Near Eastern Studies
Minor in Arabic
Amid the political turmoil that pervades many parts of the world, particularly the Middle East, knowledge of the Arabic Language and Culture has become pivotal to many students seeking careers in the field of international relations and politics. Understanding the interconnectedness between bilingualism and better career opportunities, many Boston College departments (i.e., Political Science, International Studies, History, etc.) encourage their students to pick Arabic as a language to study.
Knowledge of Arabic enhances your chances in a global and fast-growing job market. Those who study Arabic find careers in numerous fields including, though not limited to, finance and banking, translation and interpretation, consulting, foreign service and intelligence, journalism, and many others. Yet, despite the increased demand for Arabic speakers, the Western world has not fully taken advantage of this. Arabic gives students an edge in a competitive global market not yet recognized by many college students who would otherwise enhance their employment opportunities to work in influential Middle Eastern companies. The Arab world has a combined CDP of 2.8 trillion, and Arabic may be the distinguishing factor that would give you access to these exclusive opportunities.
Knowledge of Arabic is also essential to understanding the world’s second-largest religion and the first largest religion in the Arab World, Islam. Islam is not just a religion; it is a lifestyle to Arabs. Studying Arabic offers you an invaluable insight into Islamic beliefs and traditions while it connects you to the rich history of another civilization.
18
Credits
The Department of Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies at Boston College offers an undergraduate minor in Arabic Studies, focusing on the acquisition of Modern Standard Arabic and related languages, Modern Hebrew, Modern Middle Eastern literature and other areas relevant to Near Eastern literature, culture, civilization, and intellectual history.
The Arabic Studies Minor requires a minimum of 18 credits, to include:
- At least three courses (9 credits) in Modern Standard Arabic at the Elementary II (NELC 1122 intensive) level or
- NELC 1124 Elementary Arabic II (3 credits)
- NELC 2121 Intermediate Arabic I (3 credits)
- NELC 2122 Intermediate Arabic II (3 credits; co-requisite NELC 2123)
- NELC 4121 Advanced Arabic I (3 credits)
- NELC 4122 Advanced Arabic II (3 credits)
- NELC 2131 Advanced Readings in Arabic Texts I (3 credits)
- NELC 2132 Advanced Readings in Arabic Texts II (3 credits)
- NELC 4190 Advanced Arabic Tutorial (3 credits)
- NECL 3162 Business Arabic (3 credits)
- NELC 3163 Newspaper Arabic (3 credits)
- At least wo Courses (6 Credits) in Middle Eastern Languages, Cultures, Literatures, and Civilizations, which may include courses in Modern Hebrew and other Middle Eastern Languages, and Courses taught in translation.
- NELC 2066 Edifying Books on the Arab-Israeli Conflict (3 credits)
- NELC 2061 Language Memory and Identity in the Middle East (3 credits)
- NELC 2062 States and Minorities in the Middle East (3 credits)
- NELC 2063 Near Eastern Civilizations (3 credits)
- NELC 2161 Modern Levantine and Arabic Literature (3 credits)
- NELC 1211 Beginning Modern Hebrew I (3 credits)
- NELC 1212 Beginning Modern Hebrew II (3 credits)
- NELC 2211 Continuing Modern Hebrew I (3 credits)
- NELC 2212 Continuing Modern Hebrew II (3 credits)
- NELC 4114 Al-Lahja ash-Shamiyya/Levantine Vernacular (3 credits)
- NELC 2066 Edifying Books on the Arab-Israeli Conflict (3 credits)
- One course (3 credits) from on of the above-mentioned sections.
- Students must chose courses for the minor in consultation with the director of the Department's Minor Program.
Fall 2025
Q. Why add Arabic language as a minor?
A. Learning Arabic broadens one's understanding of other cultures and gives one a competitive advantage in fields where language proficiency is valued, such as business, intelligence, and diplomacy. An Arabic minor offers multidisciplinary perspectives on topics impacting the Arabic-speaking world, complementing majors such as international relations, history, and global studies.
Q. How could Arabic language proficiency improve a student's chances for employment and global competency?
A. Speaking Arabic can help you further your career in government, non-governmental work, international business, and journalism—especially in the Middle East—and is an essential language in global affairs.
Q. What distinct cultural understandings and encounters can students have when learning Arabic?
A. Gaining knowledge of Arabic promotes stronger cross-cultural ties by providing insight into the rich customs, literature, history, and artistic expression of the Arab world.
Q. Why Study Arabic over other languages? Isn’t Arabic Harder than Languages like French and Spanish?
A. Arabic is not only the 6th most spoken language, but it is also a language connected to a vast and extremely diverse set of cultures spanning multiple continents. Beyond just the constant political importance and news of the Middle East, Arabic connects us to a variety of peoples, arts, religions, foods, etc. that are completely different than traditional western modes of thought. Arabic is certainly different. It comes from an entirely different language family and has a different alphabet. However, like any language or skill, the question is not necessarily about the difficulty but rather a personal question to oneself - How hard am I willing to try? Language is like a muscle, and Arabic is no different. If you speak it consistently and work on the vocabulary and structures, your skills will improve markedly over time just like French or Spanish.
Student Experiences
A student-run night of song, dance, fashion, poetry, and Arabic cuisine. Students develop projects to showcase their creativity and knowledge of Aracbic culture. This annual event is an impactful and enjoyable learning experience.
Some of our students also collaborate with Astaza, BC’s Middle East Ensemble in presenting Arabic music and singing during two performances: one in the fall and one in the spring. The Muslim Student Association, the Arab Student Association, and the Lebanese Club host events and expose students to the culture of Arabic speaking countries,.
Every Wednesday we have coffee hour. Students can learn about a new theme pertaining to the cultures in various Arabic speaking countries, such as music or food. Students can eat and drink traditional foods from Arabic Speaking countries.