Arabic Studies (Minor)
Social media and nightly news are filled with events touching on the Middle East and Islamic nations. But how many people understand the deep issues at hand? You can. With a minor in Arabic studies, you'll have a cross-cultural understanding of Islamic civilization which will provide opportunities in the global workforce.
Program Description
The minor program in Arabic studies provides students with instruction in Modern Standard Arabic as well as Arab culture and literature. Students completing the prescribed coursework are expected to be able to communicate effectively in Arabic and interact with native speakers of the language as well as reading authentic material in Arabic and writing paragraphs in Modern Standard Arabic.
Literature courses expand students' knowledge in Arabic, the Middle East and Islamic culture and civilization. Students of all academic disciplines doing research or seeking employment in areas related to the Middle East or other parts of the Arab world will find the minor in Arabic highly beneficial.
Students are encouraged to participate in a study abroad program to enhance their education and overall minor experience. Students should visit https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu for more information.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
Career Opportunities
A minor enables students to enhance the marketable skills and knowledge they acquire in their major program and to also develop additional competencies.
A minor in Arabic studies helps students with communication and cultural competency skills as they pursue careers in political analysis, education, tourism and hospitality, the military and sociology or marketing.
Contact Information
School of International Letters and Cultures | LL 440
silcadvising@asu.edu | 480-965-6281
Program Requirements
GPA Requirement: 2.00
Incompatible Majors: BA in international letters and cultures (Arabic studies)
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Students interested in pursuing a minor should consult their academic advisor to declare the minor and to ensure that an appropriate set of courses is taken. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and the minor. Students should contact their academic advisor for more information.
Enrollment Requirements
The minor in Arabic studies requires 28 credit hours of courses detailed below. A minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required in each course. Course substitutions are allowed for heritage and advanced speakers of the language.
Required Courses -- 25 credit hours
- ARB 201: Intermediate Arabic I (G) (5)
- ARB 202: Intermediate Arabic II (G) (5)
- ARB 311: Advanced Arabic Skills I (3)
- ARB 331: Arabic/Islamic Culture and Literature (HU & H & G) (3)
- ARB 341: Quran Text and Women (HU & H) or ARB 351: Classical Arabic Literature (HU & G) (3)
- ARB 352: Modern Arabic Literature in Translation (HU & G) or ARB 422: Advanced Arabic Media (G) (3)
- ARB 411: Advanced Arabic Skills II (G) (3)
Related Area (choose one) -- 3 credit hours
- AFR 372: Islam and Islamic Societies in Africa: Social and Political History (G) (3)
- AFR 373: Islam and World Affairs (G) (3)
- AFR 480: Different Voices Within Contemporary Islamic Discourse (3)
- ARB 321: Arabic Conversation I (3)
- ARB 335: Arabic Culture and Islam (G) (3)
- ARB 336: Introduction to the Qur'an (G) (3)
- ARB 337: Hadith and Prophetic Tradition (HU & H & G) (3)
- ARB 340: Arabic Translation (3)
- ARB 341: Quran Text and Women (HU & H) (3)
- ARB 351: Classical Arabic Literature (HU & G) (3)
- ARB 352: Modern Arabic Literature in Translation (HU & G) (3)
- ARB 360: Islamic Philosophical Literature (3)
- ARB 394: Colloquial Arabic: Levantine (3)
- ARB 421: Arabic Conversation II (3)
- ARB 422: Advanced Arabic Media (G) (3)
- ARB 427: Arabic Prose: Reading the Arabian Nights (3)
- HST 372: Modern Middle East (SB & G & H) (3)
- REL 365: Islamic Civilization (HU & H) (3)
- REL 366: Islam in the Modern World (HU & G) (3)
Depending on a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.