Courses

ARB 101 Elementary Arabic I

Arabic 101 is intended for English–speaking students. In this course, students will be introduced to the Arabic alphabet and its sounds. Students will master reading and writing the letters and sounds. They will also learn some basic sentence structures and some vocabulary. Some vocabulary is related to introducing self and others, greetings, describing people and places. The goal is to enhance the students’ ability to master the four skills -listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This course like any other language involves self-instructional approach. Students are required to study the textbook and listen to assigned audio materials (CDs, or computer sound files). Native speakers of this language cannot take this course. Any students with background knowledge of this language must see the director before registering. Not repeatable without permission of the director.

ARB 101 is also offered online.

ARB 102 Elementary Arabic II

Prerequisite: ARB 101 or equivalent.

In 102, students will continue using some familiar vocabulary and structures learned in Arabic 101; however, these structures will be more complex.   Students in this course will continue listening and reading about Maha, khalid and their family members. Students will watch videos of both standard Arabic and another dialect.   Students will also continue learning about Arabic grammar. In addition to learning about more verbs, students will learn new grammatical points, such as conditional sentences, dual and irregular plural, comparative and superlatives, future, and other grammatical points. Students also will be exposed to more complex reading texts. Students are required to study the textbook and listen to assigned audio materials (CDs, or computer sound files). Students have practice sessions three hours per week. Not repeatable without the permission of the Arabic director.

ARB 102 is also offered online.

Intermediate Arabic (201-202)

This course aims to fulfill two General Education Learning Objectives: 1) “Students will demonstrate an awareness of, and ability to formulate rational interpretations of human experience” and  2) “Competency  in written and oral communication.” The specific outcome sought under the aegis of the first objective is for students “to place and interpret texts within a discursive tradition and within broader cultural and historical contexts.” Under the second objective the specific outcome sought is “students will demonstrate competence in reading and speaking.”

Advanced Arabic (301-302)

Introduce literary texts to enhance the students` awareness of the Arabic cultural heritage. Students will read a large number of very short stories (folktales, tricksters, and religious stories) and learn the vocabulary and the cultural information accompanying each reading. The main focus for this section is reading comprehension and vocabulary learning.

Expose the student to media texts, specifically, political news texts, and help them learn political vocabulary and how to use them in the correct context (ex; negotiations, summit, delegation, etc). The students are trained to construct sentences and write paragraphs in Arabic describing political events and news. The course will also expose students to news broadcasts in Arabic from news channels such as Aljazeera for listening practices and context comprehension.

Students are introduced to an advanced level in grammar and structure to be able to construct more complex structures in their speaking and writing as upper level students.

ARB 350: Culture and Society in Africa and the Middle East: Present and Past

Students will learn about the social, cultural, geographical, religious, linguistic, historical, and other aspects of the Arab and middle eastern culture. Students in this course will gain knowledge about certain topics, such as social values and identities, minority groups, religious influence, technology in the Arab world, daily life practices and traditions. Students will watch movies and videos, and read chapters related to the topics discussed. In addition, students will learn about gender relations, multicultural issues, and male-female dynamics. Course taught in English.

ARB 351: Introduction to Modern Arabic Literature in English Translation

This course introduces students to various texts of modern Arabic prose and poetry and their development through time. We will discuss literary traditions, genres, and styles in Arabic modern literature from the Middle East and North Africa. We will cover: Poetry, short story, and novel. We will also explore the political, economic, and social issues Arab writers confront, such as, the effect of history, literary tradition, and religion on modern text writing. Other topics will also be discussed: Literature and resistance, Arab women writers and the Arab Spring context in today`s Arab literature. This course is taught in English.

ARB 355: The Arabian Nights

This course introduces students to the Arabian Nights (One Thousand and One Nights) in translation. The Arabian Nights are a collection of stories framed in one story narrated by Shahrazad. The narratives are a mixed potion of magic, love, fear, and death. This course will discuss the history of the tales as well as the different translations, in addition to the socio-cultural concepts of antagonists and protagonist forces, such as magic spells and the Jinni. The students will cover a variety of tales: Sinbad, Ali Baba, and Aladdin. The course will also examine the Islamic context in the Arabian Nights.

ARB 363:Women in the Arab World

This course allows students an in-depth look at the diverse women who represent a number of cultures in the Arab world and to study such women through the eyes of leading Arab women theorists. Students will explore the Arab woman’s place in her respective society, in political and economic systems, in education, and in the family and analyze the Arab woman’s contributions to art and literature as well as to the sciences. The course will provide an overview of the Arab woman throughout history. A passing grade in a W designated course is contingent upon students writing coherent, logical, carefully edited prose in a minimum of two papers, one of which must be completed, graded, and returned by mid-semester. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. Rubrics are available for each assignment.

ARB 364: Diversity and Gender Roles and Relations in Jordon

This course with a study abroad component will explore Jordan through both on-campus and field work experiences. Students will learn how Jordan’s historic past has contributed to building a nation with a diversity of cultures that plays an important role in politics and diplomacy today. The very fabric of Jordanian society will be at the center of this course which means that a considerable amount of our focus will also be on gender roles and relations and their impact not only on Jordanian society but also on issues involving human rights and equality in the Middle East.