Arabic, Minor - COLA, UNH

Undergraduate

Arabic

Develop essential speaking, reading and writing skills while gaining deep cultural insights that prepare you for success in Arabic-speaking communities.
2026
Degree
Minor
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
5
Credit
20 hrs.
Full-time
- -
Part-time
- -
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arabic art

Languages, Literatures and Cultures\

The Arabic minor at UNH offers an immersive journey into one of the world's most widely spoken languages, used by over 400 million people globally. Here you'll be able to develop essential speaking, reading and writing skills while gaining deep cultural insights that prepare you for success in Arabic-speaking communities. 

With small class sizes providing individualized attention, rich study abroad opportunities and engaging extracurricular activities like Model UN, you'll join a vibrant community within the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. This versatile minor perfectly complements majors in business, healthcare, international affairs and many other fields, helping you stand out in your future career or graduate studies.

Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Charles Vannette
Associate Professor
Charles.Vannette@unh.edu
Murkland Hall, Room G10b, Durham, NH 03824
Shaelyn Frost
Administrative Coordinator
Shaelyn.Frost@unh.edu
Murkland Hall, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-4005

What is Arabic?

In the Arabic minor, you’ll learn the language spoken by over 400 million people worldwide, extending well beyond the Middle East. You’ll prepare yourself to thrive in a global community by learning to speak, read and write this critical language, while also learning important cultural information that will help you navigate Arabic-speaking communities. Arabic is a perfect complement to majors in business, education, healthcare, history, political science, international affairs, sociology, social work and many others. Develop a skill that will help you stand out as you pursue further education or a career.

Why study Arabic at UNH?

Study abroad opportunities are among the many highlights of the Arabic minor at UNH. Throughout the academic year, you’ll also have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities where you can practice your language skills, such as Model UN. Classes are small so you’ll benefit from individualized attention. At the same time, you’ll be part of the larger, vibrant community in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

Potential career areas

  • Business
  • Communications
  • Community advocacy
  • Diplomacy
  • Education
  • Foreign service
  • Government and non-governmental organizations
  • Healthcare
  • International law
  • Journalism
  • Social services
  • Tourism

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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There are 26 countries where Arabic is the official or co-official language, extending beyond the Middle East region. The Arabic minor facilitates students' acquisition of skills in this critical language (speaking, listening, reading and writing), as well as cross-cultural competence. The linguistic skills achieved in the successful completion of this minor will be at the Advanced or Intermediate-High Proficiency level in Arabic as defined and measured by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. This minor provides a strong complement to many majors and will prepare students to compete for national fellowship opportunities, graduate school, the job market — any opportunity in which proficiency in Arabic is required or preferred.

02
Requirements for the Program
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Academic policies related to minors.

The Arabic minor consists of completing five courses (20 credits).

Required Courses
ARBC 503Intermediate Arabic4
ARBC 504Intermediate Arabic4
ARBC 631Advanced Arabic I4
ARBC 632Advanced Arabic II4
Elective Course
Select one course from the following: 14
ARBC 425
Introduction to Arabic Culture
HIST 585
Medieval Islam
HUMA 511A
Medieval Humanities: Rise of Global Empires 2
HUMA 511B
Medieval Humanities: Rise of Global Empires 2
HUMA 511C
Medieval Humanities: Rise of Global Empires 2
POLT 559
Comparative Politics of the Middle East
Total Credits20
1

Or another course closely related to the minor area of study with approval of faculty.

2

Please check with the contact for the minor to make sure that the topics covered are sufficiently relevant to Arabic studies.

Students may take equivalent courses while studying abroad to satisfy any of the courses required for the minor.

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