OLD Center for Contemporary Arab Studies (CCAS)

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 School of Foreign Service 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 in Arab Studies. 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:

  1. Four semesters of Modern Standard Arabic.
    This requirement may be 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.
  2. 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 the College only.
  3. One semester of Arab history of the nineteenth or twentieth century.
    Suggested courses: HIST-161, Middle East Civilization II; HIST-266, History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict; or HIST-464, Modern North Africa.
  4. One semester of Arab politics or international relations.
    Suggested course: INAF-243, The U.S. and the Middle East.
  5. 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.
  6. Two semesters of electives.
    These are determined in consultation with the Director of the Program in Arab Studies and may be selected from any of the fields listed above or from art, philosophy, theology, or literature.
  7. 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. More information about the research paper and senior colloquium can be found here. 

    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 and 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 in Arab Studies
tuckerje@georgetown.edu

Ms. Kelli Harris, Academic Program Coordinator
kmh79@georgetown.edu

Georgetown University