Arabic Language and Cultural Studies

The Arabic Language and Cultural Studies minor is housed in the Department of Humanities and includes coursework from the Humanities, Social Science, and Architectural Technology. The 12-credit minor is designed to provide students with not only necessary and sufficient Arabic language skills, but also an opportunity to explore Arab history and culture. Elective courses in Islamic art, music, ethnic relations, and history reveal rich intersections among linguistic, historical, and multicultural dimensions. Students gain intercultural understanding, improving their competitiveness on the international job market.

This program gives students an opportunity to consider new career possibilities related to their studies that would be enhanced by competency in Arabic Language and Culture. To give a hypothetical example, a graduate in Architectural Technology (BTech or BArch), Business and Technology of Fashion (BS), or Communication Design (BFA), with an academic minor in Arabic Language and Cultural Studies might be an attractive candidate for a firm contracted to build and/or set up a company in Dubai, given the candidate’s ability to speak Arabic and knowledge of Islamic customs and culture.

The Academic minor in Arabic Language and Cultural Studies gives students

1. a foundation in the Arabic language, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening, as well as the opportunity to advance their knowledge of Arab cultures

2. the opportunity to explore multicultural dimensions of their professional studies related to the global Arabic diaspora

3. options for careers in art and culture, education, magazines, museums, advertising, tourism, youth programs, communications, Arabic consulates, nonprofits, and the United Nations

Learning Outcomes

Students of the Arabic minor should be able to

• Demonstrate the ability to converse in Arabic in linguistically, socially, and culturally appropriate ways.

• Develop critical and analytical thinking by meeting benchmarks in linguistic competency.

• Understand the complexities of Arab culture and language to demystify difficulties associated with translating norms and values of the Arab world.

• Demonstrate cultural competency based on the study of Arabic language and Arab history and culture.

• Encounter authentic Arabic artifacts through exposure to Arabic texts, art works, buildings, songs, and history.

• Analyze and present different views/perspectives on assigned readings.

The Academic minor will also give students the opportunity to gain intercultural understanding and make them more competitive in the international market.

Graduation Requirements

Students must earn a C or better in all minor course work in order to be granted a minor designation on their transcripts.

Advisement Information

If you’re interested in declaring and earning an academic minor in Arabic Language and Cultural Studies, please consult the Academic Minors page for more information about minors and to download the appropriate forms. The coordinator for this academic minor is Professor Khalid Lachheb, klachheb@citytech.cuny.edu