Students in classroom at their desk

Arabic Languages Program

Explore the study of Arabic by learning how to speak, understand, read and write in the Arabic language. Immerse yourself into the culture by reading and discussing modern text, having conversations, working on composition and grammar.

COD offers Arabic courses in a traditional format where classes meet weekly and students have the opportunity to interact with their instructor and their peers. Students will take courses in Arabic civilization and culture, elementary and immediate Arabic. 

Find an Arabic Course

Students can use the transfer-level courses (2202, 2206, 2008, 2251 and 2252) to meet Humanities General Education requirements for associate's degrees. All 1100 to 2252 courses satisfy the Global/Multicultural Studies requirement. Contact Counseling, Advising and Transfer Services for more information.

Determine Your Path

Studying Arabic will help you find a new job, advance your career or gain more insight into another culture. 

College of DuPage offers a world of educational opportunities in your own backyard. At COD, you'll find:

  •  Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
  • Instruction utilizing our state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Affordable courses to help you achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining your savings account.
  • Small class sizes to ensure you receive personalized attention.

The study of Arabic offers many benefits including:

  1. Global Language
    Arabic is a global language that is spoken natively in 22 countries. These countries make up the Arab World. You cannot find any 22 countries in the world that speak the same native language and share the same history. Most of them also share the same religion.
  2. Increasing Job Opportunities
    Speaking Arabic will increase your chances of finding a new job, getting a transfer overseas or attending foreign business trips. There are many incentives and job opportunities for those who speak it in a variety of fields such as journalism, trade, translation, international law, industry, education and finance.
  3. Studying Abroad & Scholarships
    Students pursuing Arabic are able to secure study abroad scholarships and other professional development opportunities. If you plan to study at one of the Middle East universities, colleges or schools, you'll need a thorough knowledge of the local language. Attaining proficiency in Arabic makes you a stronger candidate for graduate school in disciplines such as Middle East Studies, Religious Studies, International Studies, Political Science, Literature and Cultural Studies. Studying Arabic enables you to read texts in their original language and to conduct fieldwork in Arabic, adding value to your scholarship.
  4. Religion
    Learning Arabic will help you better understand Islam. Arabic is a tool that will help you learn about the Quran and Muslim culture. 
  5. Culture 
    Learning the Arabic language will help you to communicate and give you a better understanding of culture and ways of thinking. The traditional hospitality of the Arabs becomes even more cordial when a guest shows a willingness to communicate in the language.

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started in the Arabic Languages program is to apply for admission.

Students who complete courses in any of the Foreign Languages disciplines will:

  • Communicate effectively in more than one language in order to function in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes
  • Interact with cultural competence and understanding
  • Connect with other disciplines and acquire information and diverse perspectives in order to use the language to function in academic and career-related situations
  • Develop insight into the nature of language and culture in order to interact with cultural competence
  • Communicate and interact with cultural competence in order to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world

College of DuPage has several languages transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.

Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.

 

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