2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]
Arabic Minor
Arabic Minor
The minor in Arabic concentrates on the two main vernaculars of Arabic, the standard language (Modern Standard Arabic) and some regional spoken varieties. However, proficiency can only be reached when students are competent in the culture as well. To that end, the Arabic minor offers coursework that integrates culture into courses at all levels. Several 300-level courses not only integrate culture, but also offer practical hands-on themes intended to immerse students in the region and Arab countries where the language is spoken and where the culture is lived.
WEBSITE:
PARTICIPATING PROGRAMS:
Arabic minor students are encouraged to participate in the Model Arab League simulation held annually in February and in field trips to points of cultural interest locally and in the Detroit area.
Requirements for Arabic Minor
Students minoring in Arabic must complete 19-21 credit hours of coursework. This includes 7-15 credits of core courses and 6-12 credits of electives.
Core Courses (7-15 credits):*
- ARA 101 - Beginning Arabic I: Language and Culture (4 credits)
- ARA 102 - Beginning Arabic II: Language and Culture (4 credits)
- ARA 201 - Intermediate Arabic I: Language and Culture (4 credits)
- ARA 202 - Intermediate Arabic II: Language and Culture (3 credits)
Electives (6-12 credits):*
Choose four:
- ARA 304-Arabic Food Culture (3 credits)
- ARA 305-Visiting Arab Countries (3 credits)
- ARA 306-Life in the Levant (3 credits)
- ARA 307- Living in Arab Cities (3 credits)
- ARA 380 - Special Topics in Arabic (1 to 4 credits)
- ARA 480 - Special Topics in Arabic (1 to 4 credits)
*Students testing out of ARA 101 or doing a minor in Middle East Studies must take three additional credits from the list of electives. In these cases, the Arabic minor will be a total of 20 credits. Students testing out of ARA 101 and ARA 102 must take six additional credits from the list of electives. In this case, the Arabic minor will be a total of 19 credits. Students who test out ARA 201 will need to arrange to take four credits of special topics (ARA 380 and/or ARA 480) in addition to ARA 202 and 12 credits from the list of electives. Students who test out ARA 202 will need to arrange to take seven credits of special topics (ARA 380 and/or ARA 480) in addition to 12 credits from the list of electives. In such circumstances (testing out of ARA 201 and/or ARA 202), student must consult with the Arabic section in the Modern Languages and Literatures department to arrange reaching the 19 credit minimum for the minor.