Global Arc

A performance-oriented, multimedia introductory course in modern spoken and written Turkish. Based on authentic input, grammatical properties of the language are introduced. Language skills are developed through communicative activities in class and individualized work with interactive learning aids. Five classes; laboratory required. No credit is given for TUR 101 unless followed by TUR 102.

A continuation of 101. Coverage of basic grammar. There will be a growing emphasis on Turkish culture, reading, and increasing vocabulary. Final exam includes an oral interview. Five classes; laboratory work required. Prerequisite: 101. Students who complete 102 normally place into 105.

Building on students' knowledge, this course aims to further all language skills through extensive exposure to current news, authentic multimedia sources, and close reading of graded authentic materials. Weekly modules to reinforce more complex language structures. Prerequisite: 102 or permission of the instructor. Five classes; laboratory work recommended as needed.

A continuation of 105. Emphasis on developing all language skills and cultural understanding. Review of grammar as needed. In addition to exposure to current events, students will be introduced to modern Turkish literature, with close reading of selected prose and poetry. Final exam includes an oral interview. Five classes; laboratory work recommended as needed.

This course introduces a wide variety of reading material (newspaper, memoir, letter, short story, diary etc.) to strengthen students' abilities in understanding and evaluating modern Turkish texts. Information on selected authors and their works will provide a general view on the Ottoman/Turkish cultural, literary and historical panorama. The analysis and discussions of the texts in class will serve to build fluency.

This course introduces a wide variety of topics in contemporary Turkish media, cinema and documentaries. It will develop students' skills in listening and understanding colloquial Turkish, as well as in evaluating social, political and cultural issues covered by the media (including BBC, TRT, VOA). Viewing a selection of Turkish documentaries and films will serve to build fluency through in-depth classroom analysis and discussions. Weekly written assignments will help to develop students' proficiency in literary Turkish.

In this course, students will learn how to read Ottoman Turkish in the Arabic script, acquire knowledge of relevant Persian and Arabic grammar rules, develop a basic set of Ottoman Turkish vocabulary, and romanize written Ottoman sources. The readings will emphasize variety, provided by sources such as legal tracts, histories, and biographies; as well as depth, provided by focus on a specific genre of prose fiction, the Tifli stories, showcasing developments in Ottoman language and society across the last three centuries of the empire. While most of the texts we read will be printed, we will look at some simple manuscripts as well.

The course will provide the students with fluency in reading and understanding Ottoman Turkish written in various periods. The texts will consist of printed and handwritten materials: articles, letters, newspapers and archival documents.