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MA-ARABIC in Arabic at M.E.S. College, Marampally
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Arabic at M.E.S. College, Marampally Ernakulam?
This MA Arabic program at M.E.S. College, Ernakulam focuses on a comprehensive study of Arabic language, literature, culture, and Islamic studies. It delves into the rich historical evolution of Arabic literature from its pre-Islamic roots to modern trends, encompassing classical and contemporary poetry, prose, and critical theories. In the Indian context, proficiency in Arabic opens doors to various fields including education, translation, and media, where demand for skilled Arabic linguists is steadily increasing. The program emphasizes both classical depth and modern applicability.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates holding a B.A. in Arabic or Afzal-ul-Ulama degrees who aspire to build a strong foundation in advanced Arabic studies. It also caters to individuals seeking careers in academia, translation, journalism, or cultural diplomacy. Working professionals in related fields looking to deepen their expertise or transition into teaching roles will find the advanced curriculum beneficial. A strong aptitude for linguistics and cultural studies is a key prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Arabic lecturers in colleges, school teachers, translators, content writers, and cultural attachés. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 5 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more, especially in translation and media. The program prepares students for NET/JRF examinations, paving the way for research and higher education, and equips them for positions in Gulf-focused businesses and diplomacy.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Language Practice- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom learning, actively engage in daily Arabic conversation and reading. Form study groups to practice speaking and discuss literary texts, thereby enhancing conversational fluency and comprehension.
Tools & Resources
Al-Jazeera Arabic news, Arabic movies with subtitles, Hans Wehr online dictionary, HelloTalk language exchange app
Career Connection
Builds essential fluency for translation, media, and teaching roles, ensuring strong communication skills from the outset, crucial for career advancement.
Mastering Grammar and Morphology- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate focused time to thoroughly understand and apply Arabic grammar (Nahw) and morphology (Sarf). Practice conjugation and syntactic analysis daily using exercises to solidify foundational linguistic knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Al-Nahw al-Wafi by Abbas Hasan, Online grammar drills, Flashcards for irregular verbs and grammatical rules
Career Connection
Crucial for accurate translation, academic writing, and effective teaching, forming the backbone of advanced linguistic competence highly valued in professional settings.
Broad Reading of Classical Texts- (Semester 1-2)
Supplement prescribed texts with independent reading of simplified classical Arabic literature (poetry and prose) to build vocabulary, understand historical contexts, and appreciate different literary styles.
Tools & Resources
Anthologies of classical Arabic poetry, Excerpts from Kalila wa Dimna, Simplified versions of Abbasid literature
Career Connection
Enhances literary analysis skills, cultural understanding, and depth of knowledge required for research, criticism, and academic careers in Arabic studies.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Skill Development through Electives- (Semester 3)
Maximize the elective choice in Semester 3 by deeply exploring the chosen area (Functional Arabic, Media Arabic, or Calligraphy). Seek out practical projects or internships related to the elective field.
Tools & Resources
Industry-specific Arabic content (e.g., business reports, news transcripts), Relevant software for design/publishing (for Calligraphy/Media), Online courses on specialized Arabic skills
Career Connection
Directly applies skills for potential job roles in media, business communication, or cultural preservation, making graduates job-ready in a niche area of expertise.
Engage in Literary Criticism and Debate- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in discussions on literary criticism and Islamic studies. Write analytical essays on various literary movements and critical theories, fostering critical thinking and argumentative skills.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Journal of Arabic Literature), Literary forums and discussion groups, Critical essays on classical and modern Arabic works
Career Connection
Develops the analytical and argumentative skills vital for research, teaching, and informed commentary in academic or journalistic spheres, enhancing intellectual rigor.
Early Research and Proposal Writing- (Semester 3)
Begin exploring potential dissertation topics early in the semester. Practice formulating clear research questions and writing concise research proposals, actively seeking faculty mentorship and feedback.
Tools & Resources
University library resources and research databases, Academic writing guides and style manuals, Faculty consultation and thesis advisors
Career Connection
Prepares effectively for the dissertation in Semester 4, which is essential for academic careers, and hones research skills valued across various professional fields.
Advanced Stage
Dissertation Excellence and Presentation- (Semester 4)
Focus intensely on developing a high-quality dissertation by conducting thorough research, engaging in regular supervision meetings, and refining your arguments. Practice presenting your findings clearly and confidently.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (if applicable), Citation management tools (Zotero, Mendeley), University writing center and academic proofreaders
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is crucial for higher studies (PhD) and demonstrates advanced research, analytical, and communication skills to potential employers, signaling expertise.
NET/JRF Examination Preparation- (Semester 4)
Simultaneously prepare for the National Eligibility Test (NET) and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) exams, which are crucial for academic positions and research scholarships in India. Attend workshops and solve previous year''''s papers.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET Arabic syllabus and past papers, Online coaching platforms and study groups, Mahatma Gandhi University library resources for reference
Career Connection
Directly unlocks opportunities for Assistant Professor positions in colleges and universities across India and eligibility for lucrative research scholarships, securing academic future.
