Arabic
- ARA 101: Elementary Arabic IThis class develops the basic structures and vocabulary for understanding, speaking, writing and reading Modern Standard Arabic, the shared formal variety of Arabic used throughout the Arab world. Students will also gain some familiarity with both Egyptian and Levantine colloquial dialects. Class activities are designed to foster communication and cultural competence through comprehension and grammar exercises, skits, conversation, videos and songs.
- ARA 105: Intermediate Arabic IThis course builds on the skills developed in Elementary Arabic. Students in this course work to improve their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We will focus primarily on Modern Standard Arabic in reading and writing, but Levantine and/or Egyptian dialect may be used in informal speaking and listening exercises.
- ARA 301: Advanced Arabic IContinuation of ARA 107 with reading, writing, speaking, and listening development at the Intermediate High and Advanced levels of proficiency. After completion of the "Al-Kitaab," part 2 textbook, course will turn to reading in a variety of contemporary genres. Course will include review and expansion of students' grammatical knowledge. Students will be expected to communicate primarily in Arabic.
- ARA 303: Media Arabic IIn this course, students will develop their skills in reading and listening to Arabic news media, including newspapers, magazines, websites, radio and satellite TV broadcasts (including BBC and al-Jazeera, among others). Attention will also be given to informal discussion of current news, and we will also take a brief look at political cartoons. Language of instruction will be primarily Arabic.
- ARA 430: Arabic Creative WritingThis Arabic Creative Writing course delves into essential elements of fiction writing, teaching techniques like crafting dialogue, creating compelling characters, and structuring plots. Students will complete writing exercises, two short stories, a novel treatment, and the first chapter of a novel, receiving feedback from Professor Alaa Al Aswany and peers. Course will be taught entirely in Arabic.