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Arabic Language, Literature and Culture

About Arabic Language, Literature and Culture at CSUSB

The Arabic Language, Literature and Culture program at CSUSB combines intensive language study with the exploration of literature, media, and contemporary issues across the Arab world.

You’ll build skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Arabic while engaging critically with cultural expression, identity, and global connections.

Coursework bridges language with areas like history, politics, business, health care, and social justice, helping you understand how Arabic operates in real communities and professions.

The major prepares you to communicate across cultures and contribute thoughtfully in an increasingly interconnected world.

Why Choose Arabic at CSUSB?

  • Study a high-need, critical language that is in demand in government, education, business, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Learn from faculty who connect language learning with contemporary issues, social justice, and global perspectives.
  • Combine Arabic with complementary fields such as international business, criminal justice, political science, health care, history, and law to broaden your impact.
  • Benefit from small classes, personalized support, and clear academic roadmaps for first-time and transfer students.

Careers in Arabic Language, Literature and Culture

Arabic writings

Graduates with a B.A. in Arabic Language, Literature and Culture are prepared for careers where language proficiency and cultural knowledge are essential. Possible paths include:

  • Education & Teaching: K–12 or community language programs (with appropriate credentials), tutoring, language support services, or teaching abroad.
  • Government & Public Service: Roles in diplomacy, international programs, public policy, national security, and intelligence that value Arabic as a critical language.
  • Global Business & Nonprofits: Work with companies and organizations engaged with the Middle East and North Africa in trade, logistics, community outreach, and humanitarian efforts.
  • Media, Translation & Cultural Work: Translation and interpreting, journalism, cultural programming, international education, and community advocacy centered on Arabic-speaking communities.

Many students also go on to graduate or professional study in areas such as international relations, Middle Eastern studies, law, public health, or education.

Sample Courses

Spoken Arabic

Introduction to a spoken variety of Arabic in order to communicate effectively with Arabic speakers. Focus will be on developing listening and speaking skills to communicate effectively in everyday situations.

Arab Culture, Media and Identity

An exploration of cultural phenomena in the Arab world through authentic media and readings. Students make connections between cultural perspectives and products while developing their interpretive, interpersonal and presentational skills.

Arabic Literature and societies

Students develop their cultural proficiency as well as their reading comprehension skills as they explore varied prose and poetry genres in Arabic writing and literature and how they reflect and relate to Arab societies.

Meet Professor Bibiana Diaz

Bibiana Diaz
Bibiana Diaz, associate professor in the Department of World Languages and Literatures, loves to be current with teaching methodologies and, with the collaboration of the university’s Academic Technologies & Innovation, she has introduced Virtual Reality videos to her classes, using tools that allow the students to be in a fully immersed environment and to travel to places without leaving the classroom.
—Bibiana Diaz

Opportunities for Students

Students in Arabic Language, Literature and Culture have access to a wide range of academic and co-curricular opportunities, including:

  • Specialized Courses & Signature Work
  • Scholarships & Financial Support
  • Study Abroad & Global Experiences
  • Community & Department Engagement 

Similar to Arabic Language, Literature and Culture

With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.