.png&w=1920&q=75)
BA in Arabic And Islamic History at University of Calicut
Malappuram, Kerala
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Arabic and Islamic History at University of Calicut Malappuram?
This BA Arabic and Islamic History program at University of Calicut offers comprehensive understanding of Arabic language, literature, and Islamic civilization''''s historical trajectory. Integrating classical and modern Arabic texts with socio-political developments, its interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates for diverse academic, diplomatic, and cultural roles. This caters to growing demand for specialized experts within the Indian job market effectively.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a keen interest in linguistics, history, and cultural studies, especially those aspiring for careers involving the Middle East, Islamic studies, or South Asian historical research. It also suits individuals seeking roles in translation, cultural exchange, or journalism, requiring a strong foundation in both Arabic and Islamic history. Passion for interdisciplinary learning is crucial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India as content writers, translators, cultural attaches, archivists, researchers, or educators in universities and madrasas. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Growth trajectories include academic professorships, diplomatic postings, or specialized research in government and private think tanks, aligning with language proficiency certifications.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Arabic Grammar and Vocabulary- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate daily time to mastering fundamental Arabic grammar rules (Nahv and Sarf) and expanding vocabulary beyond textbooks. Utilize flashcards, online dictionaries like Almaany, and practice basic sentence construction.
Tools & Resources
Almaany.com, Anki (flashcard app), Easy Arabic Grammar by Mahmoud Gaafar, online language exchange platforms
Career Connection
A strong linguistic foundation is crucial for translation, interpretation, content writing, and academic research roles.
Engage with Early Islamic Texts & History- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the syllabus, read simplified versions or translations of foundational Islamic texts (e.g., excerpts from the Quran, Hadith collections, early historical chronicles). Form study groups to discuss historical contexts and interpretations.
Tools & Resources
Online Quran and Hadith databases, A Brief Introduction to Islam by F. Rahman, academic journals via university library
Career Connection
Builds historical context essential for research, archival, cultural preservation, and educational positions.
Develop Academic Reading & Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving critical reading of academic articles and effective essay writing in both English and basic Arabic. Seek feedback from professors on assignments and participate in university writing workshops to hone skills.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, academic style guides, university library''''s reference section, faculty office hours
Career Connection
Essential for higher studies, research, and any professional role requiring clear and structured communication.
Intermediate Stage
Enhance Functional Arabic Communication- (Semester 3-5)
Actively practice spoken Arabic through language clubs, debates, and engaging with native speakers if possible. Focus on conversational skills relevant to media, diplomacy, and everyday situations to improve fluency and confidence.
Tools & Resources
HelloTalk, Tandem (language exchange apps), Al Jazeera Arabic news, Arabic movies/series with subtitles
Career Connection
Directly applicable for roles in international relations, journalism, cultural exchange, and tourism.
Explore Regional Islamic History & Culture- (Semester 3-5)
Research specific regional contributions of Islamic civilization, particularly in India (e.g., Mughal architecture, Sufi saints). Attend relevant cultural festivals or seminars to deepen understanding and broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) events, history books on Islamic India, documentary films and online archives
Career Connection
Specialization in regional history enhances opportunities in heritage management, local research, and cultural diplomacy.
Undertake Short-Term Translation Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Seek out opportunities for translating short articles, news pieces, or historical documents from Arabic to English/Malayalam and vice-versa. Volunteer for university department translation needs or local community projects.
Tools & Resources
Google Translate (for initial understanding, not final output), professional translation software tutorials, online forums for translation practice
Career Connection
Builds practical experience and a professional portfolio, crucial for a career as a translator or interpreter.
Advanced Stage
Conduct In-depth Research for Project- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a research topic early, conduct a thorough literature review, meticulously collect primary and secondary data, and write a high-quality project report. Seek continuous guidance from your faculty mentor for refinement.
Tools & Resources
Research journals via university library databases (e.g., JSTOR), Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Develops critical research skills essential for academia, think tanks, advanced studies, and policy analysis.
