A classical as well as modern language with a long cultural legacy,  Arabic has been language in world history for more than 1500 years.    One can hardly overestimate the importance of the language in contemporary world culture and commerce.  Over 250 million people speak one or more types of Arabic in what is known as the "Arab World".  Countless others in Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and North America either speak Arabic as a first or second language, or use it as part of their daily religious observances.  It is one of only six official languages at the United Nations and is regarded as a "critical language" by the United States government.  The language is also the centerpiece of Binghamton University's program in Near Eastern Studies, and an important component of the affiliated program in Middle Eastern  and North African Studies (MENA).  In addition to the Arabic major or minor, which can include courses in both Standard and dialectal Arabic (e.g. Egyptian or Moroccan), the program in Near Eastern Studies offers courses in literature as well as special topics courses dealing with key issues in Arabic and Islamic civilization, past and present.  The flexible nature of the program, and in particular the Independent Studies option,  allows it to offer a wide range of courses catering to the needs of majors as well as students from other departments, whether graduate or undergraduate. 

The program is supported by one of the better collections  of Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew and Farsi (Iranian) texts in the United States, and by various other university resources that enhance the curriculum, including computer-assisted instruction in Arabic and audio-visual aids (e.g., satellite television) that allow for incorporating live spoken Arabic (films, documentaries, plays, interviews, variety shows and news broadcasts) into classroom exercises and activities.  Indeed, the department sponsors many activities on campus that can considerably enrich a student's experience.

Professor Kevin Lacey with the first group Binghamton Exchange students  in Morocco .

Students also have the opportunity to study Arabic and related topics (Middle Eastern History and Politics, Islamic Art, Islamic Civilization, Arab Society, etc.) abroad by way of participation in the university's exchange program at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco.  

Graduates with linguistic abilities in Arabic are increasingly finding themselves in demand for careers in business, diplomacy, academics, mass media and a many other fields.

Undergraduate and graduate students studying in fields as diverse as history, business, philosophy, art history, comparative literature, political science, anthropology, Africana studies, and in many other areas of concern have all found that the courses offered by the program in Near Eastern Studies are a  valuable addition to their studies.   In fact, many opt for Arabic as either their first or second major.  

Research centers and certificate programs  in  Middle East and North African Studies, Translation, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, International Studies and other fields can considerably enhance study for students enrolled in the Near Eastern Studies program and offer  additional opportunities to become better prepared for international careers.  

For a list of recent courses taught, click here. 

For information on the Arabic abroad program, click here.

For other information, please contact the Department or faculty in the program.  

For information on the program in Middle East and North African Studies, click here.