Spring2024
Department of Arabic and Translation Studies
Head of Department
Salāms, and welcome to the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies (ATS). As the head of the department, it is my honor to introduce you to the diverse and inclusive learning environment that we cherish and foster here at ATS. Our educational mission is centered on imparting in our students a profound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Arab-Islamic civilization, and to provide them with a comprehensive education in four distinct disciplines: Arabic Studies, Translation Studies, Islamic Studies, and Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL).
We believe in serving all students, regardless of their majors, and offer three minor programs to fulfill their diverse needs and interests. These minors consist of 12-credit hours each and are designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge in their respective areas of interest.|-BREAK-|
The two minor programs are:
⁍ Arabic Language and Literature, which is aimed at giving students a comprehensive understanding of the Arabic language and its rich heritage, literature, culture and society.
⁍ Translation, which is aimed at equipping students with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to become professional translators and increase their employability and understanding of the other in a more globalized world.
⁍ Additionally, ATS offers multiple courses in Islamic Studies, which introduce students to the history, religion, culture and society of the Islamic world, with a particular focus on Seerah, Hadith, and Qur’anic Studies.
Furthermore, our AFL courses provide students with the opportunity to learn and improve their language skills in a practical setting. Our faculty members are a talented and dedicated group of experts who are accomplished in both teaching and research. With their extensive experience and wealth of knowledge, they are committed to providing students with an exceptional learning experience. Our graduates are highly sought-after by employers in a wide range of fields, including government, education, international business and media.
We invite you to join our vibrant community of students and scholars and look forward to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Ahmed Ali
Head of Department
Conferences
Text, Context and Interpretation: Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Qur’an | April 8–9, 2026
Contribute to the conversation on one of the world’s most influential texts. This two-day conference offers a space to examine the Qur’an as the foundational source of Islamic spiritual, legal and ethical guidance—alongside the ḥadīth tradition that contextualizes its revelation. Engage with the Qur’an in its socio-historical setting, unpack its interpretive traditions from early Islam to the present and explore its meanings through interdisciplinary approaches—drawing from theology, law, linguistics, hermeneutics, gender studies and digital humanities. Researchers, graduate students and academics are invited to critically engage with the Qur’an through diverse lenses—textual, contextual, and interpretative—and re-examine its enduring significance in dialogue with the Prophetic tradition.
Programs
Master of Arts in Translation (English/Arabic/English)
Minor in Arabic Language and Literature
Minor in English/Arabic Translation
Faculty
Ms. Wesam Al-Assadi
Instructor
MA, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Dr. Mariam Al-Attar
Senior Lecturer
PhD, Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies Department, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Dr. Meis Al-Kaisi
Associate Professor
PhD, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, United Kingdom
Professor Ahmed Ali
Professor
PhD, Durham University, United Kingdom
- 1 of 4
- next ›
Research
The research profile of the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies is diverse. Department faculty members’ research agendas delve into matters central to the field, covering a wide range of interests and specializations.
- Arabic Linguistics
- Arabic corpus linguistics
- Arabic dialectology
- Arabic historical linguistics
- Arabic semantics and pragmatics
- Teaching Arabic as a foreign language
- Arabic Literature
- Arabic music
- Classical and modern Arabic poetry in translation
- Classical Arabic literature and thought
- Modern Arabic literature
- Modern Arabic poetry
- Modernism in Arabic literature
- Postcolonial literature
- Islamic Studies
- Contemporary readings of the Qur’an
- Ethics in Muslim traditions
- Hadith and Sunna both in their historical context and contemporary expression
- Islam and mass media
- Islamic jurisprudence
- Islamic philosophy and kalām
- Modern Islamic movements
- Muslim intellectual history
- Qur'anic studies and exegesis
- Sufism and classical Arabic Sufi texts
- Translation Studies
- Arabic rhetoric
- Audiovisual translation
- Contrastive linguistics and translation
- Corpus-based translation studies
- Intercultural communication
- Localization
- Machine translation
- Terminology
Summer Intensive Arabic Program
Study Arabic in Sharjah!
Learn Arabic. Live Arabic. Love Arabic.
This summer, make the leap that will set you apart for years to come.
Language is power, and the Arabic language opens doors to one of the world's most dynamic regions. This summer, immerse yourself in a transformative experience that goes beyond the classroom—one that builds your skills, expands your horizons and connects you to the heart of the Arab world.
- Why Arabic? Why Now?
- Gain a competitive edge in global business, diplomacy and culture.
- Connect with over 400 million Arabic speakers worldwide.
- Elevate your resume with a unique, marketable skill that sets you apart.
- Your Pathway to Success Starts Here
Join the Summer Arabic Program at American University of Sharjah (AUS), where learning meets inspiration. Whether you’re a complete beginner or building on foundational skills, we’ve got you covered:
- Elementary I (ARA 105): For total beginners ready to explore Arabic.
- Elementary II (ARA 106): For learners advancing to the next level.
- Program Overview
- Dates: May 28–July 14, 2025 (Eid break and exam day excluded)
- Schedule: 24 interactive classes, Monday through Thursday, 1 hour 45 minutes each.
- Credit Hours: 3 per course
- What Makes This Program Exceptional?
- Learn from the Best: Our expert native-speaker professors will guide you in mastering Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and a spoken dialect.
- Engage Beyond the Classroom: Dive into hands-on cultural experiences, connecting language to real-life situations.
- Immerse in a Thriving Community: Study in Sharjah, named a UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World, on a beautiful, safe campus just minutes from Dubai.
- How it Works:
Drawing from cutting-edge psychological insights, our program leverages:
- Immersive Learning: Engage all your senses to retain and apply your new skills.
- Community Connection: Build a support network with like-minded learners.
- Transformative Experiences: Move beyond textbooks into meaningful, real-world practice.
Take the Next Step
Spots are limited, and the journey to unlocking your future starts today. Apply now to secure your place in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn Arabic while living it! See you in Sharjah!
- Eligibility
Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better are encouraged to apply. All accepted students, except for complete beginners, will take an online placement test.
- Dates and Deadlines
- Deadline to Apply: April 6, 2025
- Deadline for Tuition Fees Payment: April 21, 2025
- Online Placement Test: TBA
- Arrival/Dorms Open: May 23, 2025
- International Exchange Office Orientation and Trip: May 24, 2025 (whole day)
- Course Dates | May 28–July 14, 2025
- Exams: July 16, 2025
- Departure: July 17–18, 2025
- Program Fees
Tuition Fees (only)
US$ 3,630 per course
Estimated Accommodation Fee
US$ 1,878 Private Room
US$ 1,330 Semi-Private
US$ 1,011 based on a shared dorm room (double-sharing) on campus
Other AUS Estimated Fees: US$ 1,000 for:
- application fee
- room booking deposit
- refundable dorm damage deposit
- orientation
- visa
- AUS insurance
Exclusions: The program fee does not include meals, books, travel costs and personal expenses.
- Textbooks
Both levels use materials designed by the instructor in combination with the following textbook:
al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum al-Arabiyya (Part 1, 3rd ed.)For further information, please contact:
- [email protected] (Department of Arabic and Translation Studies)
- [email protected] (International Exchange Office)
ATS reserves the right to cancel any course without prior notice.
For further information, please contact:
- [email protected] (Department of Arabic and Translation Studies)
- [email protected] (International Exchange Office)
Seats are limited, so apply today.
Facilities
AUS Library
Our students have access to the latest print and electronic materials in the field through the university's library.
As one of the region's premier libraries, the AUS Library is an outstanding facility that provides collections, services and programs to support the curricular and research needs of the entire university community. The majority of our library's rapidly growing physical collection is in English; however, there are also materials available in Arabic.
Our students have access to an online catalog system that can be used to search for library materials from any location on or off campus. They can also access e-books, online databases, full-text journals and other digital resources.
Interpreting Laboratory
Our fully functioning simultaneous interpreting lab is equipped with Tandberg conferencing equipment, the standard in the field. It features 11 single booths for simultaneous interpreting training and 10 points around a table for consecutive interpreting training. That setup can also be used to simulate conference events with principles seated at table and interpreters working in the booths.
Arabic Resource Center
The Arabic Resource Center is a specialized language learning room, equipped with a smart board, overhead projector, computer stations, and a library of Arabic learning resources and Arabic novels in translation. Its large meeting table and easy chairs encourage an intimate classroom environment where students can interact easily.
ATS Newsletters
Fall2023
ARAbesque Newsletter English
Spring2023
ARAbesque Newsletter English
Spring2023
almajalla Newsletter Arabic
Fall2022
ARAbesque Newsletter English
Fall2022
almajalla Newsletter Arabic
Are you ready to take the next step?
Contact
For more information about our department or programs, please contact us:
Department of Arabic and Translation Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
American University of Sharjah
P.O. Box 26666
Sharjah, UAE
Department Head
Dr. Ahmed Ali
Tel +971 6 515 2812
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant
Lamiaa Elanany
Tel +971 6 515 2600
[email protected]
For admission information, please visit https://infodesk.aus.edu, sign up and post your query.
