Study Abroad 2006
Mali, Tunisia and Egypt
See the Study Abroad page for more info.
About the Arabic Program
The Arabic studies program bridges worlds; there is an Arabic proverb that means "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." When professor George Fam implemented an Arabic studies program at the College of Charleston in 1980, he didn't foresee the crisis of the Gulf War or the events that led to September 11th. He simply envisioned a need to take the first step in creating a comprehensive educational program that could serve as a "roadmap" to understanding Middle Eastern cultures.
The Arabic Club
The purpose of this organization is to give students the opportunity to meet and discuss Arab culture, it's not a political club. The culture of the Middle East is one of the most hotly debated topics in America today, yet few people know much about the countries in which the US has taken such a violent interest. Georgette Hachem, the Vice President of the clus says that her interst in the club was sparked because "I wanted to make it clear that Arabs aren't a bunch of terrorists."
Coming Events
- February 8 -- Poetry Night
Faculty House 5-7 p.m.
Latest Links
- Egypt Study Abroad 2006
- Lingo24 Translation Tool
- Lingo24 Expressions
- Near Eastern Judaica Content
- Arabia Online
- Arabic Pathways
- Sahafa Online
- BBC Middle Eastern News
- CNN Middle Eastern News
- Access to Arabia
- Arab Net
- Camera Media Report
- Center of Islamic Studies
- Middle East Institute
- Middle East Council
Navigation
About The Professor
The Program is headed by Professor George Fam, who has taught Arabic for the last 25 years. His office is located in the Bell Building, Room 200. Or he can be reached via phone at (843) 953-8216 or via fax at (843) 953-7642. He can also be emailed at famg@cofc.edu.
About the Arabic Language
The Arabic language is the key to understanding a group of 22 nations and over 200 million native Arabic speakers. There are also over a billion Muslims who use Arabic as their liturgical language. The most important goals of this department have been to produce highly proficient Arabic linguists, raise American consciousness about the Arab world and Islam, and create a more profound understanding of Arab culture and literature. There is a critical shortage of Americans who can communicate competently at high levels of professional proficiency with the people of the Arab world. This shortage exists at all levels of government, in business and in research institutions.