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Arabic Minor

The minor in Arabic (21 credits) provides an in-depth understanding of Arabic language and Arab culture and society.

Students who satisfy the requirements of the minor in Arabic can expect to be able to read, write and communicate orally in Modern Standard Arabic and one of the Arabic dialects at a level that would allow them to interact with native speakers and perform effectively in a daily environment; watch TV and films in Arabic; engage with authentic texts; write short papers in Arabic; and perform other tasks expected from an advanced level learner.  

The materials used to further language acquisition are culturally rich and students completing the minor will have become familiar with many of the cultural patterns, social issues, historical events, artistic traditions and elements of daily life of the people whose cultures are rooted in Arabic. Students interested in pursuing the minor in Arabic should contact the undergraduate advisor, who will be responsible for oversight and record keeping. Students should declare the minor in Arabic at least one year prior to graduation.

Requirements for the Minor

Courses required for Minor

Four Benchmark focus courses (12 credits)

 

Course #

Course Name

Credits

Prerequisites

ARAB101

Elementary Arabic I

3

None

ARAB102

Elementary Arabic II

3

None

ARAB201

Intermendiate Arabic I

3

ARAB102

ARAB202

Intermediate Arabic II

3

ARAB202

Three Elective courses (9 credits)

Students choose three of the offered ARAB elective courses based on their interest and schedule. For a list of all electives, please check the Undergraduate Catalog

  • At least two of the three elective courses should be upper level course
  • At least one of the three elective courses should be taught in Arabic
  • These elective courses can include 301/302, but not required.

Additional upper-level course taught in Arabic chosen in consultation with the program advisor

Notes:

  • Students must earn a grade of "C-" or higher in each course applied toward a major or minor in the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Additionally, an overall GPA of 2.0 in a major or minor is required for graduation.
  • Once credits have been received for a higher-level language focus course, a lower-level course in the same strand may not be taken for credit. ARAB201 may not be taken after ARAB202, for example.
  • All pre-requisites imply "or equivalent knowledge." In cases of equivalent knowledge, required language-focused credits are replaced in consultation with, and with the written approval of, the undergraduate advisor.
 

 

World Language Placement Assessment

All students new to SLLC courses must take the online World Language Placement Assessment (WLP) before registering for classes.

Transfer Credits

In order to transfer credits from other institutions, you must provide a detailed syllabus to the undergraduate advisor for consideration. Please note that a maximum of 6 credits may be transferred to Arabic minor requirements.

Summer Institute

SUMMER INSTITUTE CREDIT EQUIVALENCIES 

UMD students enrolled in the Summer Language Institute can count their summer courses towards their Arabic degree program. Please see the chart below for course equivalencies:

Summer Courses

Total Number of Credits

Academic Year Equivalent

Number of Credits Applicable to Degree Program

ARAB104, ARAB105

12

ARAB101, ARAB102, ARAB2xx

9

ARAB204, ARAB205

12

ARAB201, ARAB202, ARAB2xx

9

ARAB315, ARAB316

12

ARAB301, ARAB302, ARAB3xx

9

Please note the following two rules: 

(1) Although 3rd year Summer Institute students will earn 12 university credits in total, only 9 credits will be applicable towards their Arabic degree: the equivalents of ARAB304 and 305 (3 credits each) and one 3-credit upper-level content course in Arabic.

(2) During the Summer Institute, dialect is incorporated into the daily curriculum. Therefore those students who complete ARAB315 and 316 in the summer, are not required to take ARAB206 and ARAB207 in the following fall and spring semesters, but instead can take two additional 3-credit electives in Arabic in place of ARAB206 and 207. 

 

Declaring a Minor

To explore or declare a minor, please fill out and submit the online contact form.

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