The Arabic minor introduces students to the language, peoples, cultures, and histories of the Arabic-speaking world. The minor develops the student's command of reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension in the Arabic language and may complement the student's intended major study.
Students minoring in Arabic must satisfy the lower division prerequisite requirements. Students may also take a language proficiency exam to waive the elementary and intermediate language courses. Please meet with the undergraduate major advisor to discuss course options or plan for study abroad.
Declaring the Minor
Students may declare the Arabic minor as soon as they begin their study at UC Berkeley. Please find the minor declaration form in the Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures Department or email the undergraduate major advisor. Students must declare the minor no later than the semester before their Expected Graduation Term (EGT). Please see the L&S minor guidelines for more information.
Other Majors and Minors offered by the Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures (MELC) Department
The Arabic minor program requires five upper-division courses in Arabic literature and culture or history.
General Guidelines
All minors must be declared before the first day of classes in your Expected Graduation Term (EGT). For summer graduates, minors must be declared prior to the first day of Summer Session A.
All upper-division courses must be taken for a letter grade.
A minimum of three of the upper-division courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements must be completed at UC Berkeley.
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required in the upper-division courses to fulfill the minor requirements.
Courses used to fulfill the minor requirements may be applied toward the Seven-Course Breadth requirement, for Letters & Science students.
No more than one upper division course may be used to simultaneously fulfill requirements for a student's major and minor programs.
All minor requirements must be completed prior to the last day of finals during the semester in which the student plans to graduate. If students cannot finish all courses required for the minor by that time, they should see a College of Letters & Science adviser.
All minor requirements must be completed within the unit ceiling. (For further information regarding the unit ceiling, please see the College Requirements tab.)
Students may select courses from other departments to satisfy the Arabic history and culture requirements. All courses must be approved by the faculty major adviser.
Courses
Arabic
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Summer 2025 8 Week Session, Spring 2025
Elementary Arabic introduces students to Modern Standard Arabic and is designed for those with little to no prior knowledge of the language, including its alphabet and sounds. The course is suitable for individuals familiar with Arabic colloquial speech but without formal training in Modern Standard Arabic. The course develops foundational skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing while building vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and grammar. Students will learn to communicate and engage in discussions on topics such as self, family, and surroundings. The course uses task-based and proficiency-oriented methods to enhance language learning and incorporates an exploration of Arabic cultures. Elementary Arabic: Read More [+]
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for ARABIC 1A after completing ARABIC 10. A deficient grade in ARABIC 1A may be removed by taking ARABIC 10.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of recitation and 2 hours of workshop per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 8 hours of recitation and 2 hours of workshop per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Spring 2024
This course is the second semester of elementary Modern Standard Arabic. It focuses on developing skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing, while expanding vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and grammar. Students will learn to communicate effectively on topics such as self, family, surroundings, daily routines, past events, and future plans. The course uses task-based and proficiency-oriented methods to enhance language learning and incorporates an exploration of Arabic cultures. Additionally, it covers basic syntax and introduces the fundamentals of the Arabic morphological system. Elementary Arabic: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 1A with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for ARABIC 1B after completing ARABIC 10. A deficient grade in ARABIC 1B may be removed by taking ARABIC 10.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of recitation and 2 hours of workshop per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 8 hours of recitation and 2 hours of workshop per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Summer 2021 8 Week Session, Summer 2020 8 Week Session, Summer 2019 8 Week Session
An eight-week intensive course intended to teach skills in oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic. Using up-to-date language teaching and proficiency-oriented methodologies, the course also covers the basics of Arabic morphology, syntax, and grammar. While the course's vocabulary is designed to serve the needs of daily conversation in any part of the Arabic speaking world, its simultaneous attention to the rules of morphology, syntax, and grammar serves the needs of the prospective scholar. Intensive Elementary Arabic: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for ARABIC 10 after completing ARABIC 1B.
Hours & Format
Summer: 8 weeks - 20 hours of recitation per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Summer 2003 10 Week Session
The course is designed to guide students through Arabic grammar with a systematic treatment of the subject and the use of classical Arabic texts. Arabic for Reading Knowledge: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Summer: 6 weeks - 10 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
The course teaches skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing in Modern Standard Arabic and builds vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and grammar that allows students to further discuss topics related to self and family, community, and environment, offer opinions and speak about a number of topics in detail. Using task-based and proficiency-oriented approaches to foreign language instruction, the course includes regular discussion in Arabic and prepares students to communicate in a variety of contexts. The course engages students with authentic materials and features of Arab cultures and deepens students’ knowledge of Arabic syntax and its rich morphological system.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This course is the second semester of the intermediate level of Modern Standard Arabic. The course
further teaches skills in speaking, reading, listening and writing in Arabic and builds vocabulary,
expressions and grammar that allow students to discuss topics in detail and develop and support
opinions. Using task-based and proficiency-oriented approaches to foreign language instruction, the
course includes regular discussion in Arabic and prepares students to communicate in a variety of
contexts and for various purposes. The course engages students with authentic materials and features
of Arab cultures and deepens students’ knowledge of Arabic syntax and its rich morphological system. Intermediate Arabic: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 20A with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for ARABIC 20B after completing ARABIC 30. A deficient grade in ARABIC 20B may be removed by taking ARABIC 30.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of recitation and 2 hours of workshop per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Summer 2021 8 Week Session, Summer 2020 8 Week Session, Summer 2019 8 Week Session
This course is equivalent to a full year of intermediate level Arabic. It will deepen skills in speaking, comprehending, reading, and writing Modern Standard Arabic. Intermediate Arabic: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 1B or ARABIC 10 with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for ARABIC 30 after completing ARABIC 20B.
