This page contains information on courses involving Arabic and Islamic Studies. For more information, see the minor in Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Course Descriptions
ARBC 201-202. Intermediate Arabic
Continues to develop language proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic. Focus is on the acquisition of more complex grammatical structures, expanding vocabulary, and on developing colloquial conversational competence.
- Prerequisite: 102 and 201 respectively, equivalent, or permission of instructor.
- Credits: 6
- Offered: Fall & Spring.
ARBC 301-302. Advanced Intermediate Arabic
Advanced language study in reading and writing Modern Standard Arabic, using a variety of historical, literary and culturally oriented materials. Approximately half of the course is devoted to developing facility in Egyptian Colloquial Arabic for conversational purposes.
- Prerequisite: 202 and 301 respectively, equivalent, or permission of instructor.
- Credits: 6
- Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEO 202. Islam: Religion and Culture
This course examines the world's second largest religion according to its three major dimensions, namely, Islam (practices), Iman (faith), and Ihsan (integration and expression), as well as a historical dimension. Topics include the social and religious climate in pre-Islamic Arabia and the eastern Mediterranean, the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the history of the Islamic community, and the beliefs, practices and spirituality of Islam. The culture of Islam, as expressed by the arts, will also be examined. Contemporary social and political issues that face the international Muslim community are also considered.
- Prerequisite: CLAR 106.
- Credits: 3
- Offered: Fall.
- Faculty: Fr. M. Calabria, OFM
THEO 307. Christian-Muslim Relations: Past, Present & Future
This course examines the historical, social and theological dimensions of Christian-Muslim relations from the advent of Islam to the current day. The first part of the course addresses questions such as: How have Christians and Muslims viewed each others' faiths over the centuries? To what extent have their relations been characterized by harmony and cooperation, or by strife and discord? How have these relations changed and why? In the second part, we examine contemporary theological questions, perspectives, and debates arising from this historical interaction. We will also address inter-religious dialogue in the United States, and the future of Christian-Muslim relations.
- Prerequisite: THEO 202.
- Credits: 3
- Offered: Spring
- Faculty: Fr. M. Calabria, OFM
WS 330. Women in the Ancient & Modern Middle East
A survey of the social position of women in selected areas of the Ancient and Modern Middle East from prehistory to the present day through various sources and disciplines including: history, biography, art, archaeology, law, literature, politics and religion.
HIST 365. History of the Modern Middle East
This course treats the emergence of the modern Middle East, focusing on the period from Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt in 1798 until the present day. It will address the impact of European colonialism, reformist attempts to meet this challenge, the fragmentation of the Ottoman Empire, the rise of nationalism, Zionism, pan-Arabism, and Islamism. Particular attention will be given to American involvement in the Middle East since the mid-20th century.
VA 299 / CLAR 108. Introduction to Islamic Art and Architecture
This course is an introduction to the arts and architecture of the Islamic World from the rise of Islam in the seventh century to the twentieth century. We will examine the three principle vehicles for artistic expression in the Islamic world, namely, architecture, the arts of the book (calligraphy, illustration, illumination, and bookbinding), and the arts of the object (ceramics, metalwork, glass, woodwork, textiles, and ivory).
Student Profile
Wardia Hart is a non-traditional student from Olean, NY. A St. Bonaventure University graduate, she is taking Arabic and Islamic Studies courses because of her heritage.
"My father was a Maronite Catholic who had great respect for Islam and the Muslim people. He would often read the Koran and was influenced by its positive teaching.
"This inclusiveness and respect for all men underpins the Franciscan approach to Arabic and Islamic Studies. The courses at SBU are a study of a remarkable people that share a rich language and many religions, nationalities, arts, and customs, presented always with great respect and Franciscan twinkle in the eye."
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Student Profile
Sara McCune is a non-matriculated graduate student at SBU. She will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall to begin a master's program in Modern Middle Eastern and North African Studies with a concentration in politics.
"I've been interested in the Middle East since high school when I started following the Iraq War. I decided I would prefer a career involving the government. Taking Arabic my senior was my final push toward pursuing something involving the Middle East.
"The courses have been familiarizing me with the language and the culture. I hope to be fluent in at least Modern Standard Arabic and possibly one colloquial language by the time I obtain my master's."
Sara intends on traveling to Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt and Syria during her graduate studies.
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