The Minor and Concentration programs offered by the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies enable students to develop expertise in the cultures and societies of the Arab and Islamic worlds and acquire a basic grounding in Arabic language. 

Requirements for the Concentration
Requirements for the Minor

These programs are open to students in all colleges. They provide a background for advanced professional studies, for personal enrichment as well as for careers in government or business related to the Arab and Islamic worlds. Students are also welcome to enroll in individual courses.

Fall 2008 Course Offerings

Students are encouraged to enter the program no later than the first semester of their junior year in order to complete the requirements. The approval of the program director, Dr. Silvia Nagy-Zekmi must be obtained for acceptance into the program. Students are also encouraged to study Arabic in an Arabic-speaking country through one of the University's study abroad programs. Living in an Arabic-speaking country for a period of time will be valuable in helping students have first-hand experience of the culture as well as the opportunity to develop their skills in the Arabic language.

There has been some trouble with the on-line applications. If you filled out an on-line application between January 4th, 2008 and March 1st, 2008 either for the concentration or the minor in Arab and Islamic Studies, please contact Dr. Silvia Nagy-Zekmi at your earliest convenience.

Courses for the Concentration/Minor - Fall of 2008

Electives offered by the Center vary each year. They include colloquial Egyptian Arabic, Arabic literature in English translation, Islamic philosophy and theology, the history of Middle Eastern cities, geography of the Islamic philosophy and theology, the history of Middle Eastern cities, geography of the Islamic world, women and social change in the Arab world, economic development of the Middle East, and Egyptian politics. Below is a sample list of elective courses.

List of Elective Courses