What is Arabic?
In the Arabic minor, you’ll learn the language spoken by over 400 million people worldwide, extending well beyond the Middle East. You’ll prepare yourself to thrive in a global community by learning to speak, read and write this critical language, while also learning important cultural information that will help you navigate Arabic-speaking communities. Arabic is a perfect complement to majors in business, education, healthcare, history, political science, international affairs, sociology, social work and many others. Develop a skill that will help you stand out as you pursue further education or a career.
Why study Arabic at UNH?
Study abroad opportunities are among the many highlights of the Arabic minor at UNH. Throughout the academic year, you’ll also have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities where you can practice your language skills, such as Model UN. Classes are small so you’ll benefit from individualized attention. At the same time, you’ll be part of the larger, vibrant community in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
Potential career areas
- Business
- Communications
- Community advocacy
- Diplomacy
- Education
- Foreign service
- Government and non-governmental organizations
- Healthcare
- International law
- Journalism
- Social services
- Tourism
Curriculum & Requirements
There are 26 countries where Arabic is the official or co-official language, extending beyond the Middle East region. The Arabic minor facilitates students' acquisition of skills in this critical language (speaking, listening, reading and writing), as well as cross-cultural competence. The linguistic skills achieved in the successful completion of this minor will be at the Advanced or Intermediate-High Proficiency level in Arabic as defined and measured by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. This minor provides a strong complement to many majors and will prepare students to compete for national fellowship opportunities, graduate school, the job market — any opportunity in which proficiency in Arabic is required or preferred.
The Arabic minor consists of 5 courses (20 credits) as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ARBC 503 | Intermediate Arabic | 4 |
| ARBC 504 | Intermediate Arabic | 4 |
| ARBC 631 | Advanced Arabic I | 4 |
| ARBC 632 | Advanced Arabic II | 4 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select one of the following 1 | 4 | |
ARBC 425 | Introduction to Arabic Culture | |
ARBC #700 | Arabic Media | |
GEOG #540 | Geography of the Middle East | |
HIST 585 | Medieval Islam | |
HUMA 511A | Medieval Humanities: Rise of Global Empires 2 | |
or HUMA 511B | Medieval Humanities: Rise of Global Empires | |
or HUMA 511C | Medieval Humanities: Rise of Global Empires | |
POLT 559 | Comparative Politics of the Middle East | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
- 1
Or another course closely related to the minor area of study with approval of faculty.
- 2
Please check with the contact for the minor to make sure that the topics covered are sufficiently relevant to Arabic studies.
Students may take equivalent courses while studying abroad to satisfy any of the courses required for the minor.
Explore Program Details
The related minor in Middle Eastern studies introduces students to the many facets of Middle Eastern cultures and societies through the interdisciplinary study of languages, history, politics, geography, and anthropology.
