Arabic & Foreign Languages
Program Overview
The Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages aims to develop the skills of students in languages other than English. In addition, it seeks to introduce students to the extraordinarily rich Arabic literary heritage and to develop skills of close reading, critical thinking, and analytical and creative writing.
The Department offers courses to satisfy the general education requirements for Arabic language and Arabic culture. It also offers a minor in Arabic for those who wish to delve more deeply in the study of the language of this region and its literature. Furthermore, the department offers courses in French and Spanish for students drawn to European languages and who wish to strengthen the international component of their education.
The Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages recognizes the importance of proficiency in languages besides English for citizens of the modern world. It aims to develop skills that will enable students to function better in our increasingly interconnected and global society.
Arabic Languages
List of Arabic Courses
| ARAB 101 | Arabic as a Second Language I | (3) [A], [I] | once a year |
| ARAB 114 | Arabic Basic Language Skills | (3) [A], [I] | every semester |
| ARAB 150 | Human Development in the Arab World | (3) [H], [K], [B] | occasionally |
| ARAB 205 | Survey of Arab-Islamic Civilization | (3) [H], [K], [B] | every semester |
| ARAB 215 | Arabic Composition I | (3) [A], [I], [X] | every semester |
| ARAB 220 | Readings in Arabic Heritage | (3) [A], [H], [I] | every semester |
| ARAB 221 | Creative Writing | (3) [H] | occasionally |
| ARAB 303 | Literature of the Arabian Gulf | (3) [H], [K] | every semester |
| ARAB 304 | Arabic Drama | (3) [H], [K], [B] | occasionally |
| ARAB 308 | Arab Women in History | (3) [H], [B] | occasionally |
| ARAB 310 | Classical Arabic Prose | (3) [H], [K], [B] | occasionally |
| ARAB 312 | Modern Arabic Literature | (3) [H], [K], [B] | once a year |
| ARAB 313 | Arab Women and Literature | (3) [H], [K], [B] | occasionally |
| ARAB 314 | Classical Arabic Poetry | (3) [H], [K], [B] | occasionally |
| ARAB 315 | Literature of Al-Andalus | (3) [H], [K], [B] | occasionally |
| ARAB 316 | Literature in the Abbasid Era | (3) [H], [K], [B] | occasionally |
| ARAB 318 | Modern Arabic Novel | (3) [H], [K], [B] | occasionally |
| ARAB 369 | Short Course | (1-3) | occasionally |
| ARAB 388 | Independent Study | (1-3) | occasionally |
| ARAB 389 | Special Topics | (3) | occasionally |
| TRAN 101 | Introduction to Translation | (3) [H] | every semester |
| TRAN 102 | Theoretical and Practical Issues in Translation | (3) [H] | every semester |
| TRAN 380 | Media Translation | (3) | occasionally |
Foreign Languages
In addition to courses in Arabic, the Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages offers courses in French and Spanish:
List of Foreign Language Courses
| FRNC 101 | Introduction to French I | (3) | every semester |
| FRNC 102 | Introduction to French II | (3) | every semester |
| FRNC 201 | Intermediate French | (3) | every semester |
| FRNC 202 | Intermediate French II | (3) | occasionally |
| FRNC 333 | Language and Civilization | (3) | occasionally |
| FRNC 369 | Short Course | (1-3) | occasionally |
| FRNC 388 | Independent Study | (1-3) | occasionally |
| FRNC 389 | Special Topics | (3) | occasionally |
| FRNC 399 | French Study Abroad | (3) | occasionally |
| SPAN 101 | Introduction to Spanish I | (3) | every semester |
| SPAN 102 | Introduction to Spanish II | (3) | every semester |
| SPAN 201 | Intermediate Spanish | (3) | every semester |
| SPAN 202 | Intermediate Spanish II | (3) | occasionally |
| SPAN 333 | Language and Culture | (3) | occasionally |
| SPAN 369 | Short Course | (1-3) | occasionally |
| SPAN 388 | Independent Study | (1-3) | occasionally |
| SPAN 389 | Special Topics | (3) | occasionally |
| SPAN 399 | Spanish Study Abroad | (3) | occasionally |
Department
Mission
The Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages aims to develop the skills of students in Arabic, French, and Spanish. It seeks to introduce students to the extraordinarily rich Arabic literary heritage and to develop skills of close reading, critical thinking, and creative writing. It furthermore strives to encourage creativity, analytical skills, and research capacity, as well as to motivate students to become active members of their larger communities.
Values
The Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages adheres to the values of the American University of Kuwait and emphasizes excellence in teaching Arabic language, in teaching Arabic literature, in teaching translation skills, and in teaching French and Spanish languages. It values freedom of expression, intellectual integrity, and respect for cultural diversity.
Vision
We aspire to be the leading department for the study of Arabic and foreign languages in the Gulf region, offering rigorous instruction in languages across the variety of competence levels, as well as advanced instruction in translation and the Arabic literary heritage. We look forward to preparing students for successful careers both on the regional and global arenas.
