Introduction to Arabic I

Catalog description

This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence ( 82-109 , 82-110 ) for students with no background in Arabic. It covers the first half of 82-111 in one semester through introducing learners to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in its written and spoken forms to achieve communicative competence at the elementary level in all language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). To this end the course follows a proficiency-oriented approach to language teaching. In addition to MSA, the course introduces students to one of the popular spoken dialects in the Arab world such as Egyptian, Levantine, or Moroccan (depending upon the instructor's background/expertise). Students will also study various cultural aspects of the Arab world through written, audio-visual and online-based materials. Regular homework, quizzes, tests, presentations, and class participation are required (three in-class hours per week plus six hours of required homework). Students who intend to do a minor in Arabic Studies should consult with the Arabic minor advisor before deciding on 82-109 or 82-111 .