Arabic Minor

We offer Arabic at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. Our language courses are proficiency-based and include reading, writing, speaking, grammar, and cultural competency. Courses such as Arabic literature and culture and Arab cinema (in translation) will help you develop familiarity in both literacy skills and cultural movements.

In your Arabic-learning journey, you have access to personalized support. You will connect with conversation partners and peer tutors of Arabic, and work closely with various Middle East related student organizations. This allows you to interact with students of Arab heritage in an informal setting that promotes cross-cultural understanding. 

Arabic is an official language of the United Nations and the official language in 22 Arab countries. It is also the religious language of Islam, the faith of over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

Arab civilization has made significant contributions to the world in areas including medicine, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, music, philosophy, poetry, and astronomy. Learning Arabic will help you better understand and appreciate a region that is often misrepresented and oversimplified in the mainstream media.

Studying Arabic is made easier by the systematic, easy-to-follow structures and patterns. Learners appreciate more and more as they progress in their studies by reading texts in original Arabic language and conducting valuable fieldwork.

Students pursuing Arabic often secure study-abroad scholarships and other professional development opportunities because Arabic is designated as a critical language.

Proficiency in Arabic makes you a stronger candidate for graduate school, particularly in disciplines such as middle east studies, religious studies, international studies, political science, anthropology, education, comparative literature, cultural studies, and linguistics.

Knowing Arabic makes you more marketable in fields such as journalism, translation, engineering, foreign service, international law/business/banking, teaching and research, consultancy, and international development.