Minor in Arabic & Hebrew Languages & Cultures

A group of students sitting at desks in Arabic class

Integrating two Semitic sister languages, the Arabic and Hebrew minor enables students to discover the linguistic and cultural commonalities between two important languages of the Middle East region.

Students in the minor choose one primary language of focus and may select electives from either Hebrew or Arabic. Potential courses include Gender and Sexuality in Israel, Arab Film and Culture in English and Modern Hebrew Literary Classics in Translation.

Students should consult with the coordinator of their chosen primary track before declaring a minor: Orian Zakai (Hebrew track) or Mohssen Esseesy (Arabic track).

Apply to GW

Declare a Minor

Careers in Arabic

"I had the unique opportunity to study two languages and two worlds at once, with professors who have the life experience to present it in an authentic way. These courses reshaped how I understand language and deepened my connection to the Near East."

Liat Wasserman
BA '21, Minor in Arabic & Hebrew

Course Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled: A minimum of 18 credits, including 9 to 10 credits in one focus area and 9 credits in elective courses. In addition, students must complete two years of the primary language or equivalent and one year of the secondary language or equivalent before beginning the minor program.

Code	Title	Credits
Language prerequisite
For students pursuing the Arabic focus area, the following courses or their equivalent must be completed before beginning the program:
ARAB 1001	Beginning Arabic I
ARAB 1002	Beginning Arabic II
ARAB 2001	Intermediate Arabic I
ARAB 2002	Intermediate Arabic II
HEBR 1001	Beginning Hebrew I
HEBR 1002	Beginning Hebrew II
For students pursuing the Hebrew focus area, the following courses or their equivalent must be completed before beginning the program:
HEBR 1001	Beginning Hebrew I
HEBR 1002	Beginning Hebrew II
HEBR 2001	Intermediate Hebrew I
HEBR 2002	Intermediate Hebrew II
ARAB 1001	Beginning Arabic I
ARAB 1002	Beginning Arabic II

Code	Title	Credits
Required minor curriculum
Students must complete all courses (9 to 10 credits) in either the Arabic or Hebrew focus area.
Arabic focus area
ARAB 3001	Advanced Arabic
ARAB 3301	Modern Arabic Literature
ARAB 3302	Media Arabic
Hebrew focus area
HEBR 3001	Hebrew Conversation and Writing
HEBR 3301	Modern Hebrew Fiction
or HEBR 3301W	Modern Hebrew Fiction
HEBR 3302	The Israeli Media
or HEBR 3302W	The Israeli Media
Electives
9 credits (three courses) selected from the following. At least one course must be outside the student's focus area.
ARAB 3501	Arabic and Arab Identity
ARAB 3502	Arab Film and Culture in English
HEBR 3101	Modern Hebrew Literary Classics in Translation
HEBR 3102	Israeli Society and Culture: Literary Perspectives
HEBR 3103	Israeli Cinema (in English)
HEBR 3104W	Gender and Sexuality in Israel