Why Study Arabic?

The Arabic program at USC is growing, and we want you to join us, insha’allah! Check out our Arabic Studies Minor

Arabic is:

• For Everyone!
  • Our students come from all over campus. Whether you’re studying business, international relations/ studies, global studies, political science, philosophy, geography, anthropology, English, engineering, cyber policy and ethics, criminology, religious studies, chemistry, biology, public health, as part of ROTC, visual art and design, women’s and gender studies, or any other major or program at USC, you are welcome in the Arabic program (marhaban bi-kum!) and will benefit personally and professionally from studying the Arabic language and about Arab culture.
• Everywhere
  • One of the 5 most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 400 million speakers
  • The 3^rd most widespread official language, serving as the official language of 25 countries
  • One of the UN’s 6 official languages
• Relevant
  • Deeply tied to Arab culture
  • A key to gaining a better understanding of current events in the Middle East and North Africa
  • Islam’s liturgical language and the language of the Qur’an
• Career-boosting
  • Great for careers in international business, law, non-profit work, the foreign service and other government agencies, cyber security, healthcare, journalism, higher education, and more
• Alive
  • Arabic dialects are the spice of life! And how to communicate and get around in Arabic-speaking countries. Or to enjoy TikTok.
  • FuSHa or Modern Standard Arabic is constantly evolving and the key to understanding the news, literature, policy, religion, and to be able to operate in official settings
• Historical
  • Classical Arabic dates back to the 7^th century CE
• Beautiful
  • The alphabet alone can be a work of art

Minor in Arabic Studies

We are thrilled to announce USC’s first ever Arabic Studies Minor, available now to students!

The Arabic Studies Minor (18 credits) pairs well with every major. Potentially interested in the minor and want to learn more? Contact Dr. Nancy Linthicum, Assistant Professor of Arabic Studies and Arabic Placement Coordinator, at linthicn@mailbox.sc.edu. Or, just go ahead and sign up for ARAB 121 and get started!

Base-level courses (does not count towards the Arabic Studies Minor, which starts at the 202 level):

• ARAB 121: Elementary Arabic*
• ARAB 122: Basic Proficiency in Arabic*
• ARAB 201: Intermediate Arabic I

Required Language Courses:

• ARAB 202: Intermediate Arabic II
• ARAB 301: Advanced Arabic Language I
• ARAB 302: Advanced Arabic Language II

Required Arab Culture Courses (two of the following):

• ARAB 280: Introduction to Modern Arab Culture
• ARAB 320: Introduction to Modern Arab Literature in Translation
• ARAB 336: Arab Women Writers
• ARAB 398: Special Topics

Additional Language Courses (one of the following):

• ARAB 310: Colloquial Arabic I
• ARAB 311: Colloquial Arabic II
• ARAB 401: Advanced Arabic I (under development)
• ARAB 402: Advanced Arabic II (under development)

*Successful completion of ARAB 121 and 122 OR a placement above the 122-level on the Arabic Placement Exam satisfies the Carolina Core Global Foreign Language (GFL) requirement for most majors. Check your specific major requirements to confirm.

NOTE: Classes will be offered regularly so students can easily meet their Minor requirements; however, not every class will be offered each semester. Plan accordingly so you can meet your requirements, and contact Dr. Linthicum to discuss any concerns or questions about your trajectory.

Scholarships

Check out USC’s National Fellowships and Scholarships program database for language-based scholarships, including those specifically for Arabic.

In recent years, USC students studying Arabic have received the Critical Languages Scholarship, Summer Arabic Language and Media (SALAM) program in Oman, Project GO (Global Officer), Rotary International Global Grant, American Enterprise Institute summer program, Boren (USC alum), and more.