Hours & Format
Summer: 8 weeks - 20 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Summer 1997 10 Week Session, Summer 1995 10 Week Session
This course will include grammatical and stylistic analysis of Arabic texts from both the classical and the modern periods. Class will be conducted entirely in Arabic. Advanced Arabic: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Two years of college level Arabic
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 50 after taking 100A-100B.
Hours & Format
Summer: 8 weeks - 20 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Intensive reading and analysis of texts of different genres. Guest lectures, films, documentaries, oral presentations, research papers. Formal and informal styles of writing and correspondence. Extensive vocabulary building. Advanced Arabic: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 20B or ARABIC 30 with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Intensive reading and analysis of texts of different genres. Guest lectures, films, documentaries, oral presentations, research papers. Formal and informal styles of writing and correspondence. Extensive vocabulary building. Advanced Arabic: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 100A with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2022
This course aims to strengthen the student’s skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in Arabic Media. Students will engage with authentic materials like newspapers, magazines, and internet news sites, which will provide them with a deeper understanding of the linguistic properties of Arabic media output, as well as insight into sociolinguistics, critical discourse analysis, and translation issues. The course will include enrichment activities. Moreover, there will be a group of tasks assigned that will open the door for students to practice what they learned in a meaningful context. Students will also learn about vocality and the way news anchors and media professionals speak Arabic. Media Arabic: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Arabic 20B or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of workshop per week
Summer: 3 weeks - 15 hours of lecture and 5 hours of workshop per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2021
This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on contemporary prose. Reading and analysis of modern Arabic fiction, including short stories, drama, the novel, and expository prose. Modern Arabic Prose: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 20B or ARABIC 30 with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2020
This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on Arabic of the classical periods of Arab and Islamic civilization. Reading and analysis of literary texts of various genres, including essays, biography, and travel literature. Classical Arabic Prose: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 20B or ARABIC 30 with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2017, Fall 2008
Readings and analysis of poetry from the pre-Islamic through the classical periods. Classical Arabic Poetry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 20B or ARABIC 30 with minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2018
Readings from the classical historians and geographers and from contemporary scholarship. Development of historiography. Arabic Historical and Geographical Texts: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 20B or ARABIC 30 with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
This course is designed primarily for majors and prospective majors in Arabic studies. The Classical Periods: A literary-historical survey of Arabic literature from pre-Islamic times to the middle of the thirteenth century, with emphasis on the more important achievements of major Arab authors. Survey of Arabic Literature (in Arabic): Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 20B or ARABIC 30 with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
This course is designed primarily for majors and prospective majors in Arabic studies. The Post-Abbasid and Modern Periods: A literary-historical survey of Arabic literature from the middle of the thirteenth century to the present. Survey of Arabic Literature (in Arabic): Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 20B or ARABIC 30 with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2019
This course introduces students to a standard colloquial Arabic and the cultures of the region in which it spoken. The colloquial will change based on availability. The focus of the course is on speaking and listening, but also includes readings from printed materials. The course draws on various media including advertisements, theater, and film composed in colloquial style. This course will also expose students to literature composed in colloquial. Moreover, students will study the social stratification in the society along with an analysis of the speech of each social level. Students use their knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic as a platform for learning to communicate in colloquial. Colloquial Arabic: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 1B or ARABIC 10 with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with instructor consent.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
This course introduces students to Egyptian Colloquial Arabic and the cultures of the region in which it is spoken. The focus of the course is on speaking and listening, but also includes readings from printed materials. The course draws on various media including advertisements, theater, and film composed in colloquial style. This course will also expose students to literature composed in colloquial. Moreover, students will study the social stratification in the Egyptian society along with a analysis of the speech of each social level. Students use their knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic as a platform for learning to communicate in Egyptian colloquial. Colloquial Arabic: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: By the completion of ECA course students should be able to:
1. Read and comprehend literature written in ECA
2. Hold longer conversations with native speakers on different topics.
3. Understand the sociolinguistic aspects of Egyptian culture.
4. Understand and engage in the Egyptian humor which forms a big part of the culture.
5. Understand and engage in social occasions such as greetings giving condolences, etc.
6. Recognize the language level of the speaker to avoid misunderstandings.
7. Respond to any speaker according to his/her language level.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:ARABIC 115A with a minimum grade of C- or with the consent of the instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with instructor consent.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Arabic/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
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