Introductory Arabic
Introductory Arabic is designed for students who do not have any Arabic language background. Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of the four basic language skills: comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing, through an integrated and comprehensive method. The course provides an understanding of Arabic phonology, morphology and syntax. The course will be taught in Arabic. Offered every fall semester.
Continuing Introductory Arabic
Continuing Introductory Arabic is designed for students who have completed Introductory Arabic or have equivalent proficiency. The course aims to continue building all language skills, including an emphasis on vocabulary, and to further provide understanding of more complex grammatical and morphological language structures. The course emphasizes grammatical analysis, reading longer and more varied texts, and continued practice with speaking and writing. The course will be taught in Arabic. Prerequisite: Arabic 1 or permission of the instructor. Offered every spring semester.
Intermediate Arabic
Intermediate Arabic is designed for students who have completed one year (two semesters) of Introductory Arabic at CMC or have equivalent proficiency. The course reinforces the four basic skills: comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. It stresses further understanding of the complex grammatical and morphological systems of the Arabic language, providing intensive grammatical analysis through reading from a variety of longer texts. The course will be taught in Arabic. Prerequisite: Arabic 2 or permission of the instructor. Offered every fall semester (starting in 2009).
Continuing Intermediate Arabic
Continuing Intermediate Arabic is a continuation of Intermediate Arabic. It is designed for students who have completed one year (two semesters) of Introductory Arabic and one semester of Intermediate Arabic at CMC or have equivalent proficiency. The course will continue to reinforce the four basic skills: comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The course will develop further understanding of the complex grammatical and morphological systems of the Arabic language, providing intensive grammatical analysis through reading from a wider variety of longer texts. The course will be taught in Arabic. Prerequisite: Arabic 33 or permission of the instructor. Offered every spring semester (starting in 2010).
Advanced Arabic: Readings in Modern Arab Culture and Thought
This is an advanced course which will be taught in Arabic, and all discussions and presentations will be conducted in Arabic, as well as all written work. The course will be organized in a seminar format, and will include readings in Arabic of some of the most important and influential Arab writers and intellectuals in the last hundred years. The selected works are a reflection of major trends and movements in Arab culture and thought, and will include excerpts from amongst the texts below. The reading list will change over time to keep current.
Advanced Arabic: Modern Arabic Poetry in Translation
The course “Modern Arabic Poetry in Translation” offers a window into the richness and sophistication of modern Arabic poetry. It focuses on major themes in Arabic poetry, and will cover the most important poetic texts and works written by the leading Arab poets in contemporary times. It begins with providing a necessary overview of classical Arabic poetic traditions, including pre-Islamic poetry. The course also offers insights into critical aspects of modern Arab culture. It examines the influence of Western literature on modern Arabic poetry and discusses the significant role of modern Arab poets within Arab society. Modern Arabic Poetry in Translation will be taught in English.