Arabic Program Minor
Why is it important to learn Arabic?
Studying a foreign language can open doors in your professional career by adding an international component to your journey to become a global citizen.
- Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world; the native language of 22 countries with over 300 million people.
- Arabic is one of only six official languages used in the United Nations.
- Career opportunities: Arabic is one of the most urgently needed languages for business and the U.S. government.
- Arabic is designated by the U.S. government as a “critical language” for recruiting and hiring.
- Arabic courses are a core requirement for the minor in Middle East and Islamic Studies at the University of Louisville.
Curriculum
Arabic (Minor)
This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2024–Spring 2025 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.
Minor in Arabic
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Department: Classical and Modern Languages
Academic Plan Code(s): ARABMIN
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB 123 | Basic Arabic III | 4 |
| ARAB 201 | Intermediate Arabic I | 3 |
| ARAB 202 | Intermediate Arabic II | 3 |
| ARAB 321 | Arabic Conversation: Communication in Cultural Content | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
ARAB 310 | Arabic Translation Studies | |
ARAB 313 | Special Topics in Arabic | |
ARAB 322 | Advanced Writing Techniques in Modern Standard Arabic | |
ARAB 323 | Understanding Journalistic Arabic: Reading and Listening to Arab Media | |
HUM 306 | Survey of Islamic Thought, Religion and Culture | |
HUM 313 | Introduction to the Qur'an | |
HUM 316 | Modern Islamic Thought | |
ANTH 319 | Cultures of the Middle East | |
M L 440 | Community Internship | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 19 | |
At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a minor must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville.
For more information, contact the Middle East & Islamic Studies program director Dr. Brad Bowman at brad.bowman@louisville.edu or (502) 852-6964.
ABOVE: Khaldoun Almousily, our Arabic program coordinator and instructor of Arabic, with help from his students, conducted a training on Arabic language and culture to Indiana courts system staff. This training is offered educators and community leaders who work with Arab students and refugees. This training focuses on many aspects of the Arabic language and culture, discusses the impact of stereotypes, and intends to clear some of the misconceptions people have from movies about Arabs and Islam. The goal is to spread peace and love among all cultures and build mutual respect and understanding.
