Arabic Minor

The Arabic minor at Stonehill introduces students to the Modern Standard Arabic language as well as integrates aspects of Arabic history, culture, and contemporary events and issues.

Program Type Undergraduate Minor
Mode of Study On Campus
Department Languages, Literatures & Cultures
School May School of Arts & Sciences
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Program Overview

Arabic is among the fastest growing language programs on American campuses. This is due in part to the fact that it is valuable in a wide variety of majors, including criminology, government services, cyber security and careers with organizations with global reach. Whether you seek employment with an American company that deals with the Middle East and Africa or a foreign company that has American branches, knowledge of the language and culture can provide a competitive advantage in the hiring process. Also, since it is a challenging language, involvement in Arabic language programs signal to potential employers that you are open to taking on difficult tasks.

Sample Courses

Elementary Arabic I

This is the first course in a two-semester sequence introducing students to Modern Standard Arabic. By completing both semesters, students will reach the "novice high" proficiency level as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural competence.

Intermediate Arabic I

This is the first course of the two-semester sequence in Modern Standard Arabic at the Intermediate level. By completing both semesters, students will reach the "Intermediate Mid-Level" in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Directed Study: Topics in Arabic

Opportunity for upper-level students to do an advanced research project or investigation in an Arabic field of special interest not covered by a normally-scheduled course. The student and a full-time faculty member familiar with the student's area of interest agree on a plan of study and research and on evaluation methods.

Study Abroad for Arabic Minors

Language minors are encouraged to spend a semester abroad in an approved international program of study or in one of the international internships sponsored by Stonehill College.

Students may transfer in two pre-approved courses taken abroad to the minor. Additional language courses may be pre-approved as general electives.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Stonehill is ranked among the best in the nation for sending students on semester-long study abroad programs. Our programs focus on developing global citizens and helping students meet both academic and personal goals. A student’s international experience is attractive to potential employers who seek applicants with global perspective and an understanding other cultures.

Sample approved study abroad programs for languages, literatures and cultures majors include:

  • University of Salzburg
  • IES in Vienna
  • Champlain Abroad Montreal
  • Beijing Center
  • Fudan University
  • API in Caen
  • API in Paris
  • Campus International De Cannes
  • CIEE in Paris
  • Grenoble École de Management
  • Institut Catholique de Toulouse
  • Université Rennes II
  • Université Grenoble Alpes (CUEF)
  • University of Paris, Sorbonne
  • Freie Universität Berlin
  • IES in Berlin
  • IES in Freiburg
  • Universität Heidelberg (American Junior Year)
  • University of Berlin
  • Florence University of the Arts
  • John Cabot University
  • Umbra Institute in Perugia
  • CIEE Study Center (Rabat)
  • School for International Training

Argentina

  • School for International Training
  • Universidad de Belgrano
  • Universidad de Congresso
  • Universidad Torcuato Di Tella

Brazil

  • CIEE in Rio de Janeiro
  • CIEE in São Paulo
  • Universidade Católica do Salvador

Chile

  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso
  • School for International Training
  • Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Viña del Mar
  • Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María

Costa Rica

  • Universidad Veritas

Cuba

  • Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas
  • Universidad de la Habana

Dominican Republic

  • CIEE in Santiago de los Caballeros (service learning option available)
  • CIEE in Santo Domingo

Ecuador

  • IES Galapagos Islands
  • School for International Training

Panama

  • School for International Training

Peru

  • Pontifícia Universidad Católica del Perú
  • School for International Training
  • CIEE Study Center (Dakar)
  • School for International Training
  • API in Barcelona
  • API in Madrid 
  • API in Seville
  • Granada Institute of International Studies
  • University of Alicante
  • University of Barcelona
  • Universidad de Deusto
  • University of Granada
  • University of Madrid
  • Universidad de Salamanca

Languages, Literatures & Cultures Department

The Arabic Minor is part of the Languages, Literatures & Cultures Department at Stonehill. 

The study of languages, literatures and cultures is a cornerstone of a liberal arts education. The Department offers coursework in seven languages.

Places where Stonehill graduates have recently been employed include:

  • Boston Children’s Hospital
  • Catholic Charities
  • French Embassy
  • Fulbright Recipient (Ecuador)
  • Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office
  • Office of Refugees and Immigrants, City of Boston
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Ropes & Gray LLP
  • Teach for America
  • World Teach
  • Various school systems

Language experience is invaluable for those students seeking careers in:

  • Education
  • International Studies
  • Psychology
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Political Science
  • Communications
  • Sociology
  • Business

Places where Stonehill graduates have recently attended a full- or part-time graduate program include:

  • Aberystwyth University (Wales)
  • Boston University
  • Middlebury College
  • Northeastern University
  • Universidad Complutense (Madrid)
  • University of Connecticut
  • Universidad de Granada (Spain)

Research Opportunities

Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is an opportunity for students who have completed their first year at Stonehill to perform significant, publishable, full-time research under the guidance of and in collaboration with an experienced faculty researcher.

EXAMPLES OF LANGUAGES, LITERATURES & CULTURES RESEARCH

  • Bridget Ryan ’23 worked with Teresa Villa-Ignacio, Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies, on Sounding Translation, an Internet-accessible podcast that archives translators’ reflections on the experience of translating contemporary poetry.
  • Alina Shklyarenko ’17 worked with John Golden, associate professor of foreign languages, on “Translating Alexander Blok’s ‘Vozmezdie.’” They have submitted for publication their work on previously untranslated sections of this important poem by the Russian symbolist.
  • Michael Travers ’15 worked with Juan Carlos Martin, associate professor of Foreign Languages, on “Virtual Learning: Beyond the Classroom.” 
  • Spanish major Angela Moskawa ’14 workedwith Juan Carlos Martin, associate professor of Foreign Languages, on “Identity Crisis: Portrayals of the Posthuman in Spanish Narrative and Film.” This project strives to study the concept of post-humanity in Spanish narrative and film, focusing primarily on literary pieces and cinematic works written and produced during the past two decades.
  • Laura Dzgoeva ’14 worked with John Golden, associate professor of foreign languages, on “Translating Alexander Blok.” Blok was a major Russian Symbolist poet; they translated several of his poems into English and have submitted some of their work for publication.

Partnerships & Special Programs

Stonehill College has developed academic affiliations with colleges and universities that enable our students to augment the degree they earn at Stonehill with graduate and undergraduate degrees that further enhance their opportunities.

The Unstoppable Mona Rowan

How a survivor of the Lebanese Civil War came to teach Arabic at Stonehill and the lessons—in addition to language—that she imparts. 

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