Yearly research-oriented programme 2010 - 2011 | Institut français du Proche-Orient

Yearly research-oriented programme 2010 - 2011

18 February, 2009 - 18:11 — Ifpo

The yearly programme in Arabic at Ifpo (Département des Études arabes, médiévales et modernes) provides a comprehensive, research-oriented, linguistic training. It is open to students having had at least two years of Arabic, and able to produce a research project. Classes are given in Arabic. Knowledge of French is not necessary, but would be useful.

Ifpo professors simultaneously hold teaching positions in Syrian institutions, or are involved in research programmes. Eric Gautier currently heads the programme in Arabic. Dr. Gautier holds a position of assistant professor of Arabic at the University of Paris IV - Sorbonne.

The teaching comprises at least fifteen weekly hours, which are divided into eleven hours of group sessions and four hours of individual tutorials. Group sessions are given on the following topics: Arabic grammar and linguistics, classical literature, history of the Arab world, Islamic history, Islamic thought, modern literature, oral and written expression, media and contemporary Arabic culture, Syrian dialect. In the individual tutorials, the student chooses a field of study, and is taught by the professor who specialises in that subject. Individual tutorials allow each student to better define his or her research project and, in the case of students already advanced in their research, to make substantial progress. Individual tutorials can also be adjusted to a professional project.

Every year, Ifpo’s language programme admits eight or nine French students on scholarships granted from the Ministry of National Education. Because of agreements made with different universities (Oxford, Exeter, Durham, Australian National University etc), and international institutions (IEP Paris, Lyon), Ifpo offers an annual Arabic language programme to their students. There are also about twenty-five students of other nationalities (European, American, Japanese, etc.).

Ifpo teaches each year up to 45 students. Applicants are selected on the basis of their application and results in the Arabic test, which is sent to them following their application letter. Once they arrive at the Institute, those who have been accepted undergo an oral test, which enables the staff to determine precisely their level in Arabic. Students are placed into four groups, each comprising about twelve people.

The yearly programme (27 weeks) is divided into three terms (from October 11 to December 18, 2010, from the beginning of January to the end of March and from mid-April to mid-June 2011). The cost is 3900 Euros for the whole programme. Students pay the fees at the beginning of the programme, in Euros (by check or credit transfer) or in Syrian Pounds (the amount will be calculated by Ifpo on the basis of a fixed exchange rate.

On their arrival in Damascus, students attending the programme in Arabic are expected to find their own accommodation. A list of rooms and flats for rent is available at the Institute.

The students must arrive at least one week prior to the beginning of the course to take an oral placement exam and to take care of various formalities.

We suggest that the applications be sent by express mail before 20th June 2010.

Ifpo does not offer financial support to students attending the programme in Arabic.

Forms for the yearly programme of 2010-2011, as well as for the summer programme 2010, can be requested by e-mail as soon as January 2011.

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