Advising & Placement: Arabic

If you have previously taken Arabic and have questions about which course is appropriate for you, we recommend you take a placement test to help determine your level of proficiency.

Note: If you speak the language but cannot read or write Arabic, you need to begin in Arabic 101 in order to learn the script.

There are two parts to the placement test:

1. Take this online placement test.
2. After you complete the placement test, you will need to complete a short speaking/writing evaluation.
   • Please email world@pdx.edu to set up an appointment to discuss placement.
   • Please include the following information in your email:
     • Your placement test score
     • PSU ID number
     • Your background is in Arabic including:
     • Where and when you studied Arabic
     • For how long
     • Whether or not you speak a particular dialect
     • Whether or not you read and write Standard Arabic (Fusha)

The table below will help you understand your level based on your placement test score.

Please note: This placement test does not waive the Second Language Requirements. Students who need to take a proficiency exam to fulfill the the admissions, Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Master of Arts (MA) second language requirement, see the Second Language Requirements page for information and instructions. 

Request a Faculty Advisor for Arabic Majors and Minors

• If you plan to minor in Arabic, please complete the Advisor Request Form to request a faculty advisor. Once you submit this form, you will be matched with a language advisor and notified via email from world@pdx.edu. 
• Note: The Arabic major is currently on moratorium. During this time, Arabic classes are still offered, however no new students may declare an Arabic major while the moratorium is in effect. Current Arabic majors who declared before the moratorium should contact their Arabic advisor or world@pdx.edu with questions.
• For information on your general undergraduate requirements, consult your pathway advisor. Your assigned advisor's name and contact information is listed in your myPSU account on the "Academics" page. More information on how to find your advisor can be found on the Advising Pathways website.

Advising Worksheets

• Arabic Minor Advising Worksheet

Upcoming Arabic Courses

• Use the Schedule of Classes to help you plan your course schedule.

Registration Overrides

• A registration override might be required for certain prerequisites, co-requisite, class time conflicts, closed and restricted classes, etc.
• To request a registration override, please contact the faculty member who teaches the course for assistance. If no instructor is listed, please email world@pdx.edu.
• When your instructor or the department provides a registration override for you it does not mean you are registered. You must still log on to your myPSU account and register for the course.
• Your instructor and the department provide registration overrides by CRN only. This means you will only be able to register for the particular section your instructor has authorized. Other sections will still have have restrictions if you attempt to register.
• If you are currently on the waitlist and have received a Faculty Override from your instructor, you must register for the course via myPSU. Under Add/Drop Courses, you must first drop from the waitlist by selecting "Drop Waitlist", then re-add the course by selecting "Reinstate Course" from the drop-down menu in the Action Field.
• More information on registration overrides here. 

Arabic Faculty

• Find Arabic faculty.

Arabic Tutoring Services

• The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers drop-in tutoring services for 100- and 200-level language students. See the schedule here. Non-PSU students, please see our list of community tutors and translators.