<p>Has anyone heard anything about these two departments...That is what I plan on majoring in. Any comments would be greatly appreciated....</p>
<p>Both departments seem great. There are two departments that cover Arabic. The first is Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Literatures, the second Asian and Middle-Eastern Studies. The profs who specifically teach Arabic seemed very knowledgeable and energetic when I met them. A friend who took Arabic for the first time here described it as "wonderful." Some other people I know say that it is tough but very structured. They all plan to go on the Language Study Abroad (LSA) in Morocco to study even more. </p>
<p>I took both Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 here, and am going to go to Puebla, Mexico next winter. I'll take a conversation class, a history class, and a literature class while I'm there. I think that living with a family and being immersed in Mexican culture will really help me learn to speak fluently. Spanish 1 and 2 both require extra speaking practice in sessions called drill. Drill isn't the most fun, but it does help you learn the language. I haven't taken any literature or history courses yet, but my Undergrad Advisor is an Astronomy/Physics major and takes random Spanish courses just for fun. </p>
<p>Both departments are large enough so that you will have plenty of classmates, but small enough that you will get individualized attention from the profs. Almost all of these classes are discussion-based and very interactive. I think you will enjoy whatever you choose!</p>