DEARBORN – After years of planning, the University of Michigan-Dearborn officially approved its new Arab American studies minor, which will begin for the winter 2012 semester.

Students will be given the choice of several unique classes exploring the historical, political, artistic, cultural and other aspects of the Arab American history through the new program that is believed to be the first of its kind among American universities according to associate provost Ismael Ahmed. 

“We are happy to be a recent addition to a long line of ethnic studies traditions that grew out of the civil rights movement,” said  Sally Howell, an assistant professor of Arab American studies and author. 

“We hope to provide courses of cultural, political, artistic, and professional relevance to students from all walks of life. 

The minor might seem especially relevant to people who live and work in the Detroit area where Arab Americans are such a visible and integral part of society, but we are also receiving inquiries from across the country. Many college students and early career professionals are expressing interest in this degree.” 

Howell said that faculty from the school’s Center for Arab American Studies will be given the opportunity to enhance services to students. Courses may also expand to include hands-on research and training through community organizations for internships, research and more. 

Hani Bawardi, assistant professor of Arab American studies and history, introduced Arab American studies courses at the school five years ago; two will be part of the minor.

Demand for the minor along with large Arab American student base both helped lead to the program. 

“UM-Dearborn could become a a major hub for scholarship and teaching on Arab American history and life, which can be translated into tangible programs of service and civic engagement,” Bawardi, who introduced Arab American courses at Wayne State before joining UM-D, said. 

Ron Stockton, political science professor, said the school is leading the way in the field. 

“Since we created the Center for Arab American Studies in 2000, we have been in the forefront of Arab American Studies.  We conducted the Detroit Arab American Study in 2003 with our Ann Arbor partners, and produced the definitive book on Arab American public opinion, ‘Citizenship and Crisis.’” 

Howell also co-authored ‘Arab Detroit 9/11: Life in the Terror Decade.’ 

“We have hosted scores of speakers and events,” Stockton said. “The creation of this minor is but one further step in an ongoing commitment.”