Global Arc

This course builds on the skills developed in Elementary Arabic. Students in this course work to improve their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We will focus primarily on Modern Standard Arabic in reading and writing, but Levantine and/or Egyptian dialect may be used in informal speaking and listening exercises.

Study of Arabic grammar and syntax, and use of the language in functional contexts. Reading of extra material from articles, newspapers, short stories. Discussions are held in Arabic to enhance students' speaking skills.

An introduction to a specific spoken dialect of the Arabic language. This course currently focuses on the Arabic dialects used in the Levant, especially Palestinian and Lebanese dialects. The material of the course is designed to promote functional usage of the language stressing vocabulary and grammar in conversation of everyday life. Four classes.

A continuation of ARA 111. Focusing on Arabic dialects used in the Levant, especially Palestinian and Lebanese dialects, the material of the course further develops functional usage of the language stressing vocabulary and grammar in conversation of everyday life.

Continuation of ARA 107 with reading, writing, speaking, and listening development at the Intermediate High and Advanced levels of proficiency. After completion of the "Al-Kitaab," part 2 textbook, course will turn to reading in a variety of contemporary genres. Course will include review and expansion of students' grammatical knowledge. Students will be expected to communicate primarily in Arabic.

Continuation of 301. Class reading of more sophisticated discursive prose and short stories. Class discussion in Arabic of assigned texts not translated in class. Emphasis on the systematic study of syntax. Increased emphasis on speaking about a variety of topics. Arabic composition. Two 90-minute classes, two periods of drill.

In this course, students will develop their skills in reading and listening to Arabic news media, including newspapers, magazines, websites, radio and satellite TV broadcasts (including BBC and al-Jazeera, among others). Attention will also be given to informal discussion of current news, and we will also take a brief look at political cartoons. Language of instruction will be primarily Arabic.

An introduction to spoken Levantine dialect. Materials in the course are designed to promote functional usage of the language, stressing the vocabulary and grammar of conversation as used in daily life in the Levant, particularly Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Semester two of a year-long introduction to Levantine Colloquial Arabic, also known as the "Shami" dialect. Designed for speakers of Arabic as a second language, this course trains students to use their Levantine colloquial skills, gained during the first semester of this course, to discuss a variety of topics, including but not limited to: politics, religion, culture, history, and education. In addition to the materials in the textbooks, students will watch and/or listen to excerpts from Syrian, Lebanese, and Jordanian television, radio, films, music, and theater in order to promote/deepen their understanding of Levantine and Arab culture.

An introduction to the spoken dialects of Egypt, particularly of Cairo. Students in this course are assumed to have a functional, working knowledge of classical Arabic, and the course will focus on developing the ability to use conversational language in common, everyday situations.