Arabic
The Arabic program offers all levels of Arabic language ranging from the introductory to the advanced level.
In addition, it offers a variety of courses in Arabic on cultural topics including Arabic literature, cinema, and modern history. The program welcomes both heritage students and students with no background in Arabic. It attracts largely heritage students from the Metro Detroit area, who come with various proficiency levels and different backgrounds, creating a dynamic and unique place in North America for exposure to the Arabic language and culture. While the entry-level courses focus on the basic skills of language proficiency, the upper-level courses focus on the cultural issues of the Arab world, and also train students in developing their analytical and critical skills.
The Arabic program at UM-Dearborn is situated in an area that is the home of the largest concentration of Arab population in North America, which is made up of various Arab communities from Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Syria and Jordan. As a host to the only Arab American Museum in the United States, Dearborn also boasts a great number of Middle Eastern restaurants, markets, and cultural and religious centers. Students at the Arabic program have multiple opportunities to organize field trips to these destinations.
The program has been offering a minor in Arabic since 2009, and some of its course offerings count towards a certificate in Middle East Studies, as well as a track in International Studies.
Degree Information
The concentration in International Studies - Arabic combines an advanced curriculum in Arabic language and culture with structured training in a professional field. The professional fields include Art Administration, Communications, Computer and Information Sciences, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Business and Management, Natural Sciences, or Political Science. A third component, Support Studies, offers cognate courses which reinforce the international context and enable students to integrate the two primary components.
A minor in Arabic consists of 12 hours of upper-division credits (four courses at the 300 level).
If you've had previous experience with Arabic, you can get a jump on the road to proficiency. Sign up for the placement test and see if you place into second or third year college Arabic.