Symbiosis Skills And Open University PhD in Arabic Admission 2025, Placements, Check Marking Scheme, Answer Key

PhD in Arabic

Course Level

Semester 1: Foundations and Advanced Studies

Advanced Arabic Linguistics

• Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, and Pragmatics in Arabic
• Dialectology and Sociolinguistics of the Arab World
• Arabic Lexicography and Computational Linguistics

Classical Arabic Literature: A Critical Overview

• Classical Arabic prose and poetry (pre-Islamic to medieval)
• Analysis of major works and authors (e.g., Al-Jahiz, Al-Mutanabbi, etc.)
• Methodologies for literary criticism and analysis

Research Methodology in Arabic Studies

• Research design and approaches in Arabic literary and linguistic studies
• Use of primary and secondary sources (e.g., manuscripts, modern critiques)
• Academic writing and presentation skills

Arabic Literary Theory and Criticism

• Study of major schools of thought in Arabic literary criticism (e.g., classical vs. modern)
• Comparative analysis with Western literary theories
• Key theorists like Ibn Rashiq, Abd al-Qahir al-Jurjani, and Edward Said

Semester 2: Specialized Areas in Arabic Studies

Modern Arabic Literature and its Development

• 19th and 20th-century Arabic literature (e.g., Naguib Mahfouz, Taha Hussein)
• The role of colonialism, nationalism, and modernism in Arabic literature
• Literary movements: Realism, Romanticism, Modernism, and Postmodernism

Arabic Translation Theory and Practice

• History and theory of translation in Arabic
• Translation of literary, technical, and legal texts
• Challenges in translating Arabic dialects and literary styles

Arabic Dialects and Sociolinguistic Studies

• Study of major Arabic dialects (Egyptian, Levantine, Gulf, Maghrebi, etc.)
• Language variation and social factors in dialectal differences
• Code-switching and diglossia in Arab-speaking societies

Arabic in the Media and Contemporary World

• Study of modern Arabic in media (e.g., newspapers, television, social media)
• Language politics, media influence, and the role of Arabic in the global context
• Arabic language in the digital age

Semester 3: Advanced Topics and Research Preparation

Comparative Arabic Literature and World Literatures

• Comparative studies between Arabic and other world literatures
• Cross-cultural literary influences
• Themes such as exile, identity, and modernity

The Arabic Novel and its Evolution

• Analysis of the development of the Arabic novel
• Focus on landmark works and authors in the Arabic novel tradition
• The impact of social and political changes on Arabic fiction

Arabic Rhetoric and Stylistics

• The art of rhetoric (balagha) in classical Arabic texts
• Stylistic devices in Arabic poetry and prose
• The role of rhetoric in shaping the Arabic language

Dissertation Proposal Development

• Seminar on developing a dissertation proposal
• Selection of research topic, question formulation, and hypothesis
• Research planning and timeline development

Semester 4: Comprehensive Research and Dissertation Work

Dissertation Writing I

• Students begin writing their dissertation under the supervision of a faculty advisor
• Regular seminars or workshops to present progress, get feedback, and discuss challenges

Literature Review and Research Analysis

• In-depth literature review related to the research topic
• Critical analysis and synthesis of existing research in Arabic studies
• Drafting and refining the theoretical framework of the dissertation

Arabic Culture and Society in Historical Perspective

• Study of key historical events, figures, and movements shaping Arab culture
• Focus on the impact of Islamic civilization, colonialism, and nationalism
• Arabic cultural expressions in art, music, and philosophy

Research Seminars and Presentations

• Students present their research findings at regular academic seminars
• Peer and faculty feedback to refine research direction and methodology

Semester 5: Advanced Research and Dissertation Development

Dissertation Writing II

• Continued research and writing with a focus on completing chapters
• Data analysis and textual interpretations
• Ensuring methodological rigor and academic integrity

Arabic Literary Modernism and Postmodernism

• Examination of the influence of modernism and postmodernism on Arabic literature
• Key writers and thinkers in this field (e.g., Mahmoud Darwish, Elias Khoury, etc.)
• Impact of global literary trends on Arabic literary production

Finalizing Dissertation and Defense Preparation

• Final revisions of dissertation drafts
• Preparing for the oral defense, addressing potential questions and critiques
• Structuring the final dissertation and submitting it for review

Semester 6: Dissertation Completion and Defense

Dissertation Writing III (Final Draft)

• Completion and final editing of dissertation
• Incorporating feedback from advisors and peers

Dissertation Defense

• Oral defense of the dissertation before a committee of experts
• Responding to questions and critiques from faculty members

Post-Defense Revisions and Submission

• Revisions based on feedback from the defense
• Final submission of the dissertation for approval and graduation