A "Greek and Arab diploma" likely refers to academic programs that combine the study of both Greek (often ancient) and Arabic languages, literature, and history, highlighting their historical and intellectual connections. These diplomas can focus on the transfer of knowledge from ancient Greek sources to the Islamic world, or on the parallel study of classical and Islamic cultures and civilizations. Programs may exist at the high school level (like the International Baccalaureate) or at the university level for postgraduate study.


Types of programs
Joint honors degrees:
Some universities offer joint degrees, such as a Master of Arts in Arabic and Ancient Greek, which explore the significant influence of classical Greek thought on Islamic scholarship.

Interdisciplinary courses:
Courses like an Introduction to Greek Culture offered by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina focus on the transfer of knowledge from the ancient Alexandrian school to the Islamic world.

Language and literature studies:
Other programs focus on specific skills, such as a diploma for beginners in Greek, or a two-year diploma in Arabic designed to enable students to read Islamic literature in its original language.

High school diplomas:
Language acquisition courses in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme can include Classical Greek or Arabic at both beginner (ab initio) and more advanced levels.

What they cover
Philosophical traditions:
The impact of Greek philosophy, especially from the School of Alexandria, on Islamic philosophers like Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, and Ibn Rushd.

Cultural exchange:
The historical flow of ideas, translation projects from Greek into Arabic, and the resulting influence on the fields of science, mathematics, and philosophy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Literature and history:
A deeper understanding of the literature, culture, and history of the classical and Islamic Mediterranean and Middle East.

Linguistic proficiency:
For language-focused diplomas, the goal is often to achieve a level of proficiency that allows for direct engagement with texts without translation.