The Arabic minor focuses on the Arabic language, literature, and culture. Students gain knowledge of the Arabic culture and literature necessary for authentic communication in the language in all sorts of contexts. The program’s aim is to teach Arabic as a language and its representative cultures. This is done through courses based on language, culture, and literature that analyze elements such as folklore, media, poetry, essay, music, film, the arts, etc. One distinguishing factor of this minor is its focus on presenting the Arab world outside of the political turmoil and stereotyping associated with it, privileging instead how Arab voices interpret their own civilizations through fields in the humanities.
Program Requirements: The Arabic Minor requires a total of 18 credit hours at the 200 and 300 levels:
Minor Courses in Arab language and proficiency (12 credit hours to achieve advanced intermediate proficiency)
| Code and Title | Hours |
| ARB 201 | Intermediate Arabic | 3 |
| ARB 202 | Intermediate Arabic | 3 |
| ARB 301 | Third-year Arabic | 3 |
| ARB 302 | Advanced Arabic | 3 |
| |
| Culture in Africa/Middle East | |
| Intro to Modern Arabic Lit | |
| The Arabian Nights | |
| Women in the Arab World | |
| Diversity and Gender Roles | |
| Total Hours | 18 |
In consultation with their advisor in Arabic, one but not more than two courses on the Arab world offered in other departments may be chosen to count towards the minor requirements. Courses currently in the approval process that will apply to a minor include: ARB 364 Diversity and Gender Roles.
The required/eligible courses are typically taught in the Departments of Modern Languages but other cross lists may appear later with further course development campus wide. International courses and internship courses can be reviewed and considered towards the minor. Please contact program director Dr. Safa Elnaili.
