The mission of the Department of African Cultural Studies is to research and teach the languages and expressive cultures of Africa and Africans around the world. Our faculty specialize in literature, music, film, critical applied linguistics, drama, diaspora studies, and new media.
In support of this mission, the certificate in Arabic offers students the opportunity to develop proficiency in Arabic, thereby complementing their major(s) in other areas across the university. The certificate fosters a thorough understanding of one of the most widely spoken languages (official language of over 20 countries) throughout northern Africa and the Middle East with a focus on Arabic language skills, advanced language courses in Arabic, and courses on the literature and culture of the region.
The certificate also strengthens the applications of students who intend to pursue careers or graduate study in areas of the world where Arabic proficiency is useful.
How to Get in
Declaring the Certificate
Declaring the Arabic Language and Culture certificate is as easy as meeting with the advisor. Find the African Cultural Studies advisor on Starfish.
Requirements
The Arabic Language and Culture certificate requires 14 credits. Students must complete through the fourth unit (semester) of Arabic language. Students may earn the remaining credits with courses on culture, literature, and/or additional language study.
Language through fourth semester
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AFRICAN 323 | Third Semester Arabic | 4 |
| or AFRICAN 341 | Third Semester Summer Arabic | |
| AFRICAN 324 | Fourth Semester Arabic | 4 |
| or AFRICAN 342 | Fourth Semester Summer Arabic | |
Language/Literature/Culture
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AFRICAN 100 | Introduction to African Cultural Expression | 3 |
| AFRICAN 201 | Introduction to African Literature | 3 |
| AFRICAN 212 | Introduction to African Popular Culture | 3 |
| AFRICAN 231 | Introduction to Arabic Literary Culture | 3 |
| AFRICAN/AFROAMER 233 | Global HipHop and Social Justice | 3 |
| AFRICAN/AFROAMER/ANTHRO/GEOG/HISTORY/POLI SCI/SOC 277 | Africa: An Introductory Survey | 4 |
| AFRICAN/INTL ST 302 | Arabic Literature and Cinema | 3 |
| AFRICAN 325 | Colloquial Arabic | 2 |
| AFRICAN 326 | Colloquial Arabic | 2 |
| AFRICAN 329 | Fifth Semester Arabic | 3 |
| AFRICAN 330 | Sixth Semester Arabic | 3 |
| AFRICAN 343 | Fifth Semester Summer Arabic | 4 |
| AFRICAN 344 | Sixth Semester Summer Arabic | 4 |
| AFRICAN/ASIAN/RELIG ST 370 | Islam: Religion and Culture | 3-4 |
| AFRICAN 412 | Contemporary African Fiction | 3-4 |
| AFRICAN/AFROAMER 413 | Contemporary African and Caribbean Drama | 3-4 |
| AFRICAN/RELIG ST 414 | Islam in Africa and the Diaspora | 3 |
| AFRICAN/COM ARTS/L I S 444 | Technology and Development in Africa and Beyond | 3 |
| AFRICAN 445 | Advanced Readings in Arabic Texts | 3 |
| AFRICAN/JEWISH/MEDIEVAL/RELIG ST 462 | Muslims and Jews | 3 |
| AFRICAN 500 | Language and Society in Africa | 3-4 |
| ART HIST 305 | History of Islamic Art and Architecture | 3 |
| ART HIST/RELIG ST 373 | Great Cities of Islam | 3 |
| ART HIST 510 | Proseminar in Islamic Art and Architecture | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 206 | The Qur'an: Religious Scripture & Literature | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 444 | Introduction to Sufism (Islamic Mysticism) | 3 |
| CLASSICS/HISTORY 110 | The Ancient Mediterranean | 4 |
| CLASSICS 308 | Sex and Violence in the Ancient Near East | 3 |
| CLASSICS 321 | The Egyptians: History, Society, and Literature | 3 |
| CLASSICS/HISTORY/RELIG ST 517 | Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/HIST SCI/RELIG ST 356 | Islam, Science & Technology, and the Environment | 3-4 |
| FRENCH 285 | Rebellious Women | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS/POLI SCI 435 | Politics of Gender and Women's Rights in the Middle East | 3 |
| HISTORY 139 | Introduction to the Modern Middle East | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/RELIG ST 205 | The Making of the Islamic World: The Middle East, 500-1500 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/MEDIEVAL/RELIG ST 309 | The Crusades: Christianity and Islam | 3-4 |
| INTL ST 266 | Introduction to the Middle East | 3 |
| POLI SCI 320 | Governments and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 323 | Islam and World Politics | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 370 | Islam and Politics | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 529 | Arab-Israeli Conflict | 3-4 |
Residence and Quality of Work
- At least 7 credits must be completed in residence.
- Minimum 2.000 GPA on all certificate courses.
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate intermediate to advanced level proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic.
- Compare and critique cultural, historical, and/or political realities in regions where Arabic language is influential to demonstrate intercultural competence and ethical reasoning.
- Develop skills and abilities necessary to work in diverse career fields where Arabic language, cultural competence, and experience with international issues are sought after.
People
Please visit the African Cultural Studies website for a complete list of faculty, instructional, and academic staff.
Resources and Scholarships
One of the most valuable resources for students interested in language study is the Language Institute and its website, Languages at UW–Madison.
Learn more about scholarships and other opportunities for funded language study.