Arabic

This course covers conversational Arabic, pronunciation, the conjugation of the verbs, declension of the nouns and the prepositions, and introduces a large vocabulary from different fields of daily life. The course focuses on listening comprehension and active use of the spoken dialect. The course utilizes the AL-KITAAB text book series. The course includes both modern standard Arabic (with an emphasis on the foundations of literary Arabic) and colloquial Arabic (Palestinian dialect). Topics include: acquaintance, self-presentation and greetings, proverbs and other expressions, family and kinship terminology, languages and nationalities, numbers, and colors.

This course is offered during the first two weeks of the program. It is designed to begin to learn how to properly and effectively communicate in Moroccan dialect. The course introduces words, phrases, expressions, and structures used in everyday life. It also introduces Moroccan culture and the cultural context of communication in order to better communicate with Moroccans. The course adopts a communicative methodology to develop immediate survival conversational competence. Role plays and simulations, group work with native speakers, and field-based activities are used to increase exposure to the target language.

This course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of the Arabic language. The course employs student-centered methods to introduce basic grammatical structures and sound patterns of Arabic with attention to mastery of script, pronunciation, and listening comprehension. It focuses on reading and writing using Arabic script and verbal communication by forming phrases and simple sentences. The course develops language and skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) at the Novice-Mid level of the ACTFL Guidelines for proficiency and introduces culturally appropriate social interactions. Course highlights include the Arabic alphabet and sound system, correct pronunciation of Arabic sounds, writing accurately from dictation, initiating social interactions and asking for basic information, interpreting basic cultural aspects of social interaction in the Arab world, and composing simple sentences about one's self. 

This course examines the Arabic language and the history and culture of the Arabic-speaking people. It covers the philosophy, music, religions, literature, poetry and art of the Arabic-speaking communities; cultural products and customs; values important to the Arabic people; and important features of the main dialects.

This intermediate level course provides an opportunity to strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Colloquial Arabic. The course focuses on the basic principles of verb conjugations in past and present-future tenses. It includes reading and responding to more complicated dialogues, both written and oral, while expanding vocabular. Instruction is conducted in Arabic and accompanied by original study material and audio tracks. The course allows students to discuss a variety of topics including time (hours, time of day, days of the week), daily activities, weather, clothes, colors, and occupation.