Arabic (B.A.)

Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world, and is used throughout North Africa and the Middle East. With over 420 million speakers, Arabic has been a driving force for advancements in science and cultural enrichment. Study Arabic and explore the rich, complex culture of this region through a multi-faceted and engaging course of study. You will be prepared for graduate study and careers in a diverse array of fields. Arabic is also one of the official languages of the United Nations. The Arabic Major is composed of 36-42 credits.

Unless otherwise noted, 120 credits of coursework is required for a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA, and a minimum 2.0 major GPA.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Requirements39
World Languages and Cultures Requirements0
Major Requirements30-36
Free Electives51-45
Total Credits120

Major Requirements

Major Core
Required Courses A
All students with prior knowledge of Arabic take the placement test. One or both of these courses may be waived if the student is placed above it.0-6
Beginning Arabic I
Beginning Arabic II
Required Courses B
Students who place above the intermediate level will have ARAB 121 and/or 132 substituted with elective courses.
ARAB 121Intermediate Arabic I3
ARAB 132Intermediate Arabic II3
ARAB 193Introduction to Arab Culture3
ARAB 203Advanced Arabic I3
ARAB 261Arabic Writing I3
Major Electives
Complete 15 credits from the list below. At least 9 credits must be at the 300-400 level.15
Total Credits30-36

Major Electives

ARAB 204Advanced Arabic II3
ARAB 218Spoken Arabic3
ARAB 220Twentieth-Century Arabic Literature3
ARAB 221Media Arabic3
ARAB 320Business Arabic3
ARAB 321Arabic Reading I3
ARAB 325Arabic Grammar I3
ARAB 351Advanced Spoken Arabic3
ARAB 375Arabic Study Abroad3-9
ARAB 411Quranic/Classical Arabic3
ARAB 450Translation I: Arabic-English-Arabic3
ARAB 478Independent Study in Arabic Language3

General Education Requirements

Click here for a list of courses that fulfill General Education categories.

A. New Student Seminar
Complete a 1 credit New Student Seminar course.1
C. Communication
1. Writing 3
2. Literature3
3. Communication3
D. Fine and Performing Arts
Complete a 3 credit Fine and Performing Arts course.3
F. Humanities
1. Great Works and Their Influences3
2. Philosophical and Religious Perspectives 3
G. Computer Science
Complete a 3 credit Computer Science course.3
H. Mathematics
Complete a 3 credit Computer Science course.3
I. Natural Science Laboratory
Complete a 4 credit Natural Science Laboratory course.4
J. Physical Education
Complete a 1 credit Physical Education course.1
K. Social Science
1. American and European History 3
2. Global Cultural Perspectives
Introduction to Arab Culture (Fulfilled in the major.)
3. Social Science Perspectives 3
L. Interdisciplinary Studies
Complete a 3 credit Interdisciplinary Studies course.3
Total Credits39

World Languages and Cultures Requirements

Click here for a list of courses that fulfill World Languages and Cultures categories.

World Languages
Fulfilled by the major.
World Cultures
Introduction to Arab Culture (Fulfilled in the major.)
Total Credits0

Recommended Roadmap to Degree Completion

This four-year plan is provided as an outline for students to follow in order to complete their degree requirements within four years.  This plan is a recommendation and students should only use it in consultation with their academic advisor.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GENERAL EDUCATION: (A) New Student Seminar1GENERAL EDUCATION: (C2) Literature3
GENERAL EDUCATION: (C1) Writing3GENERAL EDUCATION: (G) Computer Science3
GENERAL EDUCATION: (C3) Communication3GENERAL EDUCATION: (K1) Social Science – American and European History3
GENERAL EDUCATION: (H) Mathematics3GENERAL EDUCATION: (L) Interdisciplinary Studies3
GENERAL EDUCATION: (K3) Social Science – Social Science Perspectives3ARAB 1123
ARAB 1013 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GENERAL EDUCATION: (D) Fine and Performing Arts3GENERAL EDUCATION: (F2) Humanities – Philosophical and Religious Perspectives3
GENERAL EDUCATION: (F1) Humanities – Great Works and Their Influences3GENERAL EDUCATION: (I) Natural Science Laboratory4
GENERAL EDUCATION: (J) Physical Education1World Cultures3
ARAB 1213ARAB 1323
ARAB 1933Free Elective3
Free Elective3 
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ARAB 2033ARAB 2043
ARAB 2613ARAB 3213
Major Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective3Free Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ARAB 4503Major Elective3
Major Elective3Major Elective3
Free Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective3 
 15 12
Total Credits 120