Individualized Major in Arabic Studies

Arabic is the official language of 22 countries of the Middle East. More than 400 million people speak Arabic as their native language. Arabic is one of the six official languages in the United Nations.

You will learn Modern Standard Arabic, which is the official literary Arabic language used in most written documents (newspapers, books) and formal spoken occasions (news broadcast, lectures, speeches). You will learn about the various cultures of Arabs, and their contribution in human history and civilization.

Requirements for the Major

The major in Arabic Studies provides students with an immersive learning experience that contextualizes Arabic language in diverse cultural settings. Students design a Major in Arabic Studies through the Individualized Major Program which requires a minimum of 34 credit hours. Two courses are required of all students:

  • I360 Individualized Major Plan (1 credit hour)
  • I460 Individualized Major Senior Project (3 to 6 credit hours)

An Individualized Major allows students to schedule their courses with a flexible degree map that will suit their academic goals. Contact the IMP academic advisor, Shannon Kelley, to plan a major in Arabic.

Required Courses

NELC-A 200 Intermediate Arabic I (3 cr.) P: NELC-A 131-A132, or consent of instructor. This course will focus on the mastery of grammar, including more complex structures, acquisition and expansion of vocabulary, and the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. These objectives are achieved through intensive oral/aural practice using audio and video materials.

NELC-A 250 Intermediate Arabic II (3 cr.) P: NELC-A 200, or consent of instructor. This course will focus on the mastery of grammar, including more complex structures, acquisition and expansion of vocabulary, and the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. These objectives are achieved through intensive oral/aural practice using audio and video materials.

NELC-A 300 Advanced Arabic I (4 cr.) P: NELC-A 200-A250, or consent of instructor. Modern standard/classical Arabic syntax and morphology. Development of advanced language skills in reading, writing, and aural comprehension. Translation and active vocabulary development. Readings in a variety of genres and periods.

NELC-A 350 Advanced Arabic II (4 cr.) P: NELC-A 300, or consent of instructor. Modern standard/classical Arabic syntax and morphology. Development of advanced language skills in reading, writing, and aural comprehension. Translation and active vocabulary development. Readings in a variety of genres and periods.

Elective Courses

  • NELC-A261 Introduction to Arab American Studies
  • R257: Intro to Islam
  • R304: Islamic Beginnings
  • R305: Islam and Modernity
  • R309: Contemporary Middle East
  • R370: Islam in America
  • W300: Women and Islam
  • F400: Islam, Gender, and Conflicts
  • H425: Topics: Middle East History
  • Y339: Middle Eastern Politics
  • Y380: Politics of Islam
  • A300: Cultures of the Middle East
  • N308: Arab Histories
  • NELC-N 397 Peoples/Cultures of Middle East
  • NELC-N 308 Arab Histories
  • NELC-A 220 Arabic Calligraphy: History & Styles

More Info

Contact the Director of the Program in Arabic, Dr. Amira Mashhour.