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    Mar 28, 2024  
American University Catalog 2020-2021 
    
American University Catalog 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Arab World Studies (BA)


Offered by the Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies Collaborative College of Arts and Sciences,  the Arab World Studies (BA) is an interdisciplinary major that offers students the opportunity to learn about Arab societies from multiple perspectives. The strength of the program is its holistic approach to studying the Arab Middle East, which is analyzed through its politics, economy, gender relations, literature, geography, religion, and its place in a globalizing world.

Admission to the Program


Formal admission to the major requires a grade point average of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) in two courses related to the major.

University Requirements


AU Core Requirements


For additional information, see AU Core Curriculum .

Major Requirements


  • 36 credit hours with grades of C or better including a minimum of 18 credit hours at or above 300-level
  • Demonstrate Arabic language proficiency through completion of two years of college-level study (ARAB-203 ) or equivalent as certified by the Department of World Languages and Cultures

Course Requirements


Foundation (9 credit hours)


Concentration (15 credit hours)


Complete 15 credit hours with one course from each of the following categories, or other methodology, theory, or history courses approved by program advisor:

Electives (9 credit hours)


Complete 9 credit hours from the following, or other approved courses:

Capstone (3 credit hours)


  • 3 credit hours in an approved capstone project course

Arabic Language Requirement


Students must demonstrate Arabic language proficiency at the intermediate level (ARAB-203 ). Students with previous experience with the language may test out of one or more of the following courses (evaluation conducted in collaboration with the Arabic language program).

Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees


American University offers students the opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees through its combined bachelor’s/master’s programs. See Admission to a Combined Bachelor’s / Master’s Program  and Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees  for more information.