Master of Arts (Classical Arabic)

Develop your understanding of Arabic

Why study this course?

The Master of Arts (Classical Arabic) at CSU was developed in response to demand from students and the Islamic community for a dedicated program of study focusing on developing skills in reading, writing and speaking the Arabic language in addition to analysing classical Arabic Islamic text.

The Classical Arabic program aims to enable students to read and recite the Qur'an in its original Arabic using recitation rules, study Arabic grammar and textual structures so they can access and understand classical primary Islamic texts, provide exposure to Arabic terminology in core Islamic disciplines, and develop a proficiency in modern standard Arabic so students can access contemporary Islamic scholarly discourse.

You will study core subjects focusing on different aspects of Arabic language, including one subject offering the opportunity to study at a respected Arabic university. You can also select an elective enabling you to focus on Arabic language and Qur'an reading, or Arabic language and Tajweed (Qur'an recitation).

Course structure

Master of Arts (Classical Arabic)
The Master of Arts (Classical Arabic) at CSU will enable you to develop advanced language proficiency and independent research and analytical skills in classical Islamic texts. You will gain an advanced understanding of grammar through the study of Islamic texts written in Arabic. You will develop a proficiency reciting the Qur'an and advanced reading, writing and speaking skills in modern standarad Arabic, as well as a level of expertise in classical Arabic and the ability to understand and analyse the Qur'an in its original Arabic form. The course will also include applied subjects related to Arabic eloquence critical to analysing and understanding classical texts. The Master degree allows students to supplement their research or studies in other Islamic Studies fields.

Graduate Diploma of Arts (Classical Arabic)
During the Graduate Diploma of Arts (Classical Arabic), you will complete seven core subjects and one elective, developing intermediate proficiency in classical Arabic language. You will gain foundational knowledge and analytical skills in the study of classical Arabic, and an intermediate understanding of Arabic grammar through the study of Islamic texts written in Arabic. You will develop proficiency reciting the Qur'an, and intermediate skills in writing, speaking and reading in modern standard Arabic.

Graduate Certificate in Arts (Classical Arabic)
Students in the Gradutae Certificate in Arts (Classical Arabic) will complete three core subjects and one elective subject. Graduates will have a foundational level of proficiency in classical Arabic and a broad based knowledge and critical skills in the study of classical Arabic. This course prepares you for basic proficiency in reciting the Qur'an, provides introductory reading, writing and speaking skills, and prepares you for further academic study in classical Arabic.

More information about the course structure

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject outlines and in course materials.