Arabic Minor

Coordinator:

Rania Habib, Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Arabic, Coordinator of Arabic Program
Dept. of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Syracuse University
325 H. B. Crouse
Syracuse, NY 13244
Tel: 315-443-5490
Fax: 315-443-5376

Description:

Arabic is spoken by over 300 million speakers in 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. It is also an official language in 26 countries, the African Union, the Arab League, and the United Nations. It is the main medium of communication in business, government, and the media throughout the Arabic-speaking world. Currently, Arabic is designated as one of the critical languages by the federal government, which has been investing substantially in increasing the number of Americans with high proficiency in Arabic.

The increasing number of students enrolling in Arabic language, linguistics, and culture courses in Syracuse University in recent years and the high level of retention of those students in consecutive years demonstrate the great demand for the study of Arabic.

A minor in Arabic will prepare students to read, write, and communicate orally in Arabic at a functional level in an international setting, and to recognize and respond to cultural patterns of Arabic-speaking peoples. It will allow students majoring in other disciplines, e.g. Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, Business, Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Translation, etc. to employ their knowledge of Arabic language and culture in their future careers. A minor in Arabic will increase students’ attractiveness in the job market, especially with the present significant demand for Americans who can demonstrate high proficiency in Arabic.

Admission:

Students should have completed the prerequisite ARB 102 or equivalent.

Curriculum Requirements:

A Minor in Arabic requires a minimum of 20 credit hours including ARB 201 and ARB 202 and 12 credits at the 300 level or above. The courses in the table below are required. Previously approved upper-division Arabic language, literature, or culture courses through one of our Study Abroad centers can be considered as substitute to these courses, with prior approval by the Arabic coordinator. The courses ARB 201 , ARB 202 , ARB 301 and ARB 302 should be substituted with an equivalent level or higher. The ARB 336 (Arabic Cultures) course could be ubstituted with an upper-division Arabic language, literature, or culture course at the 300 level or above, provided that the language course is different from ARB 301 and ARB 302 . The ARB 426 (Structure of Standard Arabic) course could be substituted with an equivalent course or an upper-division Arabic language, literature, or culture course at the 400 level or above.

ARB 201 - Arabic III (offered every fall semester)
ARB 202 - Arabic IV (offered every spring)
ARB 301 - Arabic V (offered every fall semester)
ARB 302 - Arabic VI (offered every spring semester)
LIN 426 - Structure of Standard Arabic * (offered once per year)
LIT 336 - Arabic Cultures ** (offered once per year)

Total Credits Required: 20

Note:

* To be counted towards the Arabic Minor all homework and exams must be completed in the Arabic language.

** To be counted towards the Arabic Minor at least two of the assigned assignments (the three critical essays and the short story) or just the final project must be completed in the Arabic language.