Professional Networking and Career Planning- (Semester 4)
Attend academic conferences, cultural events, and workshops. Actively connect with faculty, alumni, and professionals in fields requiring Arabic expertise. Develop a clear, actionable career plan.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, University career services and alumni network, Professional associations for Arabists and linguists
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, job referrals, and insights into industry trends, significantly aiding in securing desired employment or further academic pursuits post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. Degree in Arabic/Afzal-ul-Ulama with 45% marks in optional/main subjects from Mahatma Gandhi University or any other University recognized by Mahatma Gandhi University. SC/ST candidates are eligible for admission with minimum pass marks. OBC candidates are eligible for a 5% relaxation.
Duration: 2 years (4 Semesters)
Credits: 68 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARA 21 C01 | History of Arabic Literature (Pre-Islamic to Abbasid Period) | Core | 4 | Pre-Islamic Literature (Jahiliya), Early Islamic Period Literature, Umayyad Period Poetry and Prose, Abbasid Golden Age Literature, Literary figures and movements |
| ARA 21 C02 | Arabic Morphology and Syntax | Core | 4 | Introduction to Sarf (Morphology), Verb Conjugation and Derivations, Ism (Noun) Derivation and Types, Nahw (Syntax) Fundamentals, Sentence Structure and Grammatical Analysis, Cases (Raf'''', Nasb, Jarr) and their applications |
| ARA 21 C03 | History of Arabic Criticism | Core | 4 | Early Islamic Criticism, Umayyad and Abbasid Critical Trends, Prominent Critics and their works, Rhetoric and Stylistics (Balagha), Influence of Greek philosophy on criticism |
| ARA 21 C04 | Translation and Communication Skills in Arabic | Core | 4 | Principles of Translation (Arabic to English & vice-versa), Types of Translation (Literary, Scientific, Media), Communication Theories and Practice, Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, Drafting Official Letters and Reports |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARA 22 C05 | History of Arabic Literature (Abbasid to Modern Period) | Core | 4 | Decline of Abbasid Literature, Mamluk and Ottoman Periods, Literary Renaissance (Nahda), Modern Literary Movements, Contemporary Arabic Literature |
| ARA 22 C06 | Islamic Studies | Core | 4 | Sources of Islam (Quran, Hadith, Sunnah), Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Islamic Ethics and Morality, History of Islamic Civilization, Contemporary Islamic thought |
| ARA 22 C07 | Principles of Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Western Theories (Plato, Aristotle), Romanticism and Realism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist and Post-Colonial Criticism, Application to Arabic Literature |
| ARA 22 C08 | History of Classical Arabic Poetry | Core | 4 | Pre-Islamic Odes (Mu''''allaqat), Poetry of Early Islam, Abbasid Poetic Innovations, Panegyric, Satire, Elegy forms, Key Classical Poets (e.g., Imru'''' al-Qays, Al-Mutanabbi) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARA 23 C09 | Modern Arabic Poetry | Core | 4 | Pioneers of Modern Arabic Poetry, Romantic School (Diwan, Apollo), Free Verse Movement, Symbolism and Surrealism in Arabic Poetry, Major Modern Poets and their themes |
| ARA 23 C10 | Modern Arabic Prose | Core | 4 | Emergence of Novel and Short Story, Pioneers of Modern Drama, Essays and Journalism, Major Prose Writers and their styles, Development of Modern Arabic Narratives |
| ARA 23 C11 | Teaching of Arabic (Methodology) | Core | 4 | Principles of Language Teaching, Approaches and Methods (Grammar-Translation, Communicative), Lesson Planning and Material Development, Assessment and Evaluation in Language Teaching, ICT in Arabic Language Education |
| ARA 23 E01 | Elective I | Elective | 4 | (Students choose ONE from the following options):, Functional Arabic: Business Correspondence, Everyday Conversations, Tourism Arabic, Public Administration Arabic, Practical Arabic for specific fields., Media Arabic: News Reporting, Journalistic Arabic, Radio & TV Scripting, Interviewing Techniques, Media Ethics., Arabic Calligraphy & Art: History of Arabic Calligraphy, Different Scripts (Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani), Geometric Patterns, Islamic Art Principles, Calligraphy Practice. |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARA 24 C12 | Modern Trends in Arabic Literature | Core | 4 | Post-Colonial Arabic Literature, Literature of Resistance, New Genres and Forms, Influence of Global Literature, Contemporary Literary Debates |
| ARA 24 E02 | Elective II | Elective | 4 | (Students choose ONE from the following options):, Comparative Literature: Theories of Comparative Literature, Influence and Reception Studies, Thematic and Generic Comparisons, Translation Studies in Comparative Context, East-West Literary Encounters., Manuscriptology: History of Arabic Manuscripts, Paleography, Codicology, Cataloging and Preservation, Textual Criticism., Gulf Studies: History and Culture of Gulf Region, Economy and Politics of GCC, Contemporary Issues in Gulf, India-Gulf Relations, Arabic Dialects of Gulf. |
| ARA 24 D01 | Dissertation | Dissertation | 8 | Research Methodology, Literature Review and Topic Selection, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Academic Ethics in Research |
| ARA 24 V01 | Viva Voce | Viva Voce | 4 | Comprehensive understanding of MA Arabic curriculum, Presentation and defense of dissertation, General knowledge of Arabic language and literature, Communication and analytical skills |
