PhD in Arabic Language and Literature
PhD in Arabic Language and Literature
Vision, Mission, and Objectives
Vision
Leadership and excellence in specialized Arabic language research locally, regionally, and globally.
Mission
To provide high-quality education in Arabic language and literature, produce specialized research in Arabic linguistic sciences within an engaging learning environment, and prepare academically and professionally qualified graduates capable of meeting societal needs.
Objectives
- Delivering advanced education in Arabic language and literature within a stimulating academic setting.
- Producing specialized linguistic research aligned with national human and developmental priorities.
- Graduating competent scholars capable of teaching, planning, and leading academic and cultural institutions locally and internationally.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
Describes comparative and contrastive linguistic and literary methodologies when analyzing texts.
Skills:
- Analyzes linguistic and literary texts (prose and poetry) using comparative approaches.
- Conducts critical readings of classical and modern linguistic and literary works.
- Produces specialized research papers based on academic methodologies within Arabic studies.
- Employs technology to access and evaluate diverse and reliable linguistic and literary sources.
Values:
- Respects others, assumes responsibility for learning, and engages effectively in academic discussions.
- Commits to research ethics and academic integrity when presenting or publishing scholarly work.
- Manages specialized academic tasks efficiently in linguistic and literary contexts.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the regulations of the Deanship of Graduate Studies, applicants must pass two qualifying exams — one written and one oral (interview) — and the evaluation of their master’s thesis will also be considered.
Study System
The Department of Arabic Language and Literature offers two postgraduate programs (Master’s and PhD), each with two main tracks:
- Literature and Criticism Track
- Language and Grammar Track
The PhD program follows a coursework and thesis system, with a total of 12 credit hours required.
Study Plan
Level 1 — 6 Credit Hours (Shared Courses)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB 617 | Studies in Arabic Literature in a Foreign Language | 3 |
| ARAB 647 | Modern Linguistic Studies | 3 |
Level 2 — Literature & Criticism Track (6 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB 634 | Issues in Classical Literary Criticism | 3 |
| ARAB 635 | Theories of Contemporary Literary Criticism | 3 |
Level 2 — Language & Grammar Track (6 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB 637 | Studies in Language and Syntax | 3 |
| ARAB 644 | Semantics | 3 |
Course Descriptions
ARAB 617 — Studies in Arabic Literature in a Foreign Language (3 credits): Introduces students to Orientalist thought and methodologies, exploring their contributions to classical and modern Arabic literature, with a focus on textual analysis and critical evaluation of terms and representations.
ARAB 634 — Issues in Classical Literary Criticism (3 credits): Covers the historical development of classical criticism, modern interpretations of classical concepts, intertextuality, and theories of composition as revisited by contemporary critics.
ARAB 635 — Theories of Contemporary Literary Criticism (3 credits): Examines major modern critical theories — structuralism, semiotics, psychoanalysis, stylistics, and Marxist criticism — and their influence on modern Arabic literary discourse.
ARAB 637 — Studies in Language and Syntax (3 credits): Discusses linguistic and grammatical issues, including Arabic lexicography, differences among grammatical schools, and the role of lexicons in shaping linguistic richness.
ARAB 644 — Semantics (3 credits): Explores the evolution of semantics from traditional logic to modern linguistic theories, including synonymy, polysemy, context, and pragmatic meaning.
ARAB 647 — Modern Linguistic Studies (3 credits): Reviews major linguistic schools of the 20th century — from Saussurean structuralism to transformational and pragmatic approaches — analyzing their methods for addressing linguistic phenomena.
