The minor in Arabic Studies is an academic program open to all students in the university. The minor is interdisciplinary in nature and combines courses in Arabic language and culture with electives in Arabic studies, as well as a capstone project. The minor is a valuable complement to the academic portfolio of any student majoring in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences, who wishes to add an international dimension to their intellectual profile. In addition, Arabic Studies faculty offer study abroad programs in order to enrich student learning experiences and cultural knowledge while helping students attain higher proficiency in the language.
Students must complete ARAB 101 and ARAB 102 before they may declare a minor in Arabic Studies.
Course List | Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
| ARAB 202 | Intermediate Arabic II | 3 |
| ARAB 491 | Research | 3 |
| 6 |
| Reading and Composition | |
| Reading and Composition II | |
| Business Arabic | |
| Media Arabic | |
| 6 |
| Introduction to Modern Arab Culture | |
| Introduction to Arabic Language and Society | |
| Global Middle Eastern Cultures | |
| |
| The Middle East | |
| History of Islam | |
| Rise of Islam, 600-1258 | |
| Modern Middle East | |
| Contemporary Issues in the Middle East | |
| Political Islam and Jihad | |
| Directed Internship | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 18 |
Students must earn a C or better in all minor coursework.
Capstone Project
A capstone project that is completed in an approved upper-division Arabic Studies course is required of all students pursuing a minor in Arabic Studies during their final year of the program. It consists of a substantial research paper (15–20 pages) on an original topic and is conducted under the direction of a faculty member with the approval of the departmental advisors. Through the capstone course and project, students get a chance to integrate their classroom knowledge about the Arab world and use their study-abroad experiences and internships in an Arabic-speaking country, if any, to address an issue of interest to them. Issues that students can choose to address could be of linguistic, cultural, historical, religious, or political nature, among others. Upon its completion, and in coordination with the departmental advisors, the final project will be presented orally to Arabic classes in order to maximize its benefits.
