The Arabic program at Carleton offers language study at all levels and invites students to explore Arabic literature, music, and culture in a supportive, close-knit community. Our courses are designed to help you build strong skills in Modern Standard Arabic while engaging deeply with texts and media from across the Arab world.
What We Teach
The Arabic curriculum includes a full language sequence from introductory through advanced courses, as well as classes on Arabic literature, music, and culture taught both in Arabic and in English. Students encounter a wide range of materials—from classical poetry and storytelling to contemporary novels, films, and song lyrics—and learn to place them in their historical and social contexts.
How You’ll Learn
Our classes emphasize active, consistent engagement with the language and with authentic materials. Students benefit from:
- An intensive language sequence that develops speaking, listening, reading, and writing together
- Small, interactive classes with frequent pair and group work
- Rich course materials drawn from news, social media, film, music, and literature
- A strong foundation in Modern Standard Arabic, with grammar built up step by step and connected to course readings and classroom communication
- Exposure to spoken varieties (such as Levantine or Egyptian Arabic)
- Regular opportunities for practice outside class, including weekly individual conversation sessions
Beyond the Classroom
In addition to regular coursework, students take part in co-curricular activities that support their language learning and help build community. Many of our recurring events are coordinated by the Language Associate, a visiting instructor from the Arab world who works closely with students during the year.
- Arabic evenings and cultural nights, which bring together students at different levels for food, music, and informal activities in and about Arabic.
- Film screenings and discussions, featuring classic and contemporary works from across the Arab world.
- Language tables and informal conversation gatherings, where students can practice speaking in a relaxed setting and get to know one another across class cohorts.
In addition, the program sponsors workshops and guest visits, such as music workshops and talks by scholars, writers, or artists.
Together, these activities extend the work of the classroom and help sustain a strong sense of community in the program.
This combination helps students build confidence in Arabic over time while staying engaged with real language and culture.
Where Arabic Can Take You
Many of our students study abroad in Arabic-speaking countries – such as Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, or Egypt – and combine Arabic with majors in fields like History, Political Science/International Relations, Religion, Music, or Linguistics. Some go on to work in international or non-profit settings, education, government, or graduate programs where their Arabic and regional expertise are valuable.
To see how Arabic might fit into your plans, visit our pages on the Arabic Minor, Courses, and Off-Campus Study, and feel free to contact the program director with questions.