Arabic Studies

UMass Boston students can minor in Arabic Studies in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.

Why declare a minor in Arabic Studies at UMass Boston?

1. The U.S. Department of State has designated Arabic a critical language.
2. Arabic is one of the most commonly spoken language in the world.
3. Arabic is the official language of more than 20 countries.
4. Learning Arabic promotes cultural and international understanding.
5. Learning Arabic makes you better prepared and more competitive for the job market.

Requirements

2 Intermediate language courses

• ARABIC 201: Intermediate Arabic I
• ARABIC 202: Intermediate Arabic II

2 Content courses with an ARABIC designation

• ARABIC 252L  Global Refugee Narratives
• ARABiC 260L: Imagining the Modern Middle East
• ARABIC 280L  Muslim Women Writers 
• ARABIC 320: Modern Arabic Literature

2 Electives in other departments

• RELSTY 233: Introduction to Islam
• HIST 248: Early Islamic History
• HIST 249: Modern Middle East History
• HIST 366: The Middle East since 1914
• POLSCI 369: Politics of the Middle East
• POLSCI 404: The Politics of the Arab-Israeli Conflict

• A minimum of two courses at the 300-level or above is required.
• One of the content courses in the department and/or one of the electives can be an independent study that produces a research project focused on the Arab world.
• Honors, Research and Methods, and Special Topics courses related to the Arab world can count as electives toward the minor.
• Students who place out of intermediate level classes substitute a related course approved by the minor advisors or department chair.
• No course fulfilling the requirements for the minor may be taken pass/fail.
• Transfer Course Policy: At least three of the six courses required for the minor must be taken in the UMass Boston Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. A minimum grade of C is required for all transfer credits.

Questions? Contact the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures at [email protected]

• Completed UMass Boston online admission application
• Application fee: $60
• An official high school record, leaving certificate and/or graduation examination results or their notarized copies. All documents in foreign languages must be translated by a certified professional. Records must be sent directly from the institution to be considered official.
• Academic recommendation letter (from a school-based counselor and/or teacher)
• 500-word essay
• Test scores

If you seek admission to UMass Boston as an international student, we strongly encourage you to apply online by submitting either the UMass Boston Web Application or the Common Application

Please be sure to send us your application and all required materials by the posted international application deadline.

If you experience any technical problems with the application, please email us immediately at [email protected].