FAR_BA - Arabic

About this Program

• College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Degree: Bachelor of Arts
• Credits for Degree: 120
• More Info

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

The BA 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, and 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.

Requirements 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 credits 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.

¹

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

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Recommended for those planning to pursue careers requiring advanced level skills in Arabic or graduate work in Arabic 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 summer UF-sponsored program in the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF) in Morocco. The program offers students the opportunity to earn 11 credits (only 6 credits count toward the major).
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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. Literacy in Standard Arabic is expected.

Research

Students with an upper-division GPA of 3.5 are encouraged to write a thesis for high or highest honors at graduation.