Arabic

Foreign Languages and Literatures

The Arabic language is the key to understanding the culture and history of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. Arabic is also the liturgical language of more than a billion Muslims, and it is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. The Arabic specialization of the Foreign Languages and Literatures major enables students to develop an appreciation for the complexity of the many facets of the Arab world: its society, culture, history, arts, religions, and literary heritage.

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.

The B.A. in Foreign Languages and Literatures (FLL) provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of a specific language (or languages) and advanced familiarity with the cultural practices and traditions associated with the language(s) of specialization.  The major in FLL enhances critical thinking and communication skills and provides students with a cross-cultural understanding of our contemporary world.  The program allows students the flexibility to explore a single or dual language specialization as well as the opportunity to study culture through interdisciplinary fields of critical concentration, such as Comparative Cultural Studies, Film and Visual Culture, Intensive Area Studies, Literary Studies, Medieval and Early Modern Studies. A major in FLL offers an excellent basis for a variety of careers, including graduate study in an area of foreign language and culture and/or in the humanities and social sciences, as well as careers in education, international development, diplomacy and government, national security, communications, law, journalism, arts and culture, publishing, and global business. Participation in UF study-abroad programs or a UF approved program is highly encouraged.

The Arabic specialization of the Foreign Languages and Literatures major provides students with a solid background in the linguistic, literary, and cultural aspects of the Arab World, including North Africa, the Arab Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. The major gives students a foundation in the Arabic language, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening, as well as the opportunity to advance their knowledge of Arab cultures. It prepares students for graduate school and is ideal for students considering careers in government and diplomacy, academia, business, and international development. Many students choose to double major in the Arabic specialization of the Foreign Languages and Literatures major and another subject in social sciences, humanities, business, or journalism.

Coursework for the Major

The Arabic specialization of the Foreign Languages and Literatures major consists of preparatory language study at the lower division (1000 and 2000 level), and 33 hours of advanced language, theory, and culture study in the upper division (3000 level and above).

All coursework for the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.

Required Foundation Coursework: 18 credits

• ARA 1130 Beginning Arabic 1, 5 credits
• ARA 1131 Beginning Arabic 2, 5 credits
• ARA 2220 Intermediate Arabic 1, 4 credits
• ARA 2221 Intermediate Arabic 2, 4 credits

Required Core Coursework: 33 credits

Advanced Language and Culture: 12 credits

• ARA 3410 Advanced Arabic 1, 3 credits
• ARA 3411 Advanced Arabic 2, 3 credits
• ARA 4400 Fourth Year Arabic 1, 3 credits
• ARA 4420 Arabic through the Texts, 3 credits

Advanced Elective Coursework: 12 credits

• ABT 3130 Arabic Literary Heritage 1, 3 credits
• ABT 3500 Arabic Culture, 3 credits
• ABT 4131 The Qur'an as Literature, 3 credits
• ARA 3510 The Arab Woman, 3 credit
• ARA 4401 Fourth Year Arabic 2, 3 credits
• ARA 4822 Arabic Sociolinguistics, 3 credits
• ARA 4850 Structure of Standard Arabic, 3 credits
• ARA 4905 Individual Work, 3 credits max.
• ARA 4930 Special Topics in Arabic, 3 credits

Critical Concentration: 9 credits from one concentration
Although courses may appear in more than one group they may be counted toward only one group

• Comparative Cultural Studies
• Film and Visual Culture
• Literary Studies
• Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Overseas Study

Students of the Arabic specialization of the Foreign Languages and Literatures major are encouraged to study abroad for a summer or a semester. Students may choose the nine-week summer UF-sponsored program in the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF) in Morocco. The program offers students the opportunity to earn 11 credit hours (only 6 may be transferred as part of the Required Foundation Coursework). More information.

Students may also choose another UF-approved study-abroad program in Morocco or another Arab country (e.g., in Jordan, Qatar).

Placement

In all languages, students with either a native background in the language or prior study in that language, might be eligible to place out of the preparatory language courses and should meet with the undergraduate coordinator to arrange for placement assessment.

Research

Critical Tracking

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 3

• ARA 1130 or higher-level Arabic Language course with a minimum grade of C
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 4

• Complete ARA 1131 or higher-level Arabic Language course with a minimum grade of C and a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 5

• Complete ARA 2220 or a higher-level Arabic Language course with a minimum grade of C and a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Model Semester Plan

Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Critical Concentration Courses: 9 credits from one concentration

Although courses may appear in more than one group they may be counted toward only one group

Related Arabic or Middle Eastern Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures
• Arabic Language and Literature minor