Middle Eastern Languages at Carleton

The Department of Middle Eastern Languages at Carleton focuses on Arabic and Hebrew, two languages with deep historical roots and vibrant contemporary use. Whether you are an incoming student or are already a student at Carleton, our program enables students to pursue a full sequence of language courses from introductory through advanced levels. Students studying Arabic may also complete a minor in Arabic, designed to strengthen language proficiency while deepening cultural understanding.

In addition to language study, the department offers courses taught in English that explore Middle Eastern literature, music, film, and cultural expression, complementing our language offerings and connecting students to broader regional and interdisciplinary perspectives. For more information, please visit the Arabic and Hebrew program pages, as well as related offerings in Middle East Studies and Judaic Studies.

Beyond the language courses, we examine Middle Eastern literature, music, philosophy, religion, and more.

For Parents and Students

In 2017 the American Academy of Arts and Sciences released a report about why languages matter, especially when seeking a job. The report starts with “While English continues to be the lingua franca for world trade and diplomacy, there is an emerging consensus among leaders in business and politics, teachers, scientists, and community members that proficiency in English is not sufficient to meet the nation’s needs in a shrinking world, nor the needs of individual citizens who interact with other peoples and cultures more than at any other time in human history.”