Prepare for Competitive Exams & Higher Studies- (Semester 6)
Identify relevant competitive exams (UPSC, state PSC for administrative roles, NET/JRF for academia) or postgraduate programs. Start preparing specifically for general knowledge, history, and Arabic sections, focusing on past papers.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, coaching institutes (if opting), online preparation platforms (e.g., Unacademy), career counseling services
Career Connection
Directly impacts entry into civil services, academic research, teaching positions, and further academic pursuits.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 6)
Attend academic conferences, seminars, and alumni events to connect with professionals in Arabic studies, Islamic history, and related fields. Seek mentorship for career guidance, potential collaborations, and job opportunities post-graduation.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, professional associations (e.g., Indian Association for Islamic Studies), university alumni network portal, guest lectures and webinars
Career Connection
Opens doors to job opportunities, collaborative projects, and provides long-term career support and guidance.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate must have passed the Plus Two or equivalent examination or any other examination recognized by the University of Calicut as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 113 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A01 | Common English I | Common Course (English) | 4 | Prose and Drama, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Communication Skills, Literary Appreciation |
| ARB1A01 | Common Arabic I | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Basic Grammar, Vocabulary Building, Simple Sentence Structures, Reading Practice, Translation Exercises |
| ARB1B01 | History of Arabic Literature - From Pre-Islamic Period to Abbasid Period | Core | 4 | Pre-Islamic Poetry, Early Islamic Literature, Umayyad Prose and Poetry, Abbasid Golden Age, Literary Movements |
| IHM1C01 | Approaches and Methodology of Islamic History | Complementary | 2 | Definition of History, Sources of Islamic History, Historiography, Early Muslim Historians, Modern Approaches |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A02 | Common English II | Common Course (English) | 3 | Poetry and Fiction, Advanced Reading Skills, Essay Writing, Vocabulary Expansion, Critical Analysis |
| ARB2A02 | Common Arabic II | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Advanced Grammar, Textual Comprehension, Composition, Functional Arabic, Cultural Aspects |
| ARB2B02 | History of Arabic Literature - From Abbasid Period to Modern Period | Core | 4 | Decline Period, Ottoman Influence, Modern Renaissance, Literary Schools, Contemporary Literature |
| IHM2C02 | Pre-Islamic Arabia and Rise of Islam | Complementary | 2 | Arabian Peninsula Geography, Socio-Economic Conditions, Religious Life, Life of Prophet Muhammad, Early Islamic State |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A03 | Common English III | Common Course (English) | 4 | Literary Criticism, Academic Writing, Research Skills, Argumentation, Presentation Techniques |
| ARB3A03 | Common Arabic III | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Rhetoric, Stylistics, Advanced Translation, Media Arabic, Professional Communication |
| ARB3B03 | Study of Quran and Hadith | Core | 4 | Revelation of Quran, Quranic Sciences, Collection of Hadith, Classification of Hadith, Significance of Sunnah |
| ARB3B04 | Functional Arabic | Core | 3 | Spoken Arabic, Official Correspondence, Job Interview Skills, Media Analysis, Report Writing |
| IHM3C03 | The Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates | Complementary | 2 | Umayyad Administration, Cultural Achievements, Abbasid Revolution, Golden Age of Islam, Scientific Progress |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A04 | Common English IV | Common Course (English) | 3 | Effective Communication, Business Correspondence, Public Speaking, Group Discussion, Interpersonal Skills |
| ARB4A04 | Common Arabic IV | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Literary Texts Analysis, Comparative Literature, Arabic Dialects, Critical Appreciation, Advanced Translation Practice |
| ARB4B05 | Study of Classical Arabic Prose | Core | 4 | Maqamat Literature, Classical Essays, Historical Narratives, Biographical Works, Rhetorical Devices |
| ARB4B06 | Study of Classical Arabic Poetry | Core | 3 | Pre-Islamic Odes, Abbasid Poets, Andalusian Poetry, Sufi Poetry, Poetic Forms and Meters |
| IHM4C04 | Major Islamic Dynasties in Medieval India | Complementary | 2 | Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Sufism in India, Indo-Islamic Architecture, Socio-Political Impact |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARB5B07 | Grammar and Morphology | Core | 4 | Syntax (Nahv), Morphology (Sarf), Arabic Linguistics, Grammatical Schools, Advanced Applications |
| ARB5B08 | Rhetoric and Prosody | Core | 4 | Balagha (Rhetoric), Ilm al-Ma''''ani, Ilm al-Badi'''', Ilm al-Bayan, Aruz (Prosody) |
| ARB5B09 | Modern Arabic Prose | Core | 4 | Novel and Short Story, Modern Drama, Essays and Articles, Literary Movements, Contemporary Writers |
| ARB5B10 | Modern Arabic Poetry | Core | 4 | Romanticism in Arabic Poetry, Free Verse Movement, Palestinian Poetry, Socio-Political Themes, Symbolism and Realism |
| IHM5C05 | Islamic Civilization in Europe: Spain | Complementary | 2 | Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba, Al-Andalus, Islamic Contributions to Science, Art and Architecture, Reconquista and Legacy |
| ARB5D01 | Open Course | Open Course | 3 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARB6B11 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Arabic Criticism, Modern Literary Theories, Comparative Criticism, Practical Criticism, Schools of Thought |
| ARB6B12 | Translation: Theory and Practice | Core | 4 | Principles of Translation, Translation Techniques, Cultural Equivalence, Types of Translation, Practical Translation Exercises |
| ARB6B13 | Principles of Dawah and Communication | Core | 4 | Dawah Methodology, Ethical Communication, Mass Media Impact, Intercultural Communication, Public Relations |
| ARB6B14 | Project and Viva Voce | Core (Project) | 4 | Research Methodology, Data Collection, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Viva Voce Examination |
| IHM6C06 | Reform Movements and Modern Trends in Islam | Complementary | 2 | Islamic Revivalism, Modernist Thinkers, Pan-Islamism, Challenges to Islamic World, Contemporary Issues |
