The Arabic minor develops proficiency skills in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Modern Standard Arabic as well as cultural knowledge by introducing students to different dialects (such as the Levantine) and aspects of the Arabic speaking world such as literature and film. As it is recognized as a critical language and linked to political and economic developments in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the internationalization of many businesses and professions, proficiency in Arabic is seen as an increasingly valuable skill, and as preparation for a variety of different careers. As the fifth most widely spoken language in the world, as one of the official languages of the United Nations, and as the religious language of a quarter of the world’s population, Arabic is also a language with a rich literary and cultural heritage that deserves to be studied in its own right.
The Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers Arabic language courses, advanced literature and culture courses in Arabic, and Arabic cultural studies courses taught in both Arabic and English. Students can choose Arabic to satisfy their foreign language requirements, and also count eight credits of Arabic language toward a minor in Middle Eastern Studies. Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad.
Students interested in the Arabic minor should contact Dr. Abed el-Rahman Tayyara by phone at 216-687-5138, by email at a.tayyara@csuohio.edu or visit Rhodes Tower 1606.
Retroactive Credit: Students are eligible to earn up to 16 retroactive credits for previous knowledge of Arabic. This policy is for students who have completed a foreign-language skills course and who earned a B- or better in that course. For example, if your first Arabic skills course is ARB 201 and you receive an A or B, you can receive credit for ARB 101 and ARB 102 in addition to ARB 201. Consult the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at 216-687-4646 for further information.