Welcome to the Arabic program at Carleton! Students in the Arabic program study the language at all levels and explore Arabic literature, music, and culture in a small, supportive community. Our courses are taught both in Arabic and in English and can be combined with many different majors and programs on campus.

Can I major in Arabic? 

Currently, Carleton does not offer a standard major in Arabic. 

Students can:

  • fulfill the college language requirement by taking Arabic
  • go on to earn a minor in Arabic
  • request to design a special major in consultation with advisers


Can I Minor in Arabic?

Yes.

Carleton offers:

  • a Minor in Arabic, which emphasizes language proficiency and work with Arabic texts;
  • a Minor in Middle East Studies, which brings together courses from History, Political Science/International Relations, Religion, Middle Eastern Languages, and other departments

How Do I Start Arabic?

If you are new to Arabic:

  • Register for ARBC 101: Elementary Arabic in the fall term
  • ARBC 101–103 form a three-term sequence that introduces the script, sounds, basic grammar, and core vocabulary of Modern Standard Arabic, and prepares you to continue into the intermediate sequence (ARBC 204–205), which completes the college language requirement in Arabic.

If you have studied Arabic before:

  • Take the Arabic placement test
  • Contact the Arabic program director to discuss the results and the most appropriate course level
  • We will look at your prior coursework and experiences to place you where you can be challenged without being overwhelmed

What Are the Classes Like?

Introductory and intermediate Arabic courses:

  • meet several times per week and mix speaking, reading, writing, and listening
  • use Modern Standard Arabic (fuṣḥā) as the main focus, with introduction of colloquial variants
  • incorporate readings, audio, and video from contemporary media and music

As you move beyond the language sequence, you can take:

  • advanced Arabic courses, such as Arabic in Cultural Context, Arabic Media, and reading courses in Arabic literature
  • courses on Arabic literature, music, and culture taught in English, such as Music in the Middle East, Imagining Arab Worlds, The Creation of Classical Arabic Literature, and The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”

How Much Time Will It Take?

Arabic, like any new language with a different script and sounds, requires steady, regular work, but students often find the routine manageable and rewarding. You can expect:

  • daily assignments that reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and reading
  • frequent in-class practice and small-group activities
  • gradual progress that builds from week to week rather than large, isolated jumps

Many students appreciate the structure of the Arabic sequence and the sense of community that comes from moving through it with the same cohort.

How Does Arabic Fit with My Other Interests?

You do not need to know your major before you begin Arabic. Students have successfully combined Arabic with:

  • majors in History, Political Science/International Relations, Religion, Philosophy, Classics, Music, Linguistics, and Anthropology
  • minors in Arabic and Middle East Studies
  • off-campus study in Arabic-speaking countries, often in their second or third year

If you are curious about the Middle East, Islam, global politics, literature, or music, or simply interested in the challenge of a new language and script, Arabic can become a central and meaningful part of your time at Carleton.

Next Steps

  • If you are new to Arabic, plan to register for ARBC 101 in the fall.
  • If you have previous experience, complete the Arabic placement test and contact the program director with any questions.
  • Explore our pages on the Arabic Minor, Middle East Studies, Courses, and Off-Campus Study to see how students build Arabic into their four-year plans.

Placement test: 
If you have previously studied Arabic, and would like to be placed into an Arabic course beyond 101, or be exempt from the language requirement, you will need to complete a placement test. For more information please contact Prof. Yaron Klein or Prof. Zaki Haidar

Questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Yaron Klein or Prof. Zaki Haidar