- Beginning Arabic I

Catalog description

This is an introductory course to Arabic language and culture. It assumes no previous knowledge of Arabic and provides a thorough grounding in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It starts with the alphabet and the number system and builds the four skills gradually and systematically through carefully selected and organized materials focusing on specific, concrete and familiar topics such as self-identification, family, travel, food, renting an apartment, study, the weather, etc. This course follows the underlying philosophy of the integrated approach to Arabic language instruction and culture. It is based on the integration of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and spoken dialectical Arabic (Levantine) in a way that reflects the actual use of language by its native speakers. Overall, the course aims at improving students’ linguistic knowledge from Novice-low to Novice-high level, according to the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.