Arabic Language and Literature

The Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Language and Literature at the American University of Beirut offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the Arabic language, its rich literary heritage, and its vital role in Middle Eastern and world history. This program is designed for students who are passionate about Arabic linguistics, classical and modern literature, and cultural studies. Throughout the program, students engage in rigorous coursework that covers a broad spectrum of topics, including Arabic grammar, philology, poetry, prose, and contemporary literary movements. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, historical context, and the development of strong language skills, enabling graduates to read, write, and interpret Arabic texts with precision and insight.

Students have the opportunity to explore classical Arabic texts from the Islamic Golden Age, as well as modern writings from Arab writers and intellectuals. The program also encourages proficiency in other related fields such as Islamic studies, history, and cultural studies to foster a holistic understanding of the Arab world's literary and cultural landscape. In addition to coursework, students participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects designed to cultivate analytical skills and scholarly inquiry.

The program aims to prepare students for diverse career paths, including academic research, teaching, journalism, translation, and cultural diplomacy. It also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing further graduate studies in Arabic linguistics, literature, or related disciplines. Emphasis is placed on fostering critical thinking, effective communication, and intercultural awareness, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the academic, cultural, and professional spheres.

With experienced faculty members who are experts in Arabic language and literature, students benefit from a stimulating academic environment that encourages intellectual growth and active engagement with Arab heritage and contemporary issues. The program’s multidisciplinary approach, combining language mastery with literary analysis and cultural understanding, ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate and contribute to the global dialogue surrounding the Arab world. The American University of Beirut’s Arabic Language and Literature program is committed to fostering a deep appreciation of Arabic’s linguistic beauty and literary richness, preparing students to be both knowledgeable scholars and culturally sensitive professionals.

PhD candidates will acquire:

• critical, interpretive and analytical skills,

• benchmark methodologies leading to the conduct of advanced research, and

• deeper, more sophisticated and more nuanced understanding of Arabic language and literature.

Curriculum

The offerings of the department fall within three broadly defined fields:

• Arabic language and related fields (phonetics, morphology, syntax, history of grammar, lexicology, stylistics, etc.);

• classical and pre-modern Arabic literature and thought (including poetry, prose, belles lettres and other forms of literary expression); and

• modern Arabic literature and thought (including poetry, prose, literary theory, etc.).

The department requires the following three requirements:

• a master’s degree in Arabic from a recognized university, or an equivalent considered acceptable by the department, plus three recommendations and an interview (when considered necessary by the department). Students of exceptional promise may be admitted after finishing their BA;

• proven unimpaired Arabic; and

• English proficiency. For the required level of proficiency, see the section entitled English Language Proficiency Requirement under Admissions.

The department offers, on a selective basis, substantial support which fully covers tuition and includes a monthly stipend. In return, PhD students are expected to teach courses and perform other tasks assigned by the department. Students may also apply for support to carry out research in archives and libraries outside of Lebanon and to attend international scholarly conferences. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Language and Literature at the American University of Beirut is a comprehensive program designed to develop students' proficiency in the Arabic language, while also providing an in-depth understanding of Arab history, culture, literature, and linguistics. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for Arabic's rich literary heritage, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to academia, media, education, translation, and cultural preservation. The curriculum includes a diverse array of courses covering classical and modern Arabic literature, linguistics, philology, and language acquisition. Students are encouraged to engage with seminal texts, explore contemporary literary works, and analyze language development and usage patterns throughout history.

The program emphasizes both language mastery and literary analysis, fostering advanced reading, writing, and research skills. It offers courses in Arabic grammar, syntax, rhetoric, poetry, prose, and historical linguistics. Students also have opportunities to study Arab history and civilization as part of their core requirements, gaining contextual understanding of the cultural and socio-political factors shaping Arabic literature and language. Electives allow students to specialize in areas such as Middle Eastern studies, translation, or digital humanities, providing flexibility to tailor their academic journey according to personal interests and career goals.

Faculty members are experts in their fields, offering mentorship, research guidance, and fostering a vibrant scholarly community. The program often encourages participation in seminars, conferences, and language immersion activities to enhance experiential learning. Graduates of the Arabic Language and Literature program are well-equipped for careers in education, translation, publishing, diplomatic services, cultural institutions, and further graduate studies. The degree also prepares students for potential engagement in digital content creation and modern communication platforms, harnessing traditional Arabic literary skills for contemporary use. Overall, the program seeks to promote not only language fluency but also a sustained appreciation and critical engagement with Arab cultural heritage, ensuring students become ambassadors of Arabic language and literature globally.