About the Arabic Studies Program
The Arabic studies program bridges worlds, there is an Arabis 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.
According to Fam, the primary goal of the College of Charleston's Arbaic studies program has alwasy been "to enable students of communicate in standard Arabic in the shortest time possible." Fam created a seven-course comprehensive Arabic studies program, which focuses on both written and spoekn standard Arabic and introduces students to Arab society, history, and culture. Fam has ambitiously worked to successfully meet the program's primary goal since its humble inception in 1980, but his "baby" as he likes to call it, has journeyed to become the most comprehensive Arabic studies program in the state.
When professor Fam began the Arabic studies program at the College he had only one student. By 1997 that figure rose to about a dozen, and since 2003, an average of 135 students enroll each semester, and enrollment numbers are steadily increasing. Historically, foreign language education in the United States has been very much reactive - when a crisis occurs abroad, Americans start studying a language, and as the crisis dissipates interest wanes. What make the recent rise in enrollment in Arabic language courses so noteworthy is the fact that Middle Eastern studies has become a national priority in the United States. The demand for Arabic speaking people, Fam explained, is much more intense and much wider in perspective than previous trends.
Despite the relative difficulty of the language, national security issues and a tremendous increase in the availability of jobs for Arabic speakers in both public and private sectors have made it one of the most popular offerings in foreign language studies. All students can benefit from Arabic classes at the College of Charleston. Professor Fam has had a number of the College's faculty enrolled in his program, including Dr. George Pothering the department chair of the computer science department. When asked what distinguishes Fam's program from others Pothering answered, "its the non-intimidating, enjoyable atmosphere Professor Fam brings to the class." Pothering added, "you also get some interesting insights into Arabic culture."
The Arabic studies program also sponsors a club for all students who are interested in Arabic languages and cultures. The clubs extracurricular activites include gatherings for Arabic conversation, Middle Eastern cooking classes, and belly dancing lessons. American life is vitally connected to the dynamic region of the Middle East, and Fam believes "cultural exchange and education" are keys to providing future generations with new perspectives. The Arabic studies program at the College of Charleston provides a vigorous strategy for gaining insight into crucial contemporary global issues, as well as the linguistic and cultural tools needed for those who wish to take the first steps in bridging the expansive gulf between Western and Middle Eastern cultures.