Arabic

About Arabic

Arabic language at the University of Utah is part of the interdisciplinary program in Middle East Studies through the Middle East Center. The department offers courses and resources designed to train students in Modern Standard Arabic at all stages of proficiency, including some instruction in spoken dialects of the language. In addition to four years of language learning, Arabic literature and culture courses are also available. While developing Arabic reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, the comprehensive coursework allows students to be immersed in the language and discuss Arabic texts from various periods of Arab and Islamic history.

Students desiring an Arabic major or minor pursue the interdisciplinary major in Middle East Studies-Arabic Emphasis or one of two associated minors, which are advised by the International and Area Studies Advisors.

For more information on Middle East Studies majors and minors, please visit www.mec.utah.edu.

Undergraduate

University of Utah students can complete the BA language requirement with Arabic or choose to major or minor in Middle East Studies with Arabic as their language emphasis.

BA In Middle East Studies

The Middle East Studies major is designed to provide students with language and cultural competence in the region of the Middle which can become the foundation for careers in public affairs, public service, business, and many other fields. Students pursuing the major may study Arabic as their language emphasis.

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Minor In Middle East Studies

The Middle East Studies minor is designed to be paired with another major in a discipline, so that students can combine discipline-specific skills with a degree of language and cultural competency. Students pursuing the minor may study Arabic as their language.

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Arabic Courses

Students can complete the BA language requirement and the language requirement for the Middle East Studies Major with Arabic. Check out more classes related to the Middle East here. For graduate students wanting to study the language, there are also graduate-level courses available.

Emphasizes all skills of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Introduces aspects of Arab culture. The major objective of the first year is to develop functional language ability in survival and social situations.

Credits: 4

Emphasizes all skills of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Continues introduction to Arab culture. The major objective of the first year is to develop functional language ability in survival and social situations.

Credits: 4

Further develops basic language skills acquired in First Year Arabic. Introduction to more complex grammatical structures. The main focus is the development of communication skills.

Credits: 4

Further develops basic language skills acquired in First Year Arabic. Introduction to more complex grammatical structures. The main focus is the development of communication skills.

Credits: 4

Builds upon the basic language skills acquired in the first two years of Arabic. Grammatical and stylistic text analysis. Increased cultural awareness. The main focus remains the development of communication skills.

Credits: 3

Listening and conversation in Modern Standard Arabic based on authentic radio and TV materials. At least two years MSA or equivalent required.

Credits: 1 - 4

Listening, reading, and conversation in Modern Standard Arabic based on a variety of authentic materials.

Credits: 3

Course number used on as-needed basis. One use is for mini-seminars by visiting scholars.

Credits: 1 - 3

Learning Abroad

Learning abroad is the opportunity to live, study and intern abroad while completing your degree here at the University of Utah. Learning Abroad helps connect you to over 500+ program options in over 50 countries, many of which are great for improving your proficiency in another language. Learn more about Learning Abroad by visiting learningabroad.utah.edu and completing Learning Abroad 101.

To get started, see below for program options for Arabic.

For questions, email Learning Abroad at learningabroad@utah.edu, call them at 801-581-5849, or visit in person at Union 159.

Faculty-Led Programs

U of U faculty lead students on short-term programs centered on specific coursework, which is commonly integrated into your major or minor requirements. When participating on a faculty-led program you have the benefit of taking U of U courses abroad that combine in-country experiential learning with classwork.

Intensive Arabic Language and Area Studies in Egypt (FLAS eligible)

Affiliate Programs

The U partners with external organizations (Affiliates) to expand where you can go and what you can study on a learning abroad program. Affiliates offer programs at study centers, local institutions, or a combination of both in the host country. Programs are commonly structured around a particular theme or topic, such as "Language, Culture, and Society". Program options can also include internships, service learning & community engagement opportunities.

Arabic focused affiliate programs: click here
Note: FLAS eligible summer programs available

FLAS Scholarship

Arabic is an approved language for a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships, a federally funded awards offered through the University of Utah's Asia Center. These scholarships provide funding for undergraduate and graduate students who study modern foreign languages and related area studies, and students learning Arabic are encouraged to apply!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FLAS SCHOLARSHIP