On behalf of my colleagues in the Arabic Language and Literature Department, I would like to heartily welcome our readers. We hope that you find a useful overview of the Department, its vision, mission, objectives and achievements in this website. The Arabic Language and Literature Dept. is one of the oldest departments in KSU. It was established back in 1377AH by the time King Saud University had seen the light. Ever since then, the Department has been putting bricks together to lay the foundation of this academic research edifice through teaching old and contemporary literary and linguistic issues, conducting up-to-date research and holding workshops, seminars and academic meetings. Such effort is made to update the faculty members with the latest issues in the sciences of Arabic and Literature, encourage them to contribute to the field and develop their skills.
The Department, both male and female sections, has more than 120 faculty members ranging from full professors to teaching assistants. It admits more than 600 students a year. It also has some of its students on scholarships continuing their postgraduate studies in the best universities abroad.
The Arabic and Literature Department offers master’s degree and PhD programmes in literature, criticism, grammar and linguistics. Since 1430 AH, it has launched the parallel master’s degree programme. It also has formed units that support the educational process such as the Quality Unit, Postgraduate Studies Unit, Learning Resources unit, Field Training Unit and the General Requirements Unit. The Department also supervises the Dialects and Folklore Association, Literature Club and the Narratives Unit.
Recently, our staff has taken further steps to develop the Department in terms of skills, knowledge and academics within the framework of quality and academic accreditation. One of these crucial steps was developing the study plan of the Department to meet the needs of our students and society. The new study plan allows students to choose their majors among a number of tracks that satisfy their learning and social needs. It also encourages academic research and promotes a number of practical skills.
One of the things that the Arabic Language and Literature Department is proud of is that a number of its members have won international, regional and national awards such as King Faisal Award, the Excellence in Teaching Award and other academic awards.
In conclusion, I would like to stress the fact that none of this would have happened without the guidance of Allah Almighty and then the effort of this supporting and encouraging academic institution, KSU. Thank you for everyone who made it possible.
Chair of the Arabic Language and Literature Department
Dr. Khalid Bin Ayesh Al-Hafi
