Academic Tracks
The Arabic School’s master’s degree program offers two academic tracks—a general track in Arabic studies and the Arabic language pedagogy track.
Each track includes units equivalent to three semester course hours at a regular academic-year program. To earn a master’s degree, students must successfully complete a total of 12 units in the appropriate areas within a 10-year period.
After the initial summer, master’s degree candidates may transfer up to three courses toward the degree. A transfer course must meet certain requirements and be approved in advance (before the course is taken) by the director and registrar.
General Arabic Studies Track
The general track in Arabic studies features in-language coursework on topics in literature, history, religion, popular culture and art, and contemporary politics and society (including current events). Academic requirements include the following:
- 3 units in Arabic language and linguistics
- 3 units in literature
- 3 units in civilization, culture, and society
- 3 elective units
Arabic Language Pedagogy Track
The Arabic language pedagogy track focuses on Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL), combining advanced coursework in Arabic and Arabic linguistics with training in second language acquisition, modern teaching methods, language assessment, classroom technology, and related areas. The Arabic pedagogy track is suitable for both current and prospective teachers of Arabic, at the primary, secondary, and college levels. Academic requirements include the following:
- 5 units in Arabic linguistics and/or pedagogy
- 3 units in literature, civilization, culture, and society
- 1 unit of language practicum
- 3 elective units