Arabic
Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures
Martin Sulzer-Reichel, Director of Arabic Language Program
This section contains information specific to the program in Arabic. For full information regarding departmental policies relevant to all MLC programs, study abroad, and course sequencing, see the main page of the Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures.
Study Abroad
Study and travel abroad are strongly encouraged for all students. For students of Arabic, the department offers a summer study program in Jordan. Exchange agreements for study during the academic year in Jordan are being negotiated. For a complete list, contact the Office of International
Education.
The Arabic Minor
5 units, including
ARAB 301 Arabic in the Media
ARAB 302 Arabic in Literature
ARAB 397 Selected Topics
ARAB 495 Independent Study in Arabic Studies
One unit, chosen from
- ANTH 300 Sexuality and Gender Across Cultures
- ANTH 379 Selected Topics (Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East; Women of the Middle East)
- ART 324 Art Histories
- GEOG 380 Selected Topics
- HIST 100 Introduction to Historical Thinking (Harems and Veils)
- HIST 271 The Modern Middle East
- HIST 272 The Ottoman Empire
- HIST 370 Contending Visions of the Middle East
- LAWE 653 Islam, Law and Society
- LAWE 685 Muslim Family Law
- PLSC 340 Islam in Politics
- PLSC 355 Middle East Security
- RELG 230 The History of Israel
- RELG 244 Women in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
- RELG 250 Introduction to World Religions
- RELG 253 Body/Sex in World Religious Literature
- RELG 258 Medieval Religious Thought
- RELG 260 History of Judaism
- RELG 263 Religion and the Arts
- RELG 265 Religion and Moral Decisions
- RELG 268 Religion and Literature
Courses
ARAB
101-102 Introduction to the Arabic Language and Culture
Introduction to Arabic language and culture, which are fundamental for any modern Arab society; development of skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Prerequisite(s): Arabic 101 is the prerequisite to Arabic 102.
Unit(s): 1-1
ARAB
121 Intensive Introduction to Arabic Language and Culture
Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic as well as spoken modern Arabic. Development of basic reading, writing, and speaking skills. Introduction to Arabic history and culture, which are fundamental for any modern Arab society.
Unit(s): 2
ARAB
201-202 Intermediate Arabic Language and Culture
Continuation of Arabic 101-102 or Arabic 121 with deepening of Arabic grammar, further development of reading, writing, and speaking skills in Modern Standard Arabic, as well as in current dialects of the Levantine or Egyptian variety. Continuation of the introduction to Arabic history and culture, with a concentration on developments in the 18th through 20th centuries.
Prerequisite(s): Arabic 102 or 121 is the prerequisite to Arabic 201. Arabic 201 is the prerequisite to Arabic 202.
General Education Requirement: (202 only, COM2)
Unit(s): 1-1
ARAB
301 Arabic in the Media
Deepens and refines students' knowledge of the grammatical structures of the Arabic language with a focus on comprehension and discussion of texts taken mainly from Arabic news media. Part of the course will be devoted to building the students' familiarity with regional dialects (Egyptian or Levantine Arabic) and strengthening oral proficiency skills.
Prerequisite(s): Arabic 202.
Unit(s): 1
ARAB
302 Arabic in Literature
Continues to build students' knowledge of Arabic language and culture. Course materials include readings from contemporary short stories, excerpts from novels, and poetry. As an initial introduction to Arabic literature, the course emphasizes writing and speaking in Modern Standard Arabic, thus modeling the language spoken at international conferences. In an additional session per week, students will practice their debating skills in Arabic in the form of a mini colloquium.
Prerequisite(s): Arabic 301 or permission of department.
Unit(s): 1
ARAB
397 Selected Topics
Prerequisite(s): ARAB 301
Unit(s): 1
ARAB
495 Independent Study in Arabic Studies
Special projects individually pursued under supervision of faculty member.
Unit(s): 1
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