One semester of Islamic history or culture of the classical period.
Suggested courses: HIST-160, Middle East Civilization I; HIST-361, History of
the Ottomans; or ARAB-351, Introduction to Arabic Culture for students in College
only.
- One semester of Arab history of the 19th or 20th century.
Suggested courses: HIST-161, Middle East Civilization II; HIST-266, History of
the Arab-Israeli Conflict; or HIST-464, Modern North Africa.
- One semester of Arab politics or international relations.
Suggested course: INAF-243, The U.S. and the Middle East.
- One semester of anthropology, economics, or sociology of the Arab
world.
Suggested courses: ECON-364, Economics of the Middle East; or MAAS-419, Arab
Society.
- Two semesters of electives.
These are determined in consultation with the Director of the Program and may
be selected from any of the fields listed above or from art, philosophy, theology,
or literature.
- Research paper.
During their senior year, all Certificate students must prepare and present a
major research paper dealing with the Arab world at an annual spring symposium. Note:
Attendance at the symposium is required of all Certificate students.
How to Apply
A student may enter the Program of Arab Studies in his or her freshman or sophomore
year but no later than the start of the junior year. First, the student must select
a major in the school of his or her enrollment. Second, the student must complete
and submit the CCAS Certificate Application to acquire approval of a comprehensive
curriculum in Arab Studies from the Director of the Arab Studies Program. Click
here to download an application.
Contacts
Dr. Judith Tucker, Director of the Program of Arab Studies
tuckerje@georgetown.edu
Ms. Jenna Beveridge, Academic Programs Coordinator
jlb69@georgetown